A fine day greeted a keen and enthusiastic entry for the first round of the Richardsons Cycle Club Scarborough youth mountain bike series. Held at Filey Country Park, 34 riders entered this Go-Ride Racing event with riders coming from Holmfirth, Clitheroe, York, Bridlington as well as a strong contingent of local entrants from Filey, Hunmanby and Scarborough
Once signed in, the course was laid out to challenge the riders. The age range was from under 8s to under 16s and for some, this was their first ever taste of racing so, one or two were nervous but all excited. Prior to the races, a ride the plank skills test to warm the riders up was held with Filey Police, on hand for bike engraving and bike security advice.
The races got underway at 10:15 with a one lap race for the under 8s with Francis Hirzel winning closely chased by Leeds riders Rohan and Oscar Taylor. Some excellent close races followed with tactics getting more shrewd as the events followed when riders realised gear selection and pacing themselves was crucial. Race two was a 200 metre, slightly downhill, sprint race for each age category. Race three was once again, around the country park, the riders all racing for British Cycling Go-Ride Racing medals.
Notable performances came from Joe Barrans from Holmfirth who won all three of his races, Gristhorpe’s Marcus Archer riding in the Richardsons club colours who had two wins and a fine race win for Bridlingtons Zak Howarth. The competition was close with one race having to be judged by a photo finish in which Filey’s Bailey Thornton and Caven Walker were neck and neck to the line for second place.
