News: TMG Horizon Trophy Race

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June 26 sees the third running of the National B TMG Horizon Trophy on the Cublington Circuit in Buckinghamshire

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News: TMG Horizon Trophy Race

Organiser Neil Wass is unfazed by the clash of dates with the National Championships: “we’ve always aimed to provide a decent race for local riders”, he says. “And there’s no shortage of quality competition in our our region.”

Wass founded the Central Road Race League in conjunction with a growing number of local clubs which has seen the number of fixtures rise to provide a calendar which is supporting the growth of the lower categories and offering some healthy local competition in the higher ranks. “It seems to generate some decent banter if nothing else,” he laughs.

There should be banter aplenty around on the 26th. Last year’s 2nd placed rider, Roy Chamberlain of Corley Cycles will be out for the top step after coming so close. With a talented group behind him who currently top the Central League Rankings, he may be short on excuses.  … continued after advert

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CC Luton meanwhile, are fielding two National Masters Champions in Ashley Cox (2015) and Doug Coleman (2016). Having worked together to take 2nd and 3rd in the Central Championships on June 5, they will not be cut much slack. Coleman, having taken the title only 2 weeks ago, is candid about his possibilities: “I know I’ll be watched but so will plenty of others, and we do at least have more than one card to play.”

Spirit Bikes, however, seem to be on stellar form in the lead up. Marked men they may be, but they seem to excel in the art of surprise. With their Shop less than 8 miles away, they will be on their home ground and looking to add the TMG Trophy to their most successful season yet. Jake Hales may be their top ranked rider at 33rd in the National Rankings of late, but as team owner Russell Rowles puts it: “No-one cares who wins in our team, as long as it’s one of us,” and with Ed Clemens 2nd in the Nick Clark Memorial to Dan Bigham on the 12th, they are simmering nicely.

There may yet be surprises from further afield though: The length of the race attracted some late entries last year from local riders based in Belgium and the ‘Belgian’ form showed as Robert Smail of Tomac CC took the win with his team mate Joe Harris in 3rd and Stephen Orbie of VI Technics in 4th, also based out of Belgium. Already entered from the continent this year are Chris Dredge (ex Spirit Bikes) and Stephen Bradbury of Goma Dakwerken.

“It’s great to see such a full field,” says Wass. “We’ve persevered with this event and it’s slowly rising in profile. I’ve a feeling this will be the most exciting yet.”

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