Peter Waghorn reports… 5th August saw a warm and calm evening saw some fast and furious racing in the Senior A group with some close finishes needing the camera to sort out the final order. Tony Gibb won the opening 10 lap and the 10 lap block handicap but in the latter there was a tie for second spot between John McLelland and Lewis Atkins in one of the fastest races of the year – the scratch group making contact with limit group as the riders were into the final lap.
The Senior B groups opening race was won by Simon Howes by 30 metres and second spot went to veteran sprinter Dave Rowe who timed his finish to perfection. Simon Best and Colin Hodges were pleased with their first wins of the season – Simon in the Block Pursuit and Colin in the Points race.
The senior 10 mile was run at pace and although breakaways were established they lasted only a few laps before being reeled in. The field was down to 18 riders with 10 laps remaining – split and reformed a number of times. At 5 laps Tony Gibb attacked alone and rode away to win despite the efforts of the rest to catch him. In a close battle for second place John McClelland edged out Lewis Atkins by inches with Martin Dawkins close up in 4th. Tony Gibb set the fastest 10 mile so far of the season.
Youth numbers were low due to a large number of regulars being in Holland for the Assen Youth Tour. The top two groups were amalgamated with Jack Plumley scoring three victories but losing out to the strongest B riders in the 4 lap handicap – the win going to Sam Dossett from Cameron Guttrridge.
The CDE group was dominated by Michael Parry although he was made to work hard to get on terms in the three handicap races
Numbers will be back to normal next Friday when the Assen riders return.
Senior A – 10 lap Tony Gibb (Metaltek) Lewis Atkins (Orbea) John McClelland (Agiskoviner)
10 lap Block H’Cap – Tony Gibb (Metaltek) = 2nd John McClelland (Agiskoviner) Lewis Atkins (Orbea)
Devil – Tony Gibb (Metaltek) Lewis Atkins (Orbea) Martin Dawkins (Team Quest)
10 mile – Tony Gibb (Metaltek) John McClelland (Agiskoviner) Lewis Atkins (Orbea)
Senior B – 10 lap – Simon Howes (Spirit RT) Dave Rowe (34th Nomads) Pat Herron (Welwyn)
10 lap Block Pursuit – Simon Best (North Road) Colin Hodges (Welwyn) Ben Smith (Welwyn)
10 lap Points – Colin Hodges (Welwyn) Simon Best (North Road) Ben Smith (Welwyn)
Youth A
5 lap scratch – Jack Plumley (Welwyn) Chris Hodges (Welwyn) Luke Morgan (CC Luton)
Points – Jack Plumley (Welwyn) Luke Morgan (CC Luton) Chris Hodges (Welwyn)
Devil – Jack Plumley (Welwyn) Ollie Fensom (Spalding) Chris Hodges (Welwyn)
Youth B
5 lap scr – Sam Dossett (Welwyn) Cameron Gutteridge (Lea Valley) Emily Mellor (Hillingdon)
4 lap ABC H’cap – Sam Dossett (Welwyn) Cameron Gutteridge (Lea Valley) Jack Plumley (Welwyn)
Youth C
3lap scr – Michael Parry (Welwyn) Alexi Edwards (Wqelwyn) Tristan Rayner (CC Ashwell)
3 lap H’cap – Michael Parry (Welwyn) Tristan Rayner (CC Ashwell) Alexi Edwards (Welwyn)
4 lap H’cap – Michael Parry (Welwyn) Tristan Rayner (CC Ashwell) Harriet Mellor (Hillingdon)