Final event and overall report for the CCN Training Series 16th & 23rd February, 1st & 8th March 2008.

 Race Report 

The final event saw (yet another) windy and cold day for the riders.  A much-reduced field for the children's and youth event was still contested to the last gasp.  As many young riders were away on the Hetton Hawks training camp, we had agreed to discount the last event in terms of points. 

However, Angus Brown (Hetton Hawks CC) rode hard for maximum points in the 9 and under section and Alex Hopper (Cleveland Wheelers) managing to show a little better form than recently to take maximum from Josh Teasdale (Stockton Wheelers) in the U14s. 

Overall, Angus Brown therefore finishes on level points with Ben Moody (Hetton Hawks CC overall) for three events.  At just 7 years of age, Ben rode all three events as if he was in a big hurry to get somewhere and made best use of his start allowance on the older riders.  Best girl was Chloe Tyler, aged 6, chaperoned by her Grandfather Paul Tyler, one of the coaches.  Paul was never observed to offer any shelter to his protege!  The under - 14s was keenly contested throughout the series, with good workign and hard riding being shown by all the riders. 

The final adult event produced the usual shattering of the groups as some people found their racing legs and others discovered that they had mislaid them.  Emerging from the ruck with a strong ride that carried him clear over nearly half of the event, Chris Croxford (NewcastleUniversity) steamed away from the rest to win alone.  Also on his own, Darren Binks (Hambledon RC) started with the novice group but proceeded to tear around a windy Hetton Lyons circuit until eventually being overhauled by the winner.  Gosforth RC figured very highly in the series of events overall and provided third and fourth on the day with Paul Hague and Jonathan Powell.  Two women competitors had poor fortunes - Donna James (Durham Tri) pulling out with handling problems - deep section front wheel not a good idea, Donna - and Gosforth's Anselma Gallinat suffering a puncture after a spirited ride with the front group, including an attack when the boys weren't going hard enough. 

Overall, the adults didn't figure very highly in the results table, mostly because riders use it for the best purpose, as a guage of form and the chance to discover whether they are ready, or not, for 2008!

Thanks to all the coaches and parents who helped to keep the show on the road, particularly to Dave McLean for taking over the reigns of disorder on the second event and to Chris Nye and Tony Fawcett for a lot of help with setup and marshalling.  All support greatly appreciated. 

The prize presentation for winning riders will take place on Saturday 22nd March......when I'm back and all the riders have a chance to appear!

Tony Hodgson