Published: 12 September 2006
From Mike Mullett
Monday night saw the final meeting of the current season and the 20K endurance event, the final event of the evening, was selected by the British Cycling Federation as the last event in a National season long Endurance series.
This brought the multi National, Commonwealth and World medallists to Palmer Park. Tony Gibb and James Taylor of the Plowman Craven Racing Team, winners of the National Madison Championship at Newport last Saturday. They finished up 1st and 2nd in this final event of the evening, making Gibb the final winner of this season long competition as well as filling the first places in all the senior A events. Third in the Endurance event was Palmer Park regular Bryan Taylor of the Velo Club Londres. These three together with Sam Sturgeon from Sandhurst, Steve Legg from Twickenham and Plowman third counter Jason Crombie set a blistering pace which shed most of the field.
But credit must also go to the exceptional crop of youngsters who have honed their track skills during the season long series of meetings. Sam Serruya of Reading's AW Cycles, Toby Meadows from Farnham, a member of the Glendene Club and finally but by no means least Michael Wilmot of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers. These youngsters are all under 16 but are not afraid to mix it with the established riders and frequently coming out on top, Toby Meadows winning all of the B riders events.
Pride of place must go to 15 year old Michael Wilmot who tied for first place with Roger Woodford from Willesden for the West London Sprint Championship after three heats. In the match sprint ride off Woodford led all the way into the home straight, but young Wilmot produced a blistering sprint to take the West London title by the width of a tyre.
Keirin Racing is normally the preserve of experienced riders, following a motorbike at up to 30mph, but such is the depth of coaching skill afforded to these young riders from coaches like Shane Benson of the Palmer Park Velo, and his team of club coaches that these youngsters, both boys and girls from 10 to 15, perform like veterans and never cease to amaze with their skill and enthusiasm. It was from a young club such as this, the Hillingdon Slipstreamers, that produced such talent as Michael Wilmot.
Next week sees the annual prize presentation at Palmer Park with guest of honour, Ron Webb designer and builder of some of the world's fastest cycle tracks, presenting the prizes.