FIRST indications are that it will be an exciting season’s racing in the Guernsey Flyers. Fifty-three riders registered for the opening race meeting of the Guernsey Velo Club’s under-12 section, sponsored by Chertsey House Dental Group, and were split into five age groups ranging from six up to 11-year-olds.
Each rider took part in two races, the first being a one-lap time trial of Delancey Park’s 666m Tarmac track, purposely laid for cycle racing. First away in the Year 1 and 2 race was Jack Le Tissier who, despite mechanical problems just after the start, went on to complete the course in 2min. 54sec.
Winner of this age group was Sam Culverwell, who clocked 1-54, the 28th fastest of all the starters, a great time considering he is only seven. Riders started at 30 second intervals and the times started to get quicker and quicker as the older ones further down the start list completed their flying lap.
The winners of the other age groups were Miles Davey (Year 3) in 1-33, Louis Morellec (Year 4) in 1-37, Billy Russell (Year 5) in 1-23 and the Year 6 victor Max Thornton, who had the fastest time of the day of 1-22.
Other notable rides were from the fastest girl, Katie Rowe, who finished in 1-27, which was also the fourth fastest of the night, and Ceejay Merrien in a time of 1-37, second girl and ninth fastest overall.
The second race of the night was a handicap circuit race for each age group with the handicaps based upon the rider’s time in the one-lap time trial.
With this format of racing, the slowest rider started first and the fastest last, with the first across the line being the winner.
If the handicapper gets it right, each race should result in a massed sprint for the line as the faster riders close in on the slower ones.
Spectators were not disappointed as each race provided an exciting finish.
Year 3 with 19 riders was split into an A and B race with the A providing such a close finish that several riders were give equal placing.
Le Tissier took the honours in Years 1 and 2 while James Hudson and Edward Ewart won the Year 3 A and B races respectively.
In the older groups, Billy-Reece Rive was first in Year 4, Jonathon Groves in Year 5 and the Year 6 race was won by Harry Barrett-Giles.
Article posted on 29th May, 2008 - 2.29pm
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