Fixed gear track racing is back for Youths A & B, at Preston Park Track – Sussex Cycle Racing League (after 2 decades!)
News Posted 29th April 2008
Through the commitment of local Go-Ride Youth development clubs in the Sussex area and British Cycling South East Team, youth fixed wheel track racing is making a come back at one of the largest tracks in the country Preston Park Track in Brighton (579m). The season started on 23rd April 2008, see the new website: www.scrl.co.uk
The original loss is unknown but could have been due to lack of numbers and equipment. Free wheel racing for all age categories in recent years has seen the numbers grow impressively. However this year sees the return of Youth Category A and B, (under 14 and under 16s) racing fixed wheel. Maybe next year another age category will be included too.
The process began following positive support for the initiative at the Sussex Cycle Racing League AGM with young riders voting in favour of the proposal. The topic was discussed in depth during Sussex Club Development Group meetings where Go-Ride clubs got together to help co-ordinate Calshot sessions and discuss the possible Racing League events.
There followed an intense coaching period over the winter, kindly supported by British Cycling Regional Talent Coach Stuart Blunt and South East Go-Ride coaches John Scripps and Scott Bugden. Four Sessions at Calshot were arranged for these age categories to get top coaching and track experience with 24 riders attending each session. Club coaches also received support, training and information from the coaches and visitor Tim Buckle provided expert knowledge to motivate coaches to develop high quality coaching sessions in order to progress young riders to their full potential.
The 4 week programme at Calshot started at the basics and went right through to racing and it was clearly evident how far the riders had progressed, which for some was from complete track novices to p[roficient racers. The final weekend over Easter saw some great Easter Egg prizes, and everyone was wanting to be in the Yorkie Egg Cup Final for the Individual Pursuit which went to Charlie Heffernan of VC Jubilee.
Clubs represented at the sessions were: VC Jubilee www.vcjubilee.co.uk, Preston Park Youth CC www.ppycc.org.uk, In-Gear www.ingeardevelopmentsquad.com , Go-Ride Bexley www.go-ridebexley.org.uk and Sutton CC www.suttoncycling.co.uk. The clubs have worked hard at getting the track bike equipment, but more is needed so they are continuing to seek additional funding to ensure everyone has access to a bike with the right gearing. The Sussex clubs also approached the South East Regional Board for financial support to send six coaches onto the Level 2 Track coaching course in May, and were kindly awarded £600 for this purpose.
The development has continued and led straight into 4 weeks of pre-league training sessions at Preston Park track, again kindly supported by British Cycling coaches, with the racing league starting 23rd April. Eight of the young riders have also already participated in their first track racing of the year at the Portsmouth Spring Omnium which was a good experience although interrupted through much of the day by rain, hail and blizzards.
During the pre-league training sessions two VIPs attended, one visitor just back from the World Track Championships in Manchester, Joanna Roswell, from Sutton, just five days after winning gold in the Women’s 3000m Team Pursuit came and showed off her rainbows and Gold medal. Peter Mitchell, from Steyning, World Junior Team Sprint Track Champion, was also present, and we hope to see him on his home track as often as he can.
Stuart Blunt has also arranged a Newport session in April which will focus specifically on coach led racing and will be a great opportunity for many riders to prepare for the National Youth Omniums coming up in May. Additionally some of the participants throughout this whole process have been selected for the DHL Sprint School which is also held at Newport www.sprintschool.com . We’re hoping that fixed wheel track racing is going to grow further.
Sally Page Club Contact at VC Jubilee who has been campaigning for its return for many years says, “we’ve got one of the largest tracks in the country and as a nation we seem to be pretty good at track racing. Having a home grown talent in Pete Mitchell come from our club up to the highest level, we only want to see more success for young people following this lead and making use of such an amazing facility on our doorstep, it’s an opportunity not to be missed. It’s also obvious that Go-Ride clubs are doing the right thing, with Joanna achieving results too, I think there are many more to follow, and I hope Pete and Joanna can continue with their successes.”
Sally Page (VC Jubilee)
