HOLME Valley Wheelers youth squad stepped onto the national cycling stage in Bradford with a measure of success in the penultimate round of the National Youth Circuit Series.
In gusting winds of up to 35mph and alternating torrential rain and bright sunshine, they tested their speed and tactics against national and regional champions.
Under 8s and Under 10s were brought together for the first race (10 laps, 5 miles) and in the girls’ section Elphina Waterman was second in the U8s, with Felicity Gledhill and Sunnivar Waterman 2nd and 3rd U10s.
In the boys’ U10s, club rivals Jack Ford and Tyrus Waterman managed to hang on to 4th and 5th in a bunched sprint to the line. Mason Hollyman (Sowerby Brothers CRT, Mirfield) was first home.
The U12s race over 15 laps produced the first display of tactical riding with clubmates Jo Williams, Ben Dickinson and Seth Waterman working well together and staying with the leaders through regular attacks and decelerations.
An unfortunate incident in the 12th lap saw Waterman crash out as a result of a rear wheel collision with another rider. Williams and Dickinson finished just outside the first 5. Reece Wood (Aire Valley RT) won, with Manchester’s Matt Walls and Leighton Sharman 2nd and 3rd.
Amira Mellor was up against a very strong field from the north and midlands in the combined U14 and U16 girls’ race.
She misjudged the speed of numerous early attacks that were launched by the eventual winner of the U14s Grace Garner (Leicestershire Road Club) and, despite a brave rally in the final laps, finished outside the placings.
In the last two races, both over 30 laps, Leon Gledhill and Jacob Scott found themselves up against brothers and national champions Charlie and Harry Tanfield (Velo 29) in the U14s and U16s.
Leon Gledhill rode another intelligent race by staying with the lead group and allowing others to share the work.
Local rivals Seb Marsh (Paul Milne Cycles) and Billy Harding (VS Cycles) also contributed to a game of ‘cat and mouse’ until the final lap, when Charlie Tanfield was able to squeeze through a group of lapped riders to beat Gledhill to the finishing line and take first place.
And in the U16s, after a number of attempts in the early stages of the race, Jake Scott was able to make an impressive break from the bunch alongside Jake Ragan (Sportcity Velo).
However, national champion Harry Tanfield and Sportcity Velo riders Chris Lawless and Chris Latham were too experienced to be shaken off six laps from home.
In the final sprint, Tanfield took the win from Lawless and Latham. Scott finished a very creditable 8th.
