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South West Youth Series #4
Story posted May 21, 2010, by Andrew Parker
Thursday evening (May 20) saw the fourth round of the South West Youth series at Ilton, Somerset and a return to the popular airfield circuit, but this time there was a slight twist. As an alternative to the usual format, Talent Coach Ric Jamieson and Regional Manager Chris Yates had laid out a circuit on the inner airfield roads including chicanes, sweeping corners and short fast straights.
The new course proved a popular alternative and led to some great racing. Twenty five riders took the start line, amongst them series leader and local Seb Bayliss of Chard Wheelers complete with yellow jersey, Round 3 winner Simon Cooper and emerging rider George Pym Exeter Wheelers. After a quick safety briefing and a couple of laps testing the circuit, they were off.
Within two laps, the pattern of the race was set with the race split into several groups and the riders working together to limit the time gaps. A lead group of seven riders including Bayliss, Cooper, Pym, Joel Kelly (Mid Devon CC), Jack Hogg (Taw Velo), Tristan Robbins (Newport Velo) and Ashley Martin (Chippenham Wheelers) were trading attacks throughout the race with Bayliss and Pym particularly prominent.
With ten minutes to go, a stinging attack from Bayliss shot Joel Kelly and Jack Hogg off the back but with another year to go in the age group both lads are really showing promise. Despite the best efforts of the remaining leaders, the scene was set for a five man sprint finish which saw George Pym take the win by a bike length from Seb Bayliss.
In the girls event, Laura Clode (Revo Racing) did well to hang on to a fast moving group of boys and cemented her lead in the series with Alex Sheehan BCDS and Hester Stembridge CS South Hams not far behind. Talent Development Coach, Ric Jamieson had this to say... "Yet another cracking evening of racing for Round 4 of the SW Youth series. The riders are really showing signs of progression in both skills and tactical awareness. The final sprint for example was perfectly timed with 100% commitment. We really owe the success to the series to the race promoters who along with the young athletes, have ensured that they get some good racing."
1. George Pym Exeter Wheelers
2. Seb Baylis 1st Chard Wheelers
3. Simon Cooper Un. Attach.
4. Tristan Robbins Newport Velo
5. Ashley Martin Chippenham Wheelers
6. Jack Hogg Taw Velo
7. Joel Kelly MDCC
8. Chris Brettel Tor2000
9. Will Kelly MDCC
Girls
1. Laura Clode Revo
2. Alex Sheehan BCDS
3. Hester Stembridge CSSH
There's regular racing throughout the season at Ilton organised by local clubs Team Tor 2000, Chard Whls and Somerset RC as well as weekly Tuesday evening training sessions for adults and Go Ride for youngsters. With one round remaining, the series finale is the Totnes Town Centre Crit promoted by Mid Devon CC and the fight for the Regional Team placings are finely balanced with the top 4 places in female & male qualifying.
Standings to date are
Male:
Seb Baylis 34pts
George Pym 27pts
Jeol Kelly 20pts
Simon Cooper 20pts
Jack Plummer 19pts
Tom Green 13pts
Jonny Cooper 13pts
Jack Hogg 11pts
Ashley Martin 9pts
James Trott 8pts
