Bowater Continues to Shine at Cheltenham

June 12, 2009; Source: Velo Club Montpellier

Festival Atmosphere Continues at Cheltenham Racecourse
The second round of the Leisure Lakes Bikes cycle racing series at Cheltenham racecourse produced some superb racing which entertained the enthusiastic crowd that had come to watch some great live sporting action. Over 40 riders took to the start line for the main senior race of the evening which was promoted by Velo Club Montpellier.

The fast and undulating circuit quickly soon saw a strong lead group of around 20 riders get a gap on the rest. This group contained Cheltenham racer Duncan Jamieson riding for Felt Racing, last week’s winner and Junior rider, Perry Bowater (CC Giro), local rider Tom Stockdale (MJS Racing), as well as Cheltenham and County CC’s number one road racer, Ian Alexander.

This strong and formidable group produced some great racing, with powerful attacks being played out on each ascent of the finishing straight. Notably, Duncan Jamieson and Ian Alexander, both instigated moves off the front of the speeding group which contributed significantly to the fragmentation of this large group.

After 40 minutes of racing, a hard working group containing Bowater, Jamieson, Stockdale, Matt Ulmer (Qorol Novatec) and Dan Bill (Team Echelon-Spiuk) broke clear of their rivals who were left to fend for themselves in one of the many chase groups scattered around the circuit. These groups quickly combined to form a new chase group behind the leaders and among those in the chase group were Alexander and Velo Club Montpellier’s Neil Biggs.

With the 50 minute mark fast approaching, the main sprint prime of the race was signalled to the riders of the lead group. Perry, ever forceful on the front, attacked early and led for a number of laps on his own and consequently won the sprint prime, on a night that would prove fruitful for him. Meanwhile, the chase group were hard working and maintained the gap to the leaders to around two minutes. However, with the motoring pace and commitment of the riders ahead, their efforts would not be rewarded.

After 1 hour of racing, the remaining 5 laps were signalled to the riders, as is the usual format. The race quickly sped up and the leaders were watching each other closely, waiting for the first main attack. This didn’t appear to happen and on the final gallop to the line, Bowater sprinted clear to take his second win of the series in front of the large crowd that applauded his efforts throughout the evening. Duncan Jamieson took second place, while Matt Ulmer took third.

Bowater now leads the series ahead of Jamieson, going into the third round which will be held on the 19th June 2009. This event also forms part of Bike Week which runs between the 13th -23rd June. The nationally promoted Bike Week seeks to promote all forms of cycling through thousands of different events held across the country.

The residents of Cheltenham and surrounding areas are therefore encouraged to hop on their bikes and ride up to the racecourse for an evening of cycle sport this Friday (19th) at 7pm. Entrance to the event will be free and catering and music is provided. For more details please visit www.vcmontpellier.com or www.bikeweek.org.uk .

Race 2 (12.6.09) 1hr plus 5 laps (40km)

Senior Results:
1. Perry Bowater (CC Giro)
2. Duncan Jamieson (Felt Racing)
3. Matt Ulmer (Qorol Novatec)
4. Tom Stockdale (MJS Racing)
5. Dan Bill (Team Echelon-Spiuk)
6. Ian Alexander (Cheltenham and County CC)
7. Neil Biggs (Velo Club Montpellier)
8. Glynder Griffiths (Bristol South RC)
9. Scott Law (Evesham Wheelers)
10. Mark Hughes (VC Bristol)
11. Rupert Denny (Team Swift)
12. Tom Worvill (Swindon RC)
13. Liam Preece (Team Synergy)

Women’s Results:
1. Jackie Garner (Max Gear RT)
2. Naomi Anderson (London Dynamo)

* Series Leader: Perry Bowater (CC Giro) 20

Youth Races
The Youth events promoted by Cheltenham and County Cycling Club saw 29 very enthusiastic youngsters take on the challenges Cheltenham Racecourse has to offer. A dry and windless evening made for perfect safe racing conditions.

The Under 12s, 10s and 8s raced on the smaller 600 metres circuit and from the off they set a very fast pace with the field soon strung out as everyone concentrated on their individual age category battles. Ffion James (Abergavenny CC) took the win in the Under 12 Girls category, whilst ever vigilant Ashley Hutchinson (Cheltenham & County CC) took the Under 12 boys category.

Pfiefer Georgi (Mid Devon CC) won the Under 10’s girl race, whilst Jake Davies (Chippenham & District CC) took the boy’s race. Local boy Lance Hutchinson (Cheltenham and County CC), took the win in the Under 8’s boys race, whilst Nelly Legder (Stratford CC) battled hard to win the Under 8 girl’s race. The Under 16s and 14s then set off on the longer 1200 metres circuit incorporating the tough 300 metre climb up past the paddocks area.

The hill, as it did with the senior's later on that evening, proved a lot more testing that it first looked and with lap times of under three minutes there was little respite for the youngsters. Joe Page (Team Echelon Spiuk) controlled the Under 16 boys race and took a classy win, after he sprinted clear of his breakaway compatriots. Robbie Westwood (Cwmcarn Paragon) took a well earned Under 14 boy’s race whilst Holly Page (Worcester St Johns), brother of Joe, took a fast Under 14 girl’s race.
 
For more information please visit www.cc-cc.co.uk

Youth Results – CDE U8/U10/U12
1. Ffion James Abergavenny CC
2. Ashley Hutchinson Cheltenham & County CC
3. Etienne Georgi Mid Devon CC
4. Thomas Lane Stratford CC
5. Pfiefer Georgi Mid Devon CC
6. Megan James Abergavenny CC
7. Jake Davies Chippenham & District CC
8. Lance Hutchison Cheltenham & County CC
9. Reuben Ledger Stratford CC
10. Jamie Wolstoncroft Stratford CC

Youth Results: A/B U14/U16
1. Joe Page Team Echelon Spiuk
2. Will Macke Palmer Park Velo
3. Robbie Westwood Cwmcarn Paragon
4. Jack Reed Royal Dean Forest CC
5. Andrew Graff Cheltenham & County CC
6. Mathew Derrick Oxford City
7. Terry Chance Worcester St Johns
8. Alex Neale Corinium CC
9. Luke Davies Chippenham Wheelers
10. Rory McMeekan Stratford CC