North Cheshire Clarion staged their first Go-Ride Racing event late in September as riders competed in four events on a 200m grass track at the Great Sankey Leisure Centre in Warrington, the home of the Clarion’s kids club.
Races included an individual time trial, a match sprint, a Keirin and the Devil, each split into two age categories, Under 8's and Under 16's.
The morning started with the time trial which was used to seed riders for the later races. The Under 8's competition was close with both Amelie and Lucy both putting in very fast times, in the Under 16's, Edward and Niamh went even closer with only a few tenths of a second separating them. Special mention should go to the support that Helen, Niamh and Siobhan gave encouraging all riders, while Harrison, our youngest rider, powered his way round with determination and gusto.
In the Match Sprint, riders were paired according to their time trial result and age group and the seeding promised some closely matched racing. Helen and James, who were separated by just five tenths of a second, showed fantastic spirit as they fought for the lead out. James put the power down and pulled up along side Helen, who gave an impressive final kick – the two crossing the line neck and neck. Lachlan was showing some excellent skills and determination on his skinny tyred road bike which struggled over the recently mown and greasy track.
The Kierin, paced by club Secretary, Giles Perkins, illustrated how competitive our Under 8 riders were. As the riders came out of the final corner, all were determined and pushing their pedals hard driving for the line. The Under 16's category was split into two groups and provided some excellent action with Edward and James taking the wins.
The Devil races brought our first Go-Ride Racing event to a close with Amelie winning the Under 8's race and Owen winning the Under 16's race.
Overall results Under 8's
1st - Maddison Hargate
2nd - Amelie Platt Higgins
3rd - Lucy Marsh
4th - Harrison Hannah
Overall results Under 16's
1st - Lachlan Hacker & Owen Mapleson
2nd - Niamh McGill
3rd - James Smeltzer
4th - Edward Shand
5th - Siobhan McGill
6th - Bryn Mitchel
7th - Helen Osguthorpe
8th - Joshua Gaffney
9th - Harry Marsh
As well as race positions, two trophies were presented to the two riders who were the Best All Rounder; and the person who best illustrated the North Cheshire Clarion spirit. These trophies went to Amelie and Helen respectively. Well done to you both!
The weather didn't dampen spirits and we are very proud of all our riders for showing true North Cheshire Clarion spirit of fellowship. Thanks go to all the parents and their friends and family who cheered and helped marshal.
Check out The Hub's new Facebook page for more photos and Go-Ride updates. The more 'Likes' we get the better!
