Published: 24 May 2004
The broad age spectrum of competition is no better illustrated than in the cycling world, and Reading Velodrome in Palmer Park must be one of the best places to see that claim in action. On Monday evening, Bridie Hindle, the reigning National under 14 years girls omnium Champion was barely inches behind Chris Bradbury at the close of a testing 10 lap Hare & Hounds event in the Youth league programme, and that was after starting with the fast group of boys who had nearly a full lap to catch up as the limit riders. The other illustration was Abby Jackson who has just entered the Junior class (16 year olds) and trounced the older ladies in the 500m scratch race. It was quite a revelation since Abby naturally favours longer distances and was saying on Monday that preparations before and after school for her A level exams had strictly limited her training this year.
At the other end of the scale Rob Richardson, Hounslow & District, who has recently returned from a spell living in Spain and now has tipped over the 40 years mark to put him in the Veteran class, made life very difficult for many younger riders on Monday evening. He was placed second in the 500m scratch race, second again in the Unknown Distance and was the best B rider in the 20 kms points score closing race of the evening after showing up as one of the most aggressive of the attacking riders through the 44 laps.
But probably one of the most convincing examples of the age spread in wheelsport was clearly illustrated by father and son Atkins of the PCA Ciclos Uno team in the 20 kms race. Philip, the veteran, (over 40), and Lewis the junior (16 years) formed an unbeatable combination every fifth lap of the race where sprints for points are held. Father would thread his way through the field of riders jockeying for positions in the sprint with young Lewis firmly following his Dad?s rear wheel until the right moment when Lewis would unleash his devastating sprint to win the dash for the line and gather up the points. The system worked perfectly for young Lewis won eight of the nine sprints despite being a prominent breakaway contestant and also one who was never frightened of chasing down the escapees.
The 20 kms race success was a fitting close to a triumphant evening for Lewis, he was first over the finishing line in every race he contested. He must now be regarded as a very strong contender for the newly instituted National Junior Keirin Championship that takes place at Herne Hill Stadium in London on Saturday June 12th. If he succeeds he will add more glory to Reading Velodrome which has already produced two World Champions from its youth development programme ? Roger Hammond and Bradley Wiggins.
Results:
500m scratch: 1. Lewis Atkins, PCA Ciclos Uno, 2. Alex Petersen, Reading CC, 3. Angus McInnes, RAF CC. Veterans. 1. Stephen Benton, Team Trackcycling.co.uk, 2. Rob Richardson, Hounslow & District, 3. Paul Ramsden, S.Western RC. Ladies. 1. Abby Jackson, Team Luciano ? Fondriest,2. Cheryl Owens, Twickenham CC, 3. Carrie Bedingfield, Thames Velo.
Devil: 1. Lewis Atkins, 2. Marc Wilmot, Team Quest ?the Bike Shop, 3. Simon Howes, Sigma Sport.
Hare & Hounds: 1. Lewis Atkins, 2. Simon Howes, 3.Paul Cooper, Reading C
Unknown Distance: 1. Lewis Atkins, 2. Rob Richardson, 3. Marc Wilmot
Endurance: 20 kms points score: A Riders:1. Lewis Atkins, 2. Simon Howes, 3. Alex Petersen, B riders. 1. Rob Richardson, 2. Marc Wilmot.
Youth League
6 laps scratch. U16 1. Chris Bradbury, Palmer Park Velo, 2.Laura Wann PPV, 3. Bridie Hindle, Dataphonics RT. U14 1. Emily Hogge, PPV 2. Chris Legg, PPV, 3. Robert Jackson, Farnborough & Camberley.
1 Lap Time Trial. U16 1.Chris Bradbury, 2. Stuart Whitby, PPV, 3. Bridie Hindle, U14 1. Sam Serruya, PPV, 2. Michael Wilmot, Hillingdon Slipstreamers, 3. Chris Legg, U12, 1. Emily Clark, PPV 2. Matthew Legg, 3. Stephen Bradbury.
2 lap Handicap: U16 1. Stephen Bradbury, 2. Emily Clark U14 1. Gavin Mitchell, Twickenham CC, 2. Michael Wilmot, 3. Sam Serruya. U12 1. Robert Clark,PPV, 2. Tom Withers PPV, 3. Chris Bradbury
10 lap Hare & Hounds: U16 1. Chris Bradbury, 2. Bridie Hindle, 3. Robert Clark. U14 1. Sam Serruya, 2. Robert Jackson, 3. Chris Legg,U12 1. Stephen Bradbury, 2. Matthew Legg, 3. Emily Legg
Reading Children?s Festival: Home straight bin races.
1. Lucy de Remedios (aged 6) 2. Sara de Remedios (aged 4) 3. Jack Stanford (aged 10) 4. Tom Stanford (aged 8).
There will be no racing on Monday 31st May, the next meeting is an ?open to all? special Sprinters and Stayers meeting on Sunday June 6th commencing at 1 p.m.