Location: Prestwold Airfield, Prestwold Lane, Hoton, Loughborough
Events: 25 April, 23 May and 27 June 2012
Prestwold Airfield, near Loughborough, is a new venue for cycle racing in the East Midlands. It has been used regularly for a couple of years as a coaching venue by the Go-Ride coaching team for a cluster of local clubs as well as Go-Ride holiday programmes.
Dean Hughes, the Go-Ride Coach for Leicestershire, saw the potential to provide cheap and friendly local races to complement the coaching sessions that he was already providing and in the process create a stepping stone for riders into regional level racing. The coaching sessions provide the skills needed to improve the racing experience and riders and parents new to the sport have also learnt all about gear restrictions, entry requirements and how to prepare for their races all in a supportive environment.
With the help of the Regional Event Officer a series of three evening races, on a very short and technical circuit, interspersed with three weeks of coaching was devised and registered to provide opportunities for all youth categories.
The day of the first event saw wet and cold weather conditions but despite this over 30 riders, most of whom had been regulars at the coaching sessions, turned out. Many had never raced at a regional level and it was a big learning curve for all, however despite the weather everyone had a smile on their face at the end of the evening.
The subsequent two events were equally successful and have done exactly what they were developed to do and have allowed young riders in several local clubs to learn all about racing. It has been especially good to see the number of girls taking part and mixing it with the boys in these events in all age groups.
Riders needed to complete the three race series to get into the results table, the following riders showed that commitment and were rewarded with series awards.
Results
U8
- Fay Garner – Welland Valley
U10
- Alex Colston Shields – Lichfield CC
- Matt Garner – Welland Valley
- Sandy Jarvis – 4Life Tri
U12
- Tom Dussek – Planet X
- Alex Haines – Leics RC
- Jacob Gray – Derby Mercury
U14
- Nicole Goulding - 4Life Tri
- Ellie White - 4Life Tri
- Eve Lyon – Leics Road Club
U16
- Hannah Clay - 4Life Tri
Full race results can be found here
Because of the success of the series two further events have been registered and the coaching programme continues with the addition of occasional coaching support from the Regional Talent Coach, Rob Sharman, who is encouraging local clubs to send their riders who have not yet reached RSR level. Any club coaches who want the opportunity to develop their experience are also welcome to get involved.
The additional dates also include a youth tandem paracycling race as a legacy from the UK School Games which had paracycling for the first time, these races will provide further experience for the pairs.
Remaining Dates
11 July - coaching
12 July - coaching
8 August - coaching
15 August - coaching
Further information about the coaching or the races can be obtained from the organiser and Go-Ride Coach, Dean Hughes please call Dean on 07534 281264 or email Deanhughes@britishcycling.org.uk
