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Report: Go-Ride Racing Joins In Dalby Fun!

Posted: 23rd May
Words | Robert Meaden
Photography | Phil Ingham
Links: Event Website | Local Riding Ideas | 2011 Main Report

As the world's best cross-country MTBers were testing their skills on the course at Dalby Forest, the potential stars of the future took to the start line for Go-Ride Racing.

Within the grounds of Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire, British Cycling's Development team prepared a busy weekend of racing for Under 16s with a Go-Ride Racing track setup just metres from the official start and finish line.

Young people, who are new to racing, were then able to roll up throughout the day, sign up for free and race against competitors of the same age and ability.

Well over a hundred young people took part on the Saturday as first they were put through their paces in a time trial before competing within a bunch race over five laps of the marked out circuit. Every competitor got a goody bag packed full of British Cycling prizes at the end to mark their participation.

Through Go-Ride Racing, British Cycling aims to helps young riders make the transition from school or club coaching sessions to inter-club and open regional competition. On Sunday, the action was cranked up a notch as seven clubs battled it out in a specially organised invitational race which used some of the official course, including the testing section at Dixon's Hollow.

The riders took off at a rapid pace from the official start line and were cheered around the course by spectators more used to watching the world's elite fly past. In a close run competition, it was the youngsters  from Yorkshire club Holme Valley Wheelers who took the chequered flag, before being presented with their prizes on the main podium. North East club One Life Racing finished second, while third place was claimed by East Bradford CC.

The winners in each age category received medals and certificates to mark their great achievements!

A further full gallery of photos can be seen via The Hub's Facebook page!

If you've never raced before but fancy having a go, Go-Ride Racing is designed for you! There are loads of local clubs around the country, which you can find by licking here. Also, Go-Ride Racing will be at every round the 2011 British Mountain Bike Series.