Photos from Richard Robotham
Victoria Park Criteriums
Saturday, April 21, 2007; Leamington Spa
Report and pictures, Richard Robotham
The Kenilworth Wheelers Chairman Steve Meredith (right) announced today that he was no longer going to be organising the Victoria Park Races which are held a short walk from the centre of the popular Warwickshire town of Leamington Spa.
The group of riders waiting at the start line stood there stunned and were silent at the news. Steve thanked all the riders, officials and helpers for supporting the events over many years and hoped that someone within the Kenilworth Wheelers would take up the challenge to continue the event into 2008.
Steve Meredith explained that it was becoming increasing difficult for him to organise the series of three events each year.
Before the start of the last race of the day, one of the Riders returned the thanks and praised Steve Meredith, the Club Official, British Cycling Commissaires and Marshall’s around the circuit for all the help over the years to ensure racing at Victoria Park.
The large crowd that was gathered around the start area all cheered and applauded as well as tributes being shouted out to Steve Meredith and the Kenilworth Wheelers.
Let’s hope the event, complete with Steve's (classic) music collection blaring out for all and sundry to hear, does continue into 2008 and well beyond, as this event and others like it is were our younger Riders learn how to ride and race bikes in a safe and a secure environment as well as being clear of traffic. Just one of many good news stories from the past at Vick Park, was watching a young Ian Stannard (Team Keyne at the time) lapping a field whilst still a youth rider and he's gone on to be part of the Olympic Academy and already a winner in Italy this year.
The circuit was already under used and for it to be lost now to racing would be a great shame.
In other news from the event, two new Racing Kits were unveiled at today’s event; that of the Halesowen A&CC with their snazzy new layout in traditional Purple, Black & White and the Evesham Wheelers who are celebrating their 60th Anniversary of the forming of the Club, they showed off their crisp new design in Green, Yellow and Black.
Related Links: Victoria Park Crits (April 7)
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