Youth Racing at Barnstaple
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Story posted May 7, 2010; thanks to David Luggar
Last Tuesday afternoon saw a little slice of history for youth cyclists (7 years to 15 years old) in North Devon when the Sport England approved cycle club, TAW VELO, exclusively took over Barnstaple Karts track for youth bicycle racing. TAW VELO is a club that provides trips to South Wales velodrome; access to highly qualified British Cycling coaches and runs weekly training sessions. The club has recently achieved British Cycling’s Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation. One of only a few clubs in the country that has reached this high quality standard.
TAW VELO has organised a series of races for youth riders with the help of British Cycling and the co-operation of Barnstaple Karts’ owner, Scott Balment. Riders on Tuesday came to race from as far a field as Bristol and Exeter. The race itself is made up of a Scratch race; Handicap; Scratchipad and a Time Trial event to end the races. The local club finished on a high after storming to victory in the under 14’s and under 12’s races.
Alex Ford won three races; Jack Hogg won the overall time trail in a record breaking time of 52.85, and Ollie Sharp and Finley Clay won in their categories.
RESULTS (all riders TAW VELO, unless stated otherwise)
RACE NUMBER 1, Scratch
Under 16
1 George Pym (Exeter wheelers)
2 Ollie Sharp
3 Elliot Coffin (North Devon Wheelers)
4 Alex Challis
Under 14 scratch
1 Finley Clay
2 James Binmore
3 Jack Hewlett
4 James Ramsey
Under 12 scatch
1 Matthew Binmore
2 Alex Ford
3 Ted Sharp
RACE NUMBER 2, Handicap
Under 16
1 George Pym
2 Elliot Coffin
3 Ollie Sharp
4 Alex Challis
Under 14
1 Jack Hogg
2 James Binmore
3 Finley Clay
4 Jack Hewlett
5 James Ramsey
Under 12
1 Alex Ford
2 Matthew Binmore
3 Ted Sharp
RACE NUMBER 3 Scratchipad
Under 16
1 Ollie Sharp
2 Alex Challis
3 George Pym
4 Elliot Coffin
Under 14
1 Jack Hogg
2 James Binmore
3 Finley Clay
4 Jack Hewlett
5 James Ramsey
Under 12
1 Alex Ford
2 Matthew Binmore
RACE NUMBER 4, Time Trial
Under 16
1 George Pym 53.09
2 Elliot Coffin 55.28
3 Ollie Sharp 55.75
4 Alex Challis 58.44
Under 14
1 Jack Hogg 52.85 (overall best time)
2 Finley Clay 55.90
3 James Binmore 57.90
4 Jack Hewlett 1.01.37
5 James Ramsey 1.04.87
Under 12
1 Alex Ford 57.69
2 Matthew Binmore 58.20
First girl Alex Sheehan (Bristol Cycle Development) 1.00.63.
The series continues with the next event being held on the 18th of May at 5pm. Races are being held on the 1st June and the 22nd June. Experienced youth cyclists are welcome to take part and compete in all the races. Entry fee is £6 and you will need to bring a bike, crash helmet, a drink, gloves and dress appropriately for the weather. Please turn up on the day to race at Barnstaple Karts at 5 pm.
Weekly training sessions are held every Saturday at 9am and are led by experienced British Cycling coaches. Please meet outside Forches Fish and Chip shop.
