Published: 2 May 2006
If it had not been for the masterly manner that Bryan Taylor (VC Londres) absolutely dominated the Derny motor paced finale of the Bordeaux ? Paris 50 kilometre spectacle at Reading Velodrome on Monday, junior riders would have cleared the board of prizes and points. Apart from Taylor?s great show, Steve Legg,(Twickenham) who snatched the opening event of the day, the 10 lap scratch race with a solo breakaway, was the only senior to get into the prize lists.
It was a shame that none of the controlling body of British Cycling?s talent spotters were not present, if they had been there they would have gone home highly satisfied that the track cycle racing world, at least in the south of the country, would provide plenty of medal ? winning potential for Britain to win honours in future international competition.
Juniors, Simon Lewis (VC Londres) and Tom Price (VC St Raphael/Waites contracts) set the pattern when they finished second and third behind breakaway Steve Legg in the 10 lap, although they all but caught him on the finishing line. Peter Mitchell (Twickenham CC) another junior put champion sprinter, David Dentus (Willesden CC) in his place to beat him in the A riders 500 m sprint final, with Simon Lewis close at hand . Michael Wilmot, (Hillingdon Slipstreamers) headed up a junior riders 1-2-3 in the B riders final, while the Ladies sprint places were also filled with juniors , when another VC Londres competitor, Sophie Terrry crossed the line first to confirm her premier place in the earlier 10 lap race. Simon Lewis, Mike Webb (Ajax CC) up from South Wales, and Tom Price similarly took all available awards in the 20 lap points race.
Major event of the day, the unique Bordeaux ? Paris style 50 kilometre race introduced by Reading Velodrome Racing, gave the seniors their chance to make amends for the junior onslaught, but only Bryan Taylor took advantage of the chance. The event is split into two stages, the first a scratch race over 20 kilometres with a field of 40 riders, followed by stage two, a 30 kilometre Derny motor paced race. The first 9 riders across the finish line with 4 laps of the scratch race still left, qualified for stage two. The remainder carried on to dispute the separate prize list and surprise, surprise it was Reading?s outstanding junior Sam Serruya who again put youth to the fore.
The event this year was held as a memorial to highly acclaimed West London official, Bill Bannister, with a trophy bearing Bill?s name from a 1953 victory, donated by his cycling club of more than 60 years, the Marlborough Cycling and Athletic Club. British Cycling?s Central Division in which Bill served for many years supported the unique event by providing a £250 prize list.
So two strong seniors, Bryan Taylor and Steve Legg set out to uphold their honour in the 30 kilometre derny paced stage, but Legg collected a rear wheel puncture, and despite being given 5 laps to change wheels, took longer to do so and lost further laps before rejoining.
Finally the juniors were held in check, but only by Taylor, who is reigning 50 kilomtre paced National champion, and already declaring to defend the title in 2006 when it is staged at Reading on June 4th. Taylor showed himself to be in a different class in this gruelling Endurance test and ran home clean winner with 2 laps advantage. Juniors, Welshman Rhys Lloyd in second spot and Luke Rowe third demonstrated that it will not be too long before they will be able to challenge the reigning Champion?s power.
Results:
Seniors
10 laps Scratch
1. Steve Legg, Twickenham CC; 2. Simon Lewis, VC Londres; 3. Tom Price, VC St Raphael/Waite Contracts.
Best LadySophie Terry, VC Londres
500 metre Sprint
A Riders 1. Peter Mitchell; Twickenham CC, 2. David Dentus, Willesden; 3. Simon Lewis
B Riders 1. Michael Wilmot, Hillingdon Slipstreamers; 2. Christopher Bradbury, Palmer Park Velo; 3. Ben Atkinson, VC Londres
Ladies1. Sophie Terry, 2. Lucy Richards, Cardiff Ajax; 3. Charly Docker, PCA Ciclos Uno
20 laps Points
1. Simon Lewis; 2. Mike Webb, Ajax CC, 3. Tom Price
50 kilometres Bordeaux - Paris
Stage 1. 20 kms Scratch
1. Sam Serruya, A.W. Cycles.co.uk
2. Ian Greenstreet, Newbury RC
3. Martin McCrossan, Trackcycling.co.uk
4. Michael Wilmot
5. Murray Hogge, Reading CC
6. Mike Webb
Stage 2. 30 kilometre Motor paced
1. Bryan Taylor, VC Londres, paced by Colin Denman
2. Rhys Lloyd, Merlin Developments Squad
3. Luke Rowe, Glendene CC
4. Jason Streathers, VC St Raphael/Waites Contracts
5. Alex Aldham-Breary, Ciclo Uno
6. Sam Sturgeon,Trackcycling.co.uk
7. Roger Woodford, Willesden CC
8. Steve Legg
9. Simon Lewis
Youth League
6 lap Devil
U16 1. Chris Legg,Palmer Park Velo; 2. John Mould, 3. Oliver Newton, Twickenham CC
U14 1. Sam Grant, 2. Stephen Bradbury, PPV, 3. Harriet Owen, PPV
U12 1. George Withers, PPV; 2. Frazier Carr
2 laps Keirin
U16 1. Oliver Newton, 2. Alex King, 3. John Mould
U14 1. Harriet Owen, 2. Hannah Manley, 3. Stephen Bradbury
U12 1. Cameron Swarbrick, PPV, 2. Frazier Carr, 3. George Withers.
5 laps Points
U16 1. Edward Jakszta, Hillingdon Slipstreamers, (15), 2. Oliver Newton (10); 3. John Mould
U14 1. Stephen Bradbury (19), 2. Harriet Owen (17) 3. Hannah Manley (13)
U12 1. George Withers (20), 2. Frazier Carr (15) 3. Jason Pitt, PPV (13)
10 laps Block Handicap
U16 1. Chris Legg, 2. Oliver Newton, 3. Chris Rosser
U14 1. Stephen Bradbury, 2. Harriet Owen, 3. Hannah Manley
U12 1. George Withers, 2. Frazier Carr, 3. Jason Pitt