Filching Go-Ride Race Series

The first meeting of the new Filching Go-Ride Race Series took place on Thursday 5th August at the Campbell Go-Kart Circuit. The circuit is located in Filching Manor near Polegate, East Sussex. The series has been created for riders under the age of 16 with little or no racing experience to come and try out racing in a friendly atmosphere over a series of short races held at each meeting.

The evening opened with a gentle warm-up session for riders to familiarise themselves with the track. The Campbell Go-Kart Circuit is made up of several varied corners and one main hill climb which helps to challenge riders in several ways over a single lap of the 650m course. This provided a good environment for the riders to hone their skills and to build confidence.

Race One - One Lap Time Trial

The first race of the evening was an Individual One Lap Time Trial for all ages. This was a great opportunity for riders to test themselves and to see how fast they could go without the pressure of riders around them. All the riders showed great determination in this introductory event with some close times and brave performances bringing riders home in competitive times.

Race Two - Mass Start

In the under 12 race, our first Mass Start race of the series, George Crook-Smith took an early lead which he held to the end whilst behind him things were a little closer with a hard fought battle for the remaining podium places. The watching crowd was very appreciative of the rider's efforts with cheering and warm applause greeted every finisher.

The under 16 Mass Start race was run over six laps. Monty Wilson ensured that his quick start gave him the edge into the first corner. The chasing pack featured a sterling effort from Louis Roberts, who stayed close to the front for over three laps before the remaining riders finally escaped on the rise to the top of the circuit. Louis' efforts made all the more astonishing by the fact he was on a mountain bike with the other competitors racing on road bikes.

Race Three - Team Relay (handicap)

The teams for the Relays were selected using the results from the earlier time trial races. In the under 12 race, Fenella Lea was victorious with younger brother Sam holding on to take second place while George Crook-Smith took third.

In the under 16 Handicap Race, Charlie Godin helped provide another exciting race, taking the spoils with an excellent victory followed by Louis Roberts who had recovered sufficiently from his earlier efforts to take second place. 

To round the evening off, a small presentation was held for each age group with prizes presented by one of British Cycling's young volunteers, Jack Priddle, who supported the event and gained more hours towards his bronze volunteer award. Jack is an experienced cyclist from VC Jubilee and has raced on a national level, giving some of the new competitors something to aspire to.

To find out more about Go-Ride Racing in your area please visit the event calendar and select Go-Ride Racing in the discipline bar.