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Youngsters in the Tour of Priory Park As the Tour de France works its way around France, youngsters across Southend had two opportunities to find out what it is like to race with their own Go-Ride Race event held in Priory Park, Southend. The event set up and run by Southend Wheelers cycling club provided youngsters with some coaching points before each rider had the chance to test their time trial skills before taking part in a handicapped mass start event for each age group. Southend Wheelers Club coach Chris Smith said we set up a small course in the park which provided all the riders aged 4yrs upwards to test their ability to negotiate the twists and turns and bike handling skills, whilst providing them with real life race scenarios. Prior to the event riders had the chance to get used to the circuit and receiving tuition in starting, cornering and sprinting. Split into their age categories, each rider then competed in an individual time trial around the course so that groups could be handicapped to ability and speed, followed by a mass start race on one or more laps depending upon age groups. All those who took part received a water bottle whilst the top three in each event further received medals and certificates. Commenting on the two days Chris said It was great to see all the riders give a 100% effort, which resulted in some very close finishes it was great to see so youngsters taking part especially as the Olympics is not far away and on our doorstep at Hadleigh. My thanks also goes out to British Cycling and Sky for supporting and sponsoring these events. I
am so please with how well the events went we are that now looking at
some more Go-Ride Race events and Go-Ride cycle coaching during the rest
of this year and into 2012. Whilst the youngsters raced around Prior Park Southend Wheelers Senior riders competed in a range of events across the County. Both Denise Kemp and Robin Bevan rode in the clubs open promotion the Norman Wells Memorial 50 mile time trial. Held near Steeple both riders rode well in the dry, windy but cool morning. Robin Bevan recording a time of 2 hrs 13 mins 50 secs whilst Denise finished in 2 hrs 24 mins. But ride of the day, with a new course record went to Steve Davis of East Grinstead CC in a time of 1 hr 47 mins 58 secs a remarkable ride. On the road racing scene Phil Holloway gained a 4th place in the hilly LVRC (League of Veteran Racing Cyclists) Ciclos Uno Summer Road Race at Blackmore village. In the Dunton Go-Race series senior rider Mike Knott gained 7th place, whilst Martin Elms finished 9th and Ben Willy finishing in the main bunch. Super Veteran, Roy Godbeer rode the LVRC Criterium Championships finishing in Silver medal position. Club Chairman, Chris Smith said Its great to see so many of our riders performing well across all disciplines and age categories. Southend Wheelers cater for all aspects of cycling from leisure through to competition and inclusive of all ages. If you have an interest in cycling and looking for a local cycling club then why not visit us on Sunday mornings at Canewdon Village Hall from 10am until 1pm
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| Roy Godbeer collects another award at the LVRC Criterium Championship |
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Race Results from Go-Race in Priory Park Week one due to abilities on the day some riders rode outside their age groups in order to provide a fairer racing competition. Week two rider rode within their categories. Southend Wheelers Priory Park Event 1 Under 12 Under 10 Under 8 Southend Wheelers Priory Park Event 2 Under 8 Under 10 Under 12 |
