Report: SW Youth Series
Ricci Pascoe from the promoting organisation hands the South West series leaders jersey to Jake Alderman
After two rounds of the South West youth series Jake Alderman of One and All Cycling has stormed into an early lead backed up by a strong performance in the first round of the National Youth Series in Bristol
The aim of the series is to promote youth racing across the region and to enable the South West team to be selected for National events. Round 1 kicked off with the Somerset Rc's promotion at Ilton airfield. There was a strong field with riders travelling from Wales and the South to participate. As usual the wind sweeping across the exposed airfield shaped the race and it wasn't long before a leading group of riders formed. Over the course of the race the leading group attacked each other but after sizing up the opposition it was Alderman who put in the killer move and soloed to victory.
In the girls race Laura Clode demonstrated the benefits of a long winters training and also soloed to victory. Not content with racing on the road Laura also competes in cyclo cross and Track events and continues to impress.
Round 2 travelled down to Cornwall and the Portreath Circuit. Portreath features some tight corners, hills, the odd pothole and always produces a worthy winner. With strong teams from local One and All Cycling and the Mid Devon CC a tactical battle quickly ensued. The game of cat and mouse lasted throughout the event but it was Alderman wearing the Kalas, South West series leaders jersey who stamped has mark on proceedings. With two laps to go a decisive attack on the finishing climb saw Alderman storm clear to claim a solo victory. A close fought bunch sprint saw Jack Hogg Taw Velo and Joe Willaims One and All Cycling complete the podium. Alex Sheehan Bristol Cycling Development Squad made a worthwhile journey from Somerset, mixing with the boys and claiming enough points to wear the girls leaders jersey into the next round.
The regional road race workgroup are pleased to see the continuing development of youth racing in the South West and are impressed with the amount of riders travelling to the Bristol round of the National Series. Regionaly supported teams in Youth and Junior events continue to showcasing South West riders.
The series continues with round 3 at Chivenor in North Devon on the 2nd May the start time has been rescheduled to 7pm to ensure that everyone can travel to the event, 30th May Totnes Town Centre Criterium (final counting event for regional team selection) and finishes with the South West Circuit champs at Portreath on the 12th September.
Provional Overall Standings after 2 rounds
1. Jake Alderman One and All Cycling 20
2. Jack Hogg Taw Velo 16
3. Harry Loader Mid Devon CC 12
3. Joe Williams One and All Cycling 12
3. Kye Martin Mid Devon CC 12
6. Jake Keat Yogi CC 7
7. Stan Thompson One and All Cycling 5
7. Joel Kelly Mid Devon CC 5
9 . Kris Curtis Yogi CC 2
10. Sean Henderson North Devon Whls 2
11. Duncan Heywood One and All Cycling 1
