Published: 16 August 2004
Prime Coaching selected Palmer Park Velodrome in Reading to stage the first ever extravaganza of Women?s Track Training, and Open to all race meeting at the weekend. Complete novice riders whose experience was limited to road riding and racing, mixed it with more experienced track performers in a blend of instruction, guidance, demonstration and practice, and ultimately open racing.
The range of coaching spread from the opening one lap time trial, which gave officials the measure of each individual?s capabilities, up to Keirin racing behind the pacemaking Derny motor cycles and a full scale points score and miniature endurance racing. An overwhelming success, the novel scheme will undoubtedly be copied now in other parts of the country, with the result there should be a notable increase in the number of women ready to enter the more sophisticated arena of Velodrome racing.
Of course the Prime Coaches, organised by lady coach Jayne Toyne, who set the pattern for the afternoon, were helped by the few experienced women racers who compete every Monday evening in the Track League race programme at Reading. Those ladies showed how to translate the verbal instruction into practical race craft. As a result, those who race regularly at Reading, dominated the open race programme and without doubt, Carrie Bedingfield, Thames Velo CC proved to be the best of the day by winning five of the six races on offer. Cheryl Owen, Twickenham CC who was Carrie?s constant challenger, did nevertheless get ahead once when she beat the Thames Velo girl in the Keirin final.
Despite there being only four Track League fixtures left before the 2004 programme closes for the season, Track League officials are counting on an influx of new blood for the remaining part of the season.
Last Thursday evening?s training session at the Velodrome was overshadowed when the brilliant young League leader, 16 year old Lewis Atkins was brought crashing to the ground in the midst of a training string of riders. Divisional Sprint Champion Sam Sturgeon was brought down by an incident in front of him and Atkins, who was following could not avoid his body as it fell. Atkins catapulted into the air and fell with such force that he broke his elbow and wrist. It was disastrous for him for he was destined for honours in the National Youth Championships in Newport this week but even he cannot compete with both arms in plaster. While it isn?t much compensation for him he has already amassed enough points to claim the Evening Post sponsored 2004 League Championship. It has not been a good year for Lewis, he crashed in Belgium three weeks ago and with an injured back he nevertheless took second place in the Junior National Road Championship five days later. Fortunately Sturgeon was not seriously injured.
Results:
One lap TT: 1. Carrie Bedingfield,Thames Velo 39.81 secs;2. Cheryl Owens, Twickenham CC 40.13 secs; Jayne Toyne, VC Londres 40.16 secs.
One lap Sprint: 1. Carrie Bedinfield, 2. Cheryl Owens, 3. Tracy Austin, 21st Century Airports BAA
Devil: 1. Carrie Bedinfield, 2. Cheryl Owens, 3. Louise Mahe, Oxford University CC
10 laps Points score: A riders 1. Carrie Bedingfield,12 pts; 2. Jayne Toyne, 8 pts; 3. Victoria Wood, Private member 6 pts
8 laps Points score: B riders 1. Kat Kristensen, Private member 12 pts; 2. Danuta Tinn, Maidenhead & Dist. 4 pts; 3. Emma Dancie, Sutton CC 2 pts.
2 laps Keirin: A riders. 1. Cheryl Owens, 2. Carrie Bedingfield, 3. Victoria Wood.
2 laps Keirin: B riders. 1. Lesley Parry-Jones, Oxford University CC, 2. Nicole Hudson,Twickenham CC, 3. Emma Dansie
10 laps Scratch: 1. Carrie Bedingfield, 2. Cheryl Owens, 3. Emma Dansie.