Whilst the club’s Festival of Racing event was the focal point of attention and interest at the weekend, we must not overlook the two remarkable achievements of junior Sam Martin.
On Sunday, Sam entered the National Youth 10-mile TT Championship, this year held on a course near Goole in Yorkshire. Finishing with a time of 21:50, he won the 14-year-old category, placing him an impressive 12th overall in a field of around 70 riders. The fast, flat course saw an overall winning time of 20:09, set by 16-year-old Toby Bush (Team Bottril)..
This is the most prestigious youth TT in the country, with riders aged between 12 and 17 competing for the GHS trophy, (founded in 1962 and named after George Herbert Stancer who promoted youth cycling throughout his life). Previous winners include Chris Boardman, Alex Dowsett and Josh Tarling. Sam still has a few more years ahead to try and join that impressive list.
Sam receiving his medal from Adam Duggelby, previous winner, multiple national champion and GB Paralympic tandem pilot.
This of course all followed his Saturday success at the club’s annual hill climb at Burton Dassett. As fastest club member up the hill and with an excellent 5th place overall, Sam won the Durran Cup. He rocketed up the hill in a time of 1.10.09, taking a further 5 seconds off his U16 record in the process.
Sam’s quick warm up on Saturday, for his TT on Sunday (photo Paul Dean)
We believe this is the first time a junior has won this coveted trophy. This might also be the case for fellow junior Poppy Kisley, who won the women’s Broadribbs Cup.
Fastest time went again to Tobi Ng (PB Performance) on 1.02.00, Ellis Pullinger (Rugby Velo) was second on 1.06.84 and Robert Sansby (Leics RC) on 1.06.85.