Report: Celtic DIRT Crit 4 / 12th July 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 12/07/11 Report from DIRT Crit 4
Picture Gallery:
The last of the Dirt Crits saw 40 riders battling it out. Some have already completed 6 events to qualify for overall honours and others have now done 6 and are looking to improve their position further next week. For those who have completed 5 events; make sure you come along next week so you can be included in the overall prize!
The Under 8's saw Aled Trott leading Bevan Smith by a whisker until the bell when unfortunately Bevan dropped a chain and eventually ran his bike home in 3rd. New comer Alex Griffiths of Maindy Flyers benefited from this to take an excellent 2nd after staying in touch with the leaders. Evie Higgins Worrall claimed top spot for the girls ahead of Zoe Backstedt and Nikita Baylis. All the U8's continue to impress and they are all much better at the tough uphill corner now. They also had to contend with a wasps nest in the ground which meant a hasty reroute of their course!
The largest field of 14 Under 10's again went off with the U12's and again the top 3 boys proved their strength by taking 4th, 5th and 6th overall with Huw Higgins Worrall as winner followed by Mitchell Cole and then Oliver Beere in a repeat of rounds 1 and 3. For the U10 girls Elynor Backstedt took the win from Elena Shaw. The Under 12's saw James Tillett riding away from his brother Sam Tillett despite having a crash caused by a dog on the course. Ieuan Best took 3rd. Emily Tillett put in another solid performance and took her first girls win ahead of Caitlin Shaw 2nd.
I also want to say well done to Zac and Ben Main racing for the first time tonight in U8 and U10 after being enthused by attending the Welsh Cycling events in Bailey Park Abergavenny during the Festival last weekend. They both completed the course and showed good skills along the way.
9 U14's and 16's raced last and Evan Edwards took the 1st place for the U16's ahead of Ronan Graham 5th overall and 2nd U16 boy. Teifion Best had his strongest outing to take second overall and a good win for the U14 boys. Euan Davies crossed next to take 2nd U14 boy and Jared Brooks in 3rd. Nicole Pollock took the honours for the U14 girls.
There will be prizes and trophies for the top riders overall in the series at the next Road Crit on 19th July based on best 6 results from the series. Riders need to have competed in 6 events across road and MTB Crit to qualify for the overall. Current standings are available on the following link;
This will be the last event for the time being. Please come along and support even if you are not in the running for the overall and let's break the attendance record of 55 riders!
Round results here>>>
Celtic Overall here>>>
Report: Celtic ROAD Crit 3 / 5th July 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 05/07/11 Report from ROAD Crit 3
July is upon us and therefore it had to rain! Torrential rain for the hour leading up to racing meant a lot of anxious parents and riders wondering if we would call things off. 49 riders signed on and waited under the tent to see if it would ease off. Some brave souls rode the circuit and proved it was safe for all, even with slicks.
The Under 8's and 10's were the only ones to actually race in rain which eased and stopped altogether just as they finished! The Under 10 boys took the top 6 places with Owain Roberts building and maintaining a good lead from Mitchell Cole in second. He was followed in by a mystery rider in yellow with no number and we have identified him as James Codd. Bevan Smith proved the class act of the U8 boys again coming in 7th overall with Aled Trott taking 2nd and Ayrton Smith 3rd. Elena Shaw continues to improve in the U10 girls and took the win today from Elynor Backstedt and Isabelle Bennett 3rd. The Under8 girls had a change with Evie Higgins Worrall enjoying the conditions and taking a good win from Zoe Backstedt and Nikita Baylis in 3rd.
James Tillett continued to dominate the Under 12 race and took another comfortable win and an unassailable lead in the series. There was a close ding dong battle for second overall between Megan James and Sam Tillett with Megan eventually taking it. Joe Beckinsale held 3rd for the boys and Elizabeth Bennett took 2nd for the girls with Caitlin Shaw taking inspiration from her sister's win and took 3rd girl. Punctures for Emily Tillett and Ieuan Best taking the shine off for them although they are going well in the overall standings.
Joe Holt and Shaun Carter battled with each other in the U14/16 race and were accompanied by James Tillett who was invited to ride up after his great effort in the U12 race. These 3 proved the class of the field and Joe finally won out from Shaun with James 3rd. Shaun continues to improve and impress and provided Joe with real challenge today in difficult conditions. Ben Dunster of Brecon Wheelers rode well in his first Celtic Crit to take 2nd U16 from a group containing Jared Brookes, Jack Broadley and Ffion James. These 3 U14 riders took 4th, 5th and 6th overall.
Tshirts were given out today for those riders who have completed both dirt and road rounds and very fine they looked too! I even heard some enquiries as to whether they were for sale. There is still a chance to claim yours by taking part in the remaining 2 crits - dirt next week and road again in 2 weeks.
Look out for the overall standings which I hope to put out this week. Remember that the best 6 results count for the overall series across both road and dirt crits.
Overall standings TBC
Report: Celtic DIRT Crit 3 / 21st June 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 28/06/11Report from DIRT Crit 3
Pictures: Keith Davies more>>>
Over half way in the series now and 42 riders came along for the 3rd Dirt Crit on a warm evening. The under 8's started us off again with 10 riders battling it out. Aled Trott and Bevan Smith pushed each other all the way with Aled coming away with the win from Bevan with brother Ayrton taking the spoils for 3rd. This follows the form on the dirt but reverses Bevan's win in the last Road Crit. I am sure these riders will push each other all the way for the overall series win and provide us with another thrilling prospect next week. In the girls race Evie Higgins Worral was able to take the win from Zoe Backstedt after a fall which took some time to recover. Nikita Baylis took 3rd girl.
Under 10's again went off with the U12's and again Huw Higgins Worrall proved himself the class of the field coming in 7th overall and 1st U10 boy. Michell Cole was not to be outdone and followed in 8th place and 2nd U10 boy. Oliver Beere took 9th overall and the 3rd U10 boy showing he is growing stronger with each race. For the U10 girls Elynor Backstedt took the win from Elena Shaw and they both managed to come in ahead of several U12's showing they are both on the upward curve. The Under 12's stayed true to the form book this week with a repeat of the last Dirt Crit result. James Tillett romped away to a strong win from Joe Beckinsale 2nd and Sam Tillett in 3rd. Both boys were affected by some of the younger riders having difficulties, James was less affected perhaps because he was shouting the loudest when coming past!
Megan James again proved her class with 4th overall and 1st U12 girl and she was also affected by fallers in front of her. Emily Tillett put in another solid performance taking second ahead of Ella Doheny on her new "Stealth Bike" resplendent in its matt black livery.
10 U14's and 16's raced last and Evan Edwards took the 1st place for the U16's. Euan Davies crossed 2nd to take 1st U14 boy and Ffion James crossed the line in 5th to take the win for the U14 girls.
I managed to get out onto the circuit for the first time and was very impressed with the skill levels on display right through the age groups. The speed some riders were obtaining on the long descent was truly breathtaking and their negotiation of the logs and streams was outstanding. Well done to all riders and thanks to all the helpers on the day. see you next week at the top car park for the 3rd Road Crit.
Remember that there is a Super Club session on cornering techniques on Saturday 2nd July at the Top Car Park to be run by Annaliese Heard, BC Talent Development Coach. Free to all Youth A,B,C and D riders. Sign on 0845. finish around 10:30.
Report: Celtic ROAD Crit 2 / 21st June 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 22/06/11Report from Celtic ROAD Crit 2
A record 55 riders across all categories raced on a tight circuit with a strong wind blowing into their faces coming up the finish straight making things difficult. Due to numbers all categories raced separately apart from U14/16 which is great and shows the support for this event. I am once again grateful to those who helped with lap scoring, gear check, marshalling and sign on. Without their support the series would be much more stressful!
The under 8 race saw the Smith twins having the better of Aled Trott with Bevan running out winner, followed by brother Ayrton for Maindy Flyers ahead of Aled for Abergavenny RC. Zoe Backstedt of Maindy Flyers took 4th overall and first girl ahead of Evie Higgins Worrall and Nikita Baylis from Abergavenny RC. Ashley Cole suffered a fall in front of the commissaire and was unable to finish although he was bravely up and walking soon after the fall.
In his first attendance this year Owain Roberts came up from Towy Riders and proved his quality with a clear win in the Under 10's ahead of Rhys Thomas from Abergavenny RC and James Codd from Maindy Flyers 3rd. For the girls Elynor Backstedt continued her dominance with a win from Ellie Shaw, Maindy Flyers, and Isabelle Bennett from Cardiff JIF.
In the Under 12's James Tillett of Newport Velo rode away from the field again to record his 3rd consecutive win in the series and emphasise his strength. Brother Sam and Megan James of Abergavenny RC worked well together in the early laps to stay in touch with James and distance themselves from the chasers. In the later laps Sam pulled steadily away from Megan to record a strong second with Megan 3rd overall and easily first girl. Teammate Joe Beckinsale took third for the boys. Lowri Thomas from Abergavenny RC took a fine second with Elizabeth Bennett, Cardiff JIF, third.
Under 14's and 16's rode together on an extended course although they still managed 20 laps! Joe Holt for Bynea CC is untouchable in this company and dominated again with a fine win in the overall and U14. Shaun Carter struck back for the U16 boys by taking second overall and first U16 boy followed by Keiran Rees from Bynea CC. 4th over the line and second U14 boy was Etienne Georgi who travelled up from Devon and riding for Giant CC Halo Films. 3rd U16 boy was Ronan Graham of Maindy Flyers and 3rd U14 boy was Jared Brooks of Abergavenny RC. Becca Hunt for Cardiff Ajax and Ffion James from
Abergavenny RC played nip and tuck all the way and provided the closest finish of the day with Becca just holding off the sprint of Ffion to cross the line in 5th overall by the thickness of a tyre! They were winners in the U16 and U14 category respectively. Emily Haycox rode well for Maindy Flyers to record 2nd U14 girl and Megan Chard of Newport Velo took 3rd in her first road crit to go with the third last week in her first dirt crit.
Thanks again to all for coming and please let me have any photos that you think would add to the report as I did not manage to take any again! Next week back in the woods for Dirt Crit 3.
Report: Celtic DIRT Crit 2 / 14th June 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 15/06/11Report from Celtic DIRT Crit 2
Another great evenings racing in warm sunshine saw 47 riders across all age categories congregate under the trees in Coldra Woods. Under 8's had an extended course including a fallen tree to negotiate which made the warm up interesting; judging by the number of older riders going though the U8 course it was proving a hit! Greater numbers saw a change at the top of the order with Aled Trott coming in ahead of the twins Bevan and Ayrton Smith in their first MTB race. For the girls Zoe Backstedt continued her winning ways coming in ahead of Evie Higgins Worrall and Nikita Baylis 2nd and 3rd.
Under 10's again raced with the Under 12's and Huw Higgins Worrall made it 2 in a row with Mitchell Cole second again although the gap looked smaller that the last time out. Tom Lane came in 3rd for the boys and Eleanor Backstedt held off Ellie Shaw for the win again in the girls U10.
James Tillett and Joe Beckinsale made a great start in the U12 race and this was to prove telling as they managed to make a decent early gap due to Megan James getting out of shape on the fast descent and holding up the other riders on the first lap. James rode away to another strong win to complement his dominant performance in the road Crit with Joe coming in an unopposed second. Sam Tillett took another 3rd for the boys just ahead of 1st Girl Megan James who recovered well. Not to be outshone by her brothers, Emily Tillett took second girl ahead of Ella Doheny.
A strong field of 14 riders contested the U14/16 race and some fine racing was displayed by all riders. Teifion Best was running a strong second to Joe Holt but unfortunately suffered mechanical problems in the latter stages of the race and the U14 boys came in Joe Holt, Evan Davies and Teifion Best to repeat the finish of the previous dirt Crit. For the U14 girls Ffion James showed her strength and skill to come in second to Joe Holt in the race and a clear winner of the U14 girls with Nicole Pollock taking second ahead of Megan Chard in her first MTB race. For the U16's Ronan Graham placed 5th overall and 1st U16 boy with Rebecca Hunt 7th overall and 1st U16 girl.
If anyone has any photographs of the race please let me have them and I will include some photos in the report. Look forward to seeing you all again at the top car park next week for the second Road Crit.
Results: here>>>
Report: Celtic Crit Road Crit 1 24th May 2011
Report: Garrie Tillett
Date: 25/05/11
A fine, bright and windy evening greeted riders for the first of the road Crits of this series. A slight surprise for the organiser was the sight of 3 large temporary structures being built in the area we were to use for the race. These were erected on the day as part of the build up to the Wales Open Golf Tournament and meant a hasty rethink of the course! A tight hairpin and sweeping corners suited confident riders and much time was gained by staying off the brakes. Stamina was needed to push up the hill on the finish straight and into the wind.
50 riders took part which is excellent and provided great racing all through the categories as we are coming to expect in this series.
Under 8's and 10's kicked off proceedings with 16 riders battling up the hill into the headwind. The pack soon fragmented as riders found their rhythm, with Bevan Smith for the U8's managing to come in 5th overall and first boy in the U8's, 2nd went to his brother Ayrton and 3rd to James Bullar of Gannet CC preventing a Maindy Flyers lock out on the podium. Biggest smile of the evening was from Evie Higgins Worrall of Abergavenny RC receiving her prize for 1st Girl U8 with Nikita Baylis 2nd. In the U 10's Rhys Thomas took the win ahead of Huw Higgins Worrall. Tom Lane and Mitchell Cole battling together for much of the race until Mitchell managed to break away and claim 3rd. Abergavenny RC claiming top 4 places in the boys U10 today proving they have strength in depth on the road as well as the rough stuff! Ellie Shaw struck back for Maindy Flyers with a win in the U10 girls.
16 Under 12 riders lined up next and James Tillett, Newport Velo, roared off to lead into the first turn and never looked like being caught despite a valiant try by Lowri Thomas of Abergavenny RC and brother Sam Tillett of Newport Velo. A group of Rhys Britton, Newport Velo, and the Abergavenny RC trio of Ieuan Best, Joe Beckinsale and Megan James, battled it out and shared the work to try and claw their way back to the leaders and they eventually caught Lowri and lost Joe due to a dropped chain. James Tillett ran in an unopposed 1st with Sam 2nd and Rhys Britton winning the sprint to claim 3rd and a full podium for Newport Velo, repeating the form they showed on the Isle of Man by winning the Team GC prize. For the girls Megan James continues to show strong form coming in ahead of the valiant effort by Lowri Thomas, Emily Tillett claimed 3rd riding on her own for much of the race and enjoying the uphill sections!
In the U14's Joe Holt of Bynea CC continued his fine form shown in the first Dirt Crit by taking the win ahead of the Abergavenny RC pair of Jared Brookes and Teifion Best. Not to be outdone by her sister in the U12's Ffion James claimed 1st girl ahead of Nicole Pollock of Newport Velo.
The U16 boys battled strongly with Kieran Rees of Bynea CC emulating his teammate in the U14's and taking an early lead which looked to be good enough in the early stages. However he was gradually brought back by a fine display of endurance riding by Shaun Carter from Newport Velo. Ronan graham rounded out the podium for the U16 boys.
My thanks again to the parents and riders for turning up and making this event a success. Also to the marshalls, lap scorers and officials for giving up their time. I was so busy lap scoring and talking to people that I did not manage to take any pictures. If anyone has a nice shot of the racing, please sent it to me for inclusion in the report.
Thanks. Garrie
Full Results here>>>
WE HAVE 2 WEEKS OFF NOW AND THE NEXT EVENT IS THE DIRT CRIT 2 IN THE WOODS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SITE ON THE 14TH JUNE 2011.
Report: Celtic Crit Dirt 1 results
Posted: 20/05/11
Picture Album courtesy of Keith Davies more>>>
The first of the Celtic Crit series produced some exciting racing right from the off. Under 8's set off at 18:45 on a tight course through the trees in Coldra Woods. 2 boys and 3 girls battled it out for 5 laps and then a sprint finish saw Ashley Cole of Abergavenny RC just taking the win from his club mate and race leader Dan Wylie by the thickness of a tyre. Winning girl was Zoe Backstedt of Maindy Flyers ahead of Evelyn Higgins Worrall and Nikita Baylis from Abergavenny RC. Great skills and determination shown by all and they set the scene for some fast and frantic action from the other categories.
Under 10's and 12's
Under 10's and 12's started together to complete the full course including some technical single track elements through water and over fallen logs. The long climb to the top of the course soon slowed some riders and this proved a challenge to pass for the faster riders. Huw Higgins Worrall of Abergavenny RC relished the technical aspects and was 4th overall and won the U10 boys from a spirited Mitchell Cole, also Abergavenny RC, and third placed Oliver Breer of Maindy Flyers. The U10 girls was won by Elynor Backstedt of Maindy Flyers with Elena Shaw of Maindy Flyers second.
Under 12's
In the U12's, newly crowned Welsh MTB Champion Megan James of Abergavenny RC took the lead and held off the eventual winner of the U12 boys, James Tillett of Newport Velo to cross the finish line first and cement her dominance in U12 MTB racing. These two fairly flew through the course and finished with big smiles and red faces from the effort. Sam Tillett, Newport Velo, and Ieuan Best, Abergavenny RC, managed to get themselves tangled up and lost time on James Tillett and came in with Ieuan second and Sam third for the boys. The girls saw Emily Tillett, Newport Velo, second and Caitlin Shaw, Maindy Flyers, third.
Under 14's and 16's
Under 14's and 16's raced together and we saw the eventual winner of theU14 race, Joe Holt, Bynea CC, moving up from 5th overall on the first lap to take the outright win ahead of the U16 boy winner Evan Edwards of Maindy Flyers. This was Joe's first MTB event! Da Iawn! Ronan Graham, Maindy Flyers, came in second in the U16's ahead of Liam Collins Jones, Newport Velo. Evan Davies, Maindy Flyers, and Teifion Best, Abergavenny RC, took second and third for the U14 boys. For the girls Ffion James, Abergavenny RC, showed great form to take the win in the U14 girls from Nicole Pollock, Newport Velo, and finish a creditable 5th overall in the U14 and U16 race.
My thanks go to the riders who turned out to race hard and skilfully, to the parents for bringing them, and to the marshals, commissaires and sign on ladies for making a smooth running, successful and entertaining evening. We have a road Crit next week 24th June and this will take place in the TOP Car Park, signed Overflow Car Park, near to the Dylans Golf and Health Club.
Hope to see you there!
Full results here>>>
