Last time we reported on the early racing activities of the big boys, but a few of our juniors are already well into the new racing season.
Going by the amazing time he set going up Burton Dassett in the Durran Cup last season, young Sam Martin clearly has talent. He’s got off to an excellent start to the new road season, with his first races in the under-16 category. Keen to enter some early season races, the first was a trip to the Trek Winter Series at the Odd Down circuit in Bath. Sam finished 3rd, winning the sprint after two riders got away in an early break.
This was followed up with races in the Full Gas Winter Series at Hillingdon closed circuit near Hayes. Also racing in this series were the Presidents two children, Isabella and Henry Boyles.
Sam finished an excellent 1st and 2nd in the two races he competed in, both followed a similar pattern with no successful breaks, with Sam always looking strong in the closely contested bunch sprints.
Isabella has taken three podium places in the past three races. Her best was 1st place in the U16/14 and 14 girls’ race, finishing strong in the sprint and nearly beating the U14 lead boy in the process. Henry’s best result was 4th place, in what is a tough year racing in the U12s, as he’s still one of the youngest.
The season is now well and truly underway and in the next few weeks the Slipstreamers Spring Series starts, again at Hillingdon circuit, plus the closer, MK Youth Spring Series at the popular Milton Keynes Bowl.
Let’s hope our juniors can maintain their good form and hopefully be joined by others.