Published: 2 July 2010
Close to thirty youths signed on for week 10 of this year's Track League preparing to race in beautiful, warm breezy conditions.
The now familiar efficiency of the whip and helpers saw riders, starting with the Under 8s, tackle a single lap time trial. Notable times were posted across the age ranges with Under 16 Joseph Crolla, new to the track, showing that he'll be one to watch in future. Under 10, Kitty Pilgrim-Morris showed that she's improving by posting a time that I suspect is a personal best and Callum Macleod, also Under 10, posted a time that placed him clearly above several Under 14 boys. Also due a mention is Under 12 Cameron Thompson who posted an excellent time on his pristine new Dolan. Fastest on the night was Jason Pitt with Abi Dentus continuing her fine run by leading the girls home.
While watching the time trial unfold it was evident that several riders were pushing a gear that they couldn't get on top of and spin. This is borne out in the times those riders posted. The age group gear limits are the maximum a rider can run and it is evident that these are broadly seen as the gear that should be used. Several track league riders have actually reduced their gear length this year and consequently posted better times and looked much more comfortable on their bike.
The Hare & Hounds - Strongman, Jason Pitt took the win from Max Steadman, an excellent second, and Daniel Lansley third followed closely over the line by the first girl Abigail Dentus.
Heat 1 of the sprints saw the three Under 8s, Connor Hindman, Emily Conn and Euan Macleod in a royal battle. Euan determined to take the race to Emily and Connor successfully setting one of them up for the win. The three entered the home straight line abreast with Connor spinning his tiny gear at an extremely high tempo. Euan was the first to falter slowing just enough for the other two to move ahead. Connor took an excellent win with Emily second and Euan third. I expect Emily received a 'word' from Shane post race for a move to the sprinters line in the home straight.
Heat 2 saw Kitty Pilgrim-Morris line up against Anna Linehan, Max Reed and Callum Macleod. With 300 to go Kitty decided it was time to go and made a concerted effort to get away. The others followed and with about 150m to go Callum snapped out of line gaining a sizeable gap that he held to the finish. Max Reed looked fast and smooth in second with Anna Linehan third.
Heat 3 was a six-up affair between Emma Pitt, Max Rigby, Danny Griffiths, Cameron Thompson, Sam Oliver and Luis Hindman. This sprint started in very cagey fence hugging fashion. With 250m Cameron took to the head of the race forcing the others to respond. Cameron increased the pace for a very comfortable win with Luis Hindman upping his game considerably in taking second, from a fiercely fought ride to the line for third. Sam Oliver just taking the place from Emma Pitt.
Heat 4 saw Under 14s Max Steadman, Daniel Lansley, Matthew Lansley, George Needham, Reg Pay and Under 12 Joseph Linehan on the start. Daniel Lansley is this strongest sprinter in this group and he made an early move to gap the field and ride away. Behind riders rode wheel to wheel with Reg timing his run to the line perfectly taking second from a very good third for Joe.
Heat 5 saw the girls, Abigail Dentus, Rachel Ansell and Toni Griffiths line up. Toni led and with 150m to go the inevitable Dentus kick came and Abi strode away with Toni holding on for second with Rachel following closely in third.
Heat 6, the final heat, was a match up of the Under 16 boys, Josh Ansell, Jason Pitt, Jason Brown, and Jack Smith. Jason Pitt made his move with a little under 200m to go and was kept honest by a hard charging Josh in second with Jack in third.
The Under 14s and Under 16s then undertook the League Individual Pursuit. For many of the riders a pursuit of four laps will be their first experience of a race against the clock over this distance. Clear winner was Jason Pitt with a large gap but 2nd to 5th places were covered by under two seconds. Under 14 girl Abi Dentus put in a sterling effort completing in a time that saw her position fourth overall, an excellent result.
The final race of the night was the 10 lap Scratch.
Racing anyone? Not much sign of it initially, hardly surprising given the efforts previously made during the evening. That said the Under 10s and Under 8s worked hard to gain as much space between them and those, errr, chasing. Gaining confidence from recent efforts Callum Macleod pushed on for another spot of soloing. After a couple of laps it all became too much for Jason Brown and he decided to animate the race a little. Attacking off the front of the main group he quickly gained a lead and battled to stay away while those behind were still content to hang him out to dry. After a few laps Jason caught Callum who latched onto his wheel and the two rode round anticipating the waking group. With the final three laps underway the group upped their pace and both Callum and Jason were rapidly swallowed up. The final run for the line resulted in a clean sweep of race victories for Jason Pitt with a sharp looking Daniel Lansley in second and Max Steadman third.
Well done everyone.