National Youth Circuit Championships News

Story posted June 7, 2010; Event Press Release

Large Prize list and Full entry
Saturday 24 July will see a great day of racing for all youth categories on the sporting 2km circuit at Hog Hill. Organiser for Lee Valley Youth CC, Michael Humphreys has had to start limiting entries to the Youth A men's race because so many riders want a start. Other races are filling out nicely too.
 
Over 225 riders have now entered the championships and it's certain that the under 16 men's race will be full to bursting. The last few under 16 yr-old places will go only to top-ranked riders. They have all been invited through their clubs to enter at the event website at http://www.londonchamps2010.moonfruit.com

The Youth A race will close to entries before the published deadline of 3 July.

 
The under 16 yr-old men's race will be contested up the 'Hoggenberg', racing anti-clockwise on the full circuit. All other championships will also be using the full 2km loop, but going clockwise. There will be £515 worth of cash prizes and £120 of vouchers from sponsors Bike & Run will be claimed by the top 10 in this one race, but of course the major accolade of the title and jersey awaits the winner. Defending champion Sam Lowe of Raleigh RT will hope to extend his reign as national champion having taken a fine first-year sprint win on the flat at Hillingdon last year.
 
Under 14's
The youth B men's race for under 14 yr-olds is likely to fill next. It is this championship title that was claimed by Mark Cavendish in 1999 and by Geraint Thomas in 2000. More recently, 2010 Junior Road Race champion Daniel McLay took the win in 2006. Prizes totalling over £250, including prize vouchers from sponsors Mosquito Bikes are for the taking too.
 
The women's racing will be no less attractive with over 20 riders in each separate Youth A and B championships and more yet to come. These races carry prize lists worth over £540 but again it's the quality and quantity of racers all in one place which makes winning a National Champion's jersey so special.

Under 12's
The under 12 yr-olds' Championship races will be honestly raced out on the full 2km circuit. Over 40 riders have entered so far with many more attracted by the thought of winning the National Champion's jersey at the very first opportunity on a circuit which does not give winners an easy ride. Support events for Under 8 and Under 10 riders will give them a taste of what's to come. These races will be run using Lee Valley Youth CC tried-and-tested formats to produce some great races at the end of a busy day.
 
Hog Hill regulars will be interested to see how this year's championship races play out when they go up against so many first-time visitors. The sporting circuit leaves little opportunity for hiding in the bunch and with race lengths set near to the maximum, this year's championships are guaranteed good viewing and excellent racing. The purpose-built Redbridge Cycling Centre facility offers a worthy environment for such a busy and prestigious event.
 
Any rider who wants to take a good look at Hog Hill before the big day will find there are race events (see the British Cycling Racing Calendar) and a Regional School of Racing organised at Hog Hill before the 2010 National Championships on 24 July.  The fact-filled National Championships website is also the place where entered riders are invited to take a guess at which Tour de France riders will be in each of its jerseys on the day of the races.

Best guesses win cash and vouchers from Mosquito Bikes and Bike & Run. Entry to the National Championships and to this fun competition both close on 3 July. As any Tour rider will tell you: A lot can happen in three weeks, so youth contenders in all age categories should make sure of an entry straight away by going to the website http://www.londonchamps2010.moonfruit.com