Report: York Sport Partnership Criterium 1

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Freddie Jagger & Kay Brass winners at a wet first round of the York Sport Partnership Criterium Series on Tuesday night

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Julie Rodman writes …

Well it had to happen in the end, we had rain at the York Sport races after the test events were dry. So the first race for ranking points and the rain decided to make an appearance and with the Otley criteriums the following night, we were surprised at the amount of riders who signed on to race.

The first race up was the ladies and it was good to see debut riders to the track Laura Hirst – Sports City Velo and Sophie Newmarsh – Seacroft Whs who were joined by Kay Brass of Army CU.

Kay showing her strength attacked from the gun and soon strung out the riders. You could certainly see her track craft and bike handling as she cornered superbly. The ladies battled the elements with wind and rain and finished for a win for Kay from Laura and Sophie.

The rain eased a little for the men to take to the track, however the tarmac certainly was wet. Twenty eight riders took to the track to compete over fifty minutes, and before the whistle was blown, Steve Johnson (Slipstream) was ready to jump away resplendent in his national championship jersey. During the evening, many attacks were to attempted however none stuck with key riders having a go including Simon West (Cycle sense), Alex Fold (Dirtwheels), and Steve Johnson.

The pace was fast and furious and as the lap board showed the last 8 laps, Neil Hendry decided to make his way to the front. He didn’t seem to mind the rain soaked evening and felt out the front was the best place to be. He was to be joined by Freddie Jagger, a new fourth cat rider and they worked well together for the last 6 laps.

As the bell was rung, they had a gap of 10 seconds, not a lot over the kilometre circuit. This was to be the winning move however with youth gaining the win over experience, Freddie taking his first career win, from the very experienced rider Neil Hendry.

The bunch following was ready for the bunch sprint and they weren’t disappointed. As they hit the final corner, three riders broke away, with Giles Pidcock, organiser of the Otley Town Races, taking the win from Simon West with Craig Armitage who was just holding on to fifth from the fast approaching Lee Gates, AlbaRosa RT.

Lee continued into the corner at speed and due to the conditions couldn’t hold his line with his bike slipping away from him. He did a manoeuvre which would have been well suited to a gymnastics arena rather than a cycle track, and landed into the fence. Suffering a wrist injury and fence marks on his chest, we wish him a speedy recovery.

It was a sterling job by all the team of officials and helpers in very wet circumstances tonight, with everyone doing their bit to make it run smoothly. They were rewarded by superb racing by everyone.

Results
Ladies
1. Kay Brass. Army CU
2. Laura Hirst. Sports City Velo
3. Sophie Newmarsh Seacroft Whs.

Men 2/3/4

1. Freddie Jagger. Unattached. junior
2. Neil Hendry. Dirtwheels RT
3. Giles Pidcock. Chevin Cycles
4. Simon West. cycle Sense
5. Craig Armitage. Crosstrax
6. Lee Gates. AlboRosa RT
7. Steve Johnson. Slipstream
8. Dave Henson. Ellis Briggs RT
9. Julian Varley. Harrogate Nova
10. Jon Savage. Clifton CC

Next week the same races again, ladies 7pm, Men’s 2/3/4 at 8pm we look forward to seeing you there.

 

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