South West Youth Series Round 2

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Story posted April 30, 2010; by Andy Parker (Regional Events Officer)

The South West Youth series resumed at Portreath Cornwall with series leader Seb Bayliss of Chard Wheelers giving another outstanding performance to claim the win. The event, promoted by Penzance wheelers at Portreath airfield, featured a course with several ninety degree corners and a short hill to the finishing line.

All ingredients that are unusual in youth events but that would add nicely to the mix. Local club 'One and All' had a strong presence and they were joined by a raiding party from the Somerset and Devon clubs to make a strong field. This proved that the event format which encourages the south west youngsters to race at venues throughout the region to produce exciting racing as well as giving them the opportunity to progress to national events, is succeeding.

Before the event started, regional Talent Team coach Ric Jamieson presented series leader Seb Bayliss with the yellow jersey courtesy of series sponsors Kalas clothing. After a final briefing from Commissaire Len Pascoe, they were off, quickly strung out by a strong wind blowing in off the sea. After a couple of laps, Bayliss stormed off the front with Jack Plummer of Somerset Road Club in tow with the chasing group settling down to the task of keeping them in sight.

Several laps later and Bayliss broke clear on the climb up to the finish to lead the race from a lone chaser. A long pursuit between two riders and the chasing group then ensued. Keen to put on a show of local strength were One and All riders James Trott and Stan Thompson alongside the Mid Devon trio of Tom Green and brothers Joel and Will Kelly with Jonny Cooper of Sid Valley all combining to chase the lone leaders.

At the finish, Seb Bayliss claimed the win and cemented his position at the top of the overall leaders table whilst Jack Plummer held on for second with Joel Kelly claiming the group sprint for third. Ric Jamieson had this to say about the event, "Seb took a fine win and really showed some class to hold off the chasing group and stretch his lead throughout the race. The highlight for me was watching the group come around the corner in two lines working together and sharing the pace. We have been practicing these skills at the recent Regional Schools of Racing in Taunton so it was great to see that the lads had picked up the coaching points and were putting them into practice. It all bodes well for the future".

The next event in the series is the Barnstaple youth events organised by Taw Velo on Tuesday 18th May at the Pottington Go Kart track, cornering skills will be required!
 
Result
1. Sebastion Baylis,1st Chard Wheelers.
2. Jack Plummer    Somerset RR.
3. Joel Kelly      Mid devon.
4. Jonny Cooper    Mid devon.
5.  Tom Green      Mid Devon.
6.James Trott      One and All
7. Will Kelly      Mid Devon.
8. Stan thompson   One and All
9. Micheal Hooper  One and All
10. Darren haywood One and All.