Three of Banbury Star CC’s juniors were again back in action on Sunday, returning to race in round 4 of the Hillingdon Slipstreamers Youth Series. Although a long trip down to Hayes, the juniors really love the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit – its 1.5km length, 6-metre-wide track, is a great safe venue for junior racing
Henry Boyles took part in the in the Under 10s. Initially he made a poor start, but with a good push he managed to catch up and join the main group. This then allowed him to start working with a few other riders, eventually crossing the line 6th in the boy’s category.
Bella (89) and Poppy (96) line up for the start
Later his sister Bella, together with Poppy Kisley, lined up in the under 16 girls, a category they dominated the previous week. Normally the boys and girls race together, but this week it was decided not to mix up them up and so it was down to the 8 girls entered to race amongst themselves.
On lap one Amelie Freeman from Team MK made a break and managed to hold her lead for the remainder of the 55-minute race to take a well-deserved win. The Banbury Star girls settled in well and tried to get the other girls organised to reel in Amelie’s early break. However, they weren’t interested and after a few probing attacks it was clear it was going to come down to a bunch sprint for the remaining places.
Bella and Poppy lead the chase
The Star girls were almost inseparable across the line with Bella finishing in 4th, just a fraction ahead of Poppy who took 5th.
Another great afternoon of racing from the club’s enthusiastic juniors.