Published: 4 August 2004
Story and results from Reading Velodrome, Palmer Park
John Dennis, August 2nd 2004
Results
10 laps Scratch: A riders 1. Lewis Atkins, PCA Ciclos Uno, 2. Neil Cooper, Reading CC, 3. Simon Howes, Sigma Sport. B riders 1. Ian Greenstreet, Newbury R.C. 2. Rob Richardson, Hounslow & Dist. Wh. 3. Phil Atkins, PCA Ciclos Uno. Ladies. 1. Cheryl Owens, Twickenham CC, 2. Carrie Bedingfield, Thames Velo, 3. Abby Jackson, Team Luciano-Fondriest.
2 laps Keirin: 1. Lewis Atkins, 2.Neil Cooper, 3. Simon Howes. Veterans. 1. Rob Richardson, 2. Paul Ramsden, South Western R.C.3. Ian Greenstreet. Ladies. 1. Bridie Hindle, Dataphonics R.T. 2. Marianne Harding, PCA Ciclos Uno, 3. Abby Jackson.
Devil: 1. Ian Greenstreet, 2. Phil Atkins, 3.and Best Junior, Scott Elliott, PCA Ciclos Uno. Best Veteran, Jeff Baird, Twickenham CC. Ladies, 1. Abby Jackson, 2. Cheryl Owens, 3. Carrie Bedingfield
20 kms Endurance: A riders 1. Lewis Atkins, 2. Simon Howes, 3. Gavin Smith, Willesden CC. B riders 1. Jeff Baird, 2. Scott Elliott (junior),3. Rob Richardson.
Prime Winners. Chris Bradbury, Palmer Park Velo, Simon Howes, Lewis Atkins.
British Cycling Central Division Olympic Sprint: (Club teams of 3 riders)
1. Willesden CC 1m39.45s, 2. Reading CC, 1m 43.24s, 3. Twickenham CC 1m 45.24s, 4. Palmer Park Velo (juvenile team) 1m 52.69s
Youth League
6 laps Block handicap: U16 1. Christopher Bradbury, PPV, 2. Bridie Hindle, Dataphonics R.T. 3. Robert Clarke, PPV. U14 1. Sam Serruya, PPV. 2. Christopher Legg, PPV, 3. Michael Wilmot, Hillingdon Slipstreamers. U12 1. Stephen Bradbury, PPV, 2. Matthew Legg, PPV, 3. Richard Barlow, PPV
1 lap Sprint: U16: 1. Stuart Whitby, PPV, 2. Christopher Bradbury, 3. Bridie Hindle. U14 1. Sam Serruya, 2. Edward Jakszta, Hillingdon, 3. Christopher Legg, U12 1. Matthew Gittings, PPV, 2. Richard Barlow, 3. Matthew Legg, PPV
4 laps Scratch: U16 1. Christopher Bradbury, 2. Bridie Hindle, 3. Stuart Whitby, PPV. U14 1. Sam Serruya, 2. Robert Jackson, Farnborough & Camberley, 3. Christopher Legg. U12 1. Stephen Bradbury, 2. Matthew Legg, 3. Richard Barlow
10 laps Hare & Hounds: U16 1. Christopher Bradbury, 2. Robert Clark, 3. Lee Burrows, PPV U14 1. Christopher Legg, 2. Sam Serruya, 3. Michael Wilmot. U12 1. Matthew Gittings, 2. Richard Barlow, 3. Stephen Bradbury.
Doubting Thomases who bemoan the behaviour of the youth of today would do well to spend a Monday evening watching the action at Palmer Park Velodrome when Reading Velodrome Racing stages its regular Track League programme. They would not fail to be impressed by last Monday?s showing of the up and coming youngsters, many of whom, as members of Palmer Park Velo youth club get their fun, training and race preparation at the Stadium every Saturday morning.
To put PPV youths (all under 16) into top class racing, the Club?s chief coach, Shane Benson nominated three teams of three riders for the British Cycling Central Division?s Olympic Sprint Championship, Under 16 years, under 14 years and under 12 years. While they could not be expected to get into the medal category, the A team nevertheless clocked the fourth fastest time over the 3 laps of the race. The most impressive aspect, in addition to their speed, was the outright effort and determination that they showed as well as a high degree of skill in holding the line. But that was not the end of the story. Bridie Hindle, a reigning juvenile National Champion, tried her luck in the senior ladies Keirin race. She went to the Velodrome on Monday evening determined to challenge the big girls, and she certainly showed the determination, tactical ability and pure speed to beat them all. Watch out for the Hindle name in the National Championship results later this year.
Shane Benson took another step forward for his young charges when he put a squad into the 20 kilometre Endurance race. Their orders were to go from the gun and their A team did just that and gained a half lap lead before the bunch awoke to what was happening and finally reeled them in. With the bunch all grouped, Simon Howes, Sigma Sport, a renowned short distance time trialist on the road made a solo break away and in double quick time gained a half lap lead. However, a solo effort with 36 of the 44 laps still to be covered, he was taking a chance which unfortunately did not come off, and with 16 laps left he was reeled in. Others tried to get away, and though the high speed burned off most of the field a hardworking group of six disputed the last dash for the line which was won by another junior, and future Champion, Lewis Atkins. That was his third victory of the evening having previously taken the 10 lap scratch and Keirin events. Simon Howes did not go home empty handed, he finished inches behind Atkins in the Endurance having earlier taken third spot in the 10 lap scratch and the Keirin race.
To wind up the attention to youths, 16 years old Scott Elliott, a team mate of Atkins was second best of the B riders in the Endurance having earlier finished third and also best junior in the Devil race.