Shaun Gregory, the Visitor and Retail Manager of Roundhay Park together with John Roebuck, the Head Gardener had arranged for remedial drainage works to take place over the winter of 2008. This enabled the league to run for 11 weeks out of the 13 even after bad weather.

Previously, a heavy downpour would mean the track was unusable for two weeks. By the end of this year’s league, there were still some drainage problems but with the good will of the parks department and some redirection of the track, the season finished with a grand finale. Further drainage works are to be undertaken over this winter by Roundhay Park to further improve the track which is already at its best for several years.

The second was to increase numbers of riders as this would be the only way to survive for the future. The best way forward was to advertise the league. Thanks to the local paper, The Yorkshire Evening Post running a couple of articles, excellent coverage on the British Cycling Website and Cycling Weekly, numbers have continued to increase over the year, particularly amongst the under 12’s. From 28 freewheelers finishing last year, this year 53 children raced during the season.

In addition to the league, the first Yorkshire Grass Track Championships for several years was run on the 13th July with cash prizes and trophies for the winners and medals for the children.

By the season end, it was clear that the league was now a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the dedicated team of volunteers turning up week after week to set up and run each event. A grand finale was held on the last night with special medals for the league winners, cash for the seniors and certificates and prizes for the children. These were presented by Ron Wise (above right), who had returned for a nostalgic ride around the track after racing in there in the 50’s.

And in the future.....
Thanks to all the support and hard work by Roundhay Park, next year should bring even more success. It is hoped to continue to expand numbers, particularly for seniors and Juveniles by offering a superb track and possibly prize money. Also under discussion is to consider applying for a grant to provide bikes both fixed and free wheel to increase young participation.

Watch this space and check out both our website British Cycling for next years dates and put them in your diary. Many Olympic cyclists have raced at Roundhay, could you be the next one? www.cycleroundhay.co.uk

And Finally....
I have spent this year learning about race programmes, handicapping, promotion, regional championships, league points and track rules. I thank you all for your patience and I couldn’t have done it without all the help I have been given by everyone.

Thank You -- Mandy Parker (Now a bit more Experienced) Organiser!


West Riding Track League Final Standings 2009  
  
Seniors Fixed Wheel  
1 Paul Whatmough Shepherds Cycles 49
2 Steve Barnes  Seacroft Wheelers 28
3 Anthony Jones Featherstone RC 20
3 Neil Stainthorpe Leeds Mercury 20
4 Paul Milson Calder Clarion 16
5 Chris Parker East Bradford CC 14
6 Dave Stevens Triangle RT 10
7 Rob Tyas Maldon & District 8
7 Tim Evans East Bradford CC 8
8 Gary Marsh Seacroft Wheelers 6
8 Richard Kennedy Chesterfield Coureurs 6
9 David Kennedy Chesterfield Coureurs 1

Youth A - Under 16 Boys Fixed Wheel  
1 Matthew Rotherham Sport City Wheelers 21
2 Nick Barnes Seacroft Wheelers 18
3 Luke Simpson Leeds St Christophers 13
3 Herschel Stevens Triangle RT 13

Youth A - Under 16 Girls Fixed Wheel  
1 Rebecca Womersley Sowerby Bros Rt 10
2 Aisla Stainthorpe Leeds Mercury 9
3 Alice Oliver-Evans East Bradford CC 8

Youth B - Under 14 Boys Fixed Wheel  
1 Jake Womersley Sowerby Bros RT 32
2 Ryan Whatmough Shepherds Cycles 17
3 Edwyn Oliver-Evans East bradford CC 15
4 Matthew Holmes Leeds Mercury 14
5 Luke Banks East Bradford CC 12
5 Seb Marsh Seacroft Wheelers 12
6 Lewis Barry Sport City Velo 10

Youth C - Under 12 Boys Free Wheel  
1 Chris Barnes Seacroft Wheelers 29
2 Joe Parker Crosstrax 20
3 Tom Rotherham Eastlands Velo 7
4 David Pullan Leeds Mercury 4
5 James Kellett  3
6 Jack Diamond  2
6 Callum Watson  2
7 Alex Haywood   1

Youth C - Under 12 Girls Free Wheel  
1 Celia Hudson  4
2 Amber Bolton  1

Youth D - Under 10 Boys Free Wheel  
1 Mason Hollyman Sowerby Bros 41
2 Aidan Holmes Leeds Mercury 36
3 Stephen Jones Pontefract 33
4 Tom Pidcock Epic Cycles 31
5 Eric Mobbs Leeds Mercury 28
6 Lewis Clay  19
7 Robert Southby  18
8 Tom Cullen  16
9 Jamie Ormiston  12
10 Gaetan Stevens Triangle Rt 10
11 Jacob Dale  6
12 Will Peach  5
13 Ethan Cullen  4
14 Matthew Gordon  3
14 Ben Wilson  3
15 Charlie Peach  2
16 Oliver Harrison  1

Youth D - Under 10 Girls Free Wheel  
1 Natasha Farmer  11
2 Frankie Haywood  7
3 Robyn Watson  3
4 Izzy Curry  1
4 Bettie-Rose Ascot  1

Youth E - Under 8 Boys Free Wheel   
1 Henry Hollyman Sowerby Bros 33
2 Ella Lazenby Ampleforth 30
3 George Southby  27
4 Thomas Young  19
5 Joe Pidcock Epic Cycles 18
6 Joshua Hoskins  17
7 Samuel Watson  13
8 Patrick Ormiston Leeds Mercury 12
8 Patrick Haywood  12
9 Alex Grice  9
9 Samuel Young  9
10 Adam Mills  8
11 Joe Gordon  6
12 Stan Boucherat  5
13 Alex Watson  4
14 Josh Wilson  2
14 Samuel Mills  2

Youth E - Under 8 Girls Free Wheel  
1 Ella Lazenby Ampleforth 10
2 Robyn Clay  7
3 Isobelle Mobbs  5
4 Megan Cullen  2