Spring in the Park #1

Ok, so this is a special race series for us; it's our local one and it's where we started with Regional Racing.  I think it's fair to say that our riders have gained a reputation for being classy riders and excellent sports people at this event. This is where they learnt about being monumentally dropped but also experienced elation the first time they weren't!  Needless to say, there is always much laughter, good humour and Michele's baking which  is very welcome, especially if you've had a bad race.

Over the next nine races, riders gain points for places.  If they do well they may also pick up some BC points and the series ends with a Championship Night.  Pictures below give you a flavour of the evening, my race reports tend to be patchy as I despatch marshals on the evening so often miss the key moments - I'm hoping to improve on this but don't hold your breath!

Albert with Toni & Polly.  Albert got a taste for racing last year, he is currently the youngest member of the team with some regional podium positions under his belt already - Go Albert!

One to watch - Ellen has worked hard to recover from a broken wrist in the Autumn which interrupted her winter training.  An accomplished track and circuit rider, SIP #1 was a triumph for Ellen, her first bunch finish in a field of ten riders.

Calvin and Toni are both in there! Coping with the various demand of school and other interests can make training difficult for riders as they get older.  Calvin is famous for "getting away with it", this evening was no exception, he put on a good show in a strong field and finished just behind his SDW rivals Cameron and Marc

The U16 Girls got a separate start; Toni tuned in and got a great start and stayed with the group despite repeated attacked from Josie (Rider 12).  The final attack that split the group came with two laps to go. A great ride and some good lessons learnt for Toni this evening.

Young enough to still have a sense of fun, Hope posed for me for this photo.  Stuck in the cage after her race.  A good start to the season, Hope sussed out the competition and knows who her rivals are for next time.

Next Race Friday 13th May - Cyclopark Gravesend.