More great racing and a huge turnout for the last round of the Velo29 Winter Series.
After the disappointment of cancelling Round 3 due to ice on the circuit, Velo29 Events were back with some sunshine, dry conditions and despite a stiff breeze, a good temperature for the final round of the 2012 Velo29 Winter Series.
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130 riders took part across the 2 events, a record for the Winter Series and possibly North East Racing!
The 4th Cat/ Go-race event got under way on time with a field of 75 riders split across 2 groups. The Go-Race riders were given 1 minute handicap. It was a sizeable group of around 15, great to see so many new people taking to Racing. The huge 4th Cat group, working well together caught them quite quickly and the lap times over the 9 lap race were pretty impressive for the time of year.
Black Hawk rider David Charman, looking lean and on form took the 5 lap prime, sprinting quite comfortable ahead of the big bunch.
Various attempts to get away were made but the race was decided by a bunch sprint. In fact, the top 10 were so close we had to spend quite some time checking the photo finish to be sure of the correct order!
In the end it was Struan Mcinnes of RST racing who brought home the bunch ahead of Samuel Bennet and Paul Rymer in 3rd place. Velo29 events regular Ruari Grant just pipped Sunderland Clarion rider Stuart Neilson for 4th.
We really hope the new riders who have joined the Sport this Winter stick at it and find their feet in the Sport. We’ve meet some great people and seen some impressive racing from loads of new faces. It’s a huge part of what Velo29 Events are about.
Immediately after the prize presentation, the E/1/2/3/4 race was under way, no time to rest for the 4th Cat’s doing both races! We split the field into 3 groups, 4th Cats, 3rd Cats and the everyone else. There were no Elite’s and only 4 1st Cats so it seemed a little harsh to set them off alone. Things will be different at the North East Trophy!
Despite the rising wind, which usually slows the less experienced riders the 3rd cat group was making an impressive pace! Once they caught the 4th Cat group, a very sneaky move of 3 riders realised the scratch group were making little progress and nipped off the front.
The gap grew rapidly and in fact, despite dropping in numbers as the race went on it was finally John Cann of Infinity Cycles, instigator of this bold move who smoothly pedalled home in 1st place ahead of Team Mate, Andy Beattie.
Ex Velo29 rider, Harry Tanfield brought the Peleton home in 3rd place ahead of Will Haynes, now with Black Hawk Bikes. Ever present Levi Moody, despite spending much of the race in small breaks still had energy left for 5th place.
The participation in this years’ Winter Series has been tremendous and we are very grateful to all the riders, some who have travelled miles to take part in the Velo29 Events. We were gutted to cancel a round and even our brave attempts to chip the ice with a spade were not going to allow us to race!
The 25th Feb is the North East Trophy, one of the biggest events in the North. We really hope you join us for this, as a rider or spectator. We have some of the best riders in the Nation coming to race on the Croft Circuit, it will be a wonderful event.
Full results from this weeks race;
E/1/2/3/4
1 John Cann, Inifinity Cycles
2 Andy Beattie, Infinity Cycles
3 Harry Tanfield, Wallis Cycles
4 William Haynes, BlackHawkBikes.com
5 Levi Moody, Pedalsport CC
6 Tom Arnstein, Equipe Velo Ecosse
7 Andrew Miles, Durham University
8 Paul Rymer, Wilson Wheels Race Team
9 Mark Perry, Dirt Wheels
10 Matt Rossiter, Durham University
Go-Race/ 4th Cat
1 Struan Mcinnes, RST Racing
2 Samuel Bennet, Dirtwheels Cycles
3 Paul Rymer, Wilson Wheels Race Team
4 Ruari Grant, Durham University
5 Stuart Neilson, Sunderland CC
6 Andrew Wasteney, RVO Racing
7 James Peacock
8 Calum Campbell, Private Member
9 Paul Drop, Wilson Wheels Race Team
10 Rob Shields, Gosforth RC
