Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man
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"You are in 2006 Archived News " 28th December * Don't forget that the James Berry Memorial ride-out takes place this coming Sunday (31st Dec), departing from the NSC at 9.15am. Everyone is welcome. * The club's popular winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall resume next Thursday night (4th Jan), starting at 6.30pm. * Tickets are selling fast for the club's annual fundraising concert at Marown School on Saturday, 13th January. Book now to avoid disappointment. * Colum O'Shea will be attending the Cycling Time Trials "Champions Night" in Nottingham on Saturday, 6th January to pick up the prestigious GHS Team Award that the club won (for the third time in four years) at the British national final of the juvenile 10 mile championship, staged in Cambridgeshire last September. Unfortunately, team mates Mark Christian and Tom Black will not be present due to prior engagements. _____________________________________________ 23rd December * Please note that there will be a social ride-out in memory of James Berry on Sunday, 31st December 2007, leaving the NSC at the usual club run time of 9.15am. Meet at the car park next to the all-weather hockey pitches. Everyone is welcome. * The club's seventh and final spin session of 2006 was held at the Braaid last Thursday night (December 21st). The sessions resume on Thursday week, 4th January 2007, and will continue up to the start of the new season in April. * A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man. _____________________________________________ 20th December * A bucket collection at the end of a performance of the Robinson Crusoe pantomime, currently showing at the Gaiety theatre in Douglas, raised a fantastic £325.48p for club funds. * Tickets for the club's annual fundraising concert at Marown school on Saturday, 13th January 2007 are now on sale at £6 each, including supper. Contact Dot on 851691 to place your order. * Don't forget that British Cycling membership and racing licences do not run concurrently. All racing licences expire on December 31st and need to be renewed before the start of the racing season. Meanwhile, the club has once again been allocated a limited number of free silver membership forms for prospective new members to British Cycling. Contact Dot for more details. * Christopher Nicholson was in Manchester again last weekend for another of British Cycling's Talent Team training camps. During the weekend he was put through his paces in a 2km time trial on the velodrome track, clocking an excellent 2mins 47secs to beat his previous best time for the distance by a massive seven seconds. Chris's impressive performance has gained him a nomination for a place on the 2007 Talent Team, due to be announced early in the New Year. _____________________________________________ 17th December * Team members Adam Johnson, Robin Garry, Matthew Berry, Christopher Nicholson and Colum O'Shea were in Manchester last weekend to ride in the Friday night track league. Relative track racing novices Adam, Robin and Matthew competed in group one, with Robin posting a good third place in one of the events. An under the weather Chris, who was also attending a British Cycling Talent Team training camp, gained a third in group three and Colum had a top ten placing in group four. Meanwhile, Mark Christian scored some impressive results in the following day's DHL "stars of the future" series to maintain his overall lead in the competition. * Participants in last Thursday night's turbo training session in the Braaid hall had another good workout. After this coming Thursday's (December 21st) session there will be a short one week break for Christmas and the New Year. The sessions will resume on Thursday, 4th January 2007. * At the Ballakermeen High School Prize Day special guest Dot Tilbury presented Mark Christian and Tom Black with the GHS British National 10 mile time trial shield they won with TSP club mates Matthew Looker and Colum O'Shea in 2005 and 2006. Mark was also the joint winner with Christopher Whorrall of the newly introduced James Berry Memorial Trophy for Commitment to Sport. _____________________________________________ 10th December * The attendance at the club's weekly spin sessions in the Braaid hall continues to grow and grow. Indeed, several extra turbo trainers had to be hurriedly borrowed to meet the demand at last Thursday night's session. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson on his superb victory in round 10 of the Eurocycles mountain bike league. * Subject to confirmation, the club's annual fund raising concert at Marown School will be on Saturday, 13th January 2007. The event is always a sellout, so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Over £1,500 was raised last year. * What a fantastic year club patron David Knight has had. As well as retaining his World Enduro Championship in such fine style (he won every round). the Ballaugh superstar has also won the recent Barcelona Indoor Enduro and the arduous Red Bull Last Man Standing event in Texas, USA. * The Fellowship of Manx Veteran Cyclists has kindly donated £50 to the British Red Cross to help with the excellent first aid coverage that the organisation provides for the Scottish Provident Tuesday night youth league. * Despite a recent £5,000 restock, supplies of club clothing are starting to run out. If you need any items for Christmas presents etc, contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im now. _____________________________________________ 4th December * Despite the atrocious weather conditions, there was a good turnout in the Braaid hall last Thursday night for the fourth of the club's popular winter turbo training sessions. Included in the hour long programme were a structured series of sprint, hill climb and time trial exercises. The sessions are held every Thursday, starting at 6.30pm. * Following this year's successful introduction, the club's "rider of the month" competition will be repeated again next season. The 2006 winners were Colum O'Shea, Alex Haddock, Christopher Nicholson, Mark Christian and Tom Black. * Anyone reaching the age of seventeen during 2007 can be considered for next July's Island Games in Rhodes, Greece. * It's great to see so many club members competing and doing well in other sports, including badminton, athletics, swimming, motocross, triathlon and football. * What others have said about us - part 17 .......... "For over a decade Scottish Provident International is proud to have supported the Children's Cycling League. During that time thousands of local children have enjoyed making this a successful and growing event" .......... (Scottish Provident International, Manxlife February 2005). _____________________________________________ 28th November * The final total that Sarah Berry, Liz Boothman and Suzanne O'Sullivan raised for the club in last June's Parish Walk is a fantastic £2,790.50p. The three intrepid walkers collected a fantastic total of £1,564.50p in sponsorship between them, with their employers the Royal Bank of Scotland and Abbey National adding another £1,226 from their respective charitable community award schemes. * The guest of honour at the Road Time Trials prestigious Champions Night awards ceremony will be former world champion, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, world hour record holder and multi British national champion Yvonne McGregor MBE. Representatives from TSPIOM will be there to pick up the 12 year old girls' prize and the magnificent GHS team shield that Lucy Johnson, Mark Christian, Tom Black and Colum O'Shea won for the club at last September's national youth 10 mile final in Cambridgeshire. * Mark Christian is currently leading the boys DHL Future Stars competition in the Revolution track series at the Manchester velodrome. Mark's introduction to track racing was on the club's coaching trip to the velodrome in 2003. * The club's spin training nights at the Braaid continue to be very well supported, with all six of the recently purchased turbo trainers in constant use. It's good to see so many girls attending the sessions, which start at 6.30pm. * The club has received a further £5,000 grant from the Public Lottery Trust for the purchase of more road/track loan bikes for members to use. _____________________________________________ 15th November * Christopher Nicholson returned to the Manchester velodrome last Friday to compete in round 5 of the Friday night track league. Following his excellent showing in the previous week's round (several top three placings), the young TSPIOM rider was moved up a class, fully justifying his "promotion" with excellent fourth places in the points and unknown distance events plus a good seventh in the devil. Chris was in Manchester as a guest rider for the latest of British Cycling's Talent Team training camps. On Sunday he took part in his first ever cyclo-cross race, finishing a respectable tenth or eleventh. * The second of the club's winter training nights takes place in the Braaid hall this Thursday, starting at 6.30pm. Don't forget to bring your own turbo trainer if you have one. _____________________________________________ 10th November * It was good to see so many new faces at the Braaid last Thursday night for the first of the club's 2006/07 winter training sessions. The sessions are held every Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm. * British Cycling coach Bob Barber has been in touch to congratulate the club on its recent trip to the Manchester velodrome and to say how much he enjoyed working with the team. * While they were on the coaching trip Christopher Nicholson, Tom Black, Colum O'Shea, Jack Wolstencroft, Alicia Corlett and Caroline O'Neill competed in a round of the Manchester Regional Track League (division 1), with Chris producing a string of top three placings in Group 2 and Tom gaining a second in Group 3. Several team members are planning to return to the velodrome for the November 17th round. * TSPIOM clothing is available to club members at heavily subsidised prices. Most items, including long sleeved training tops, are on offer at less than half the original cost price ! * British Cycling's end of season roundup for the 2006 Michelin Youth Circuit Race National Series confirms that there were three top twelve finishes for TSPIOM riders. Christopher Nicholson was 5th overall in the under 14's boys and Alicia Corlett 4th in the under 14's girls, while Mark Christian was 11th in the under 16's boys. _____________________________________________ 8th November * The club's latest track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome last weekend was another great success. A total of 32 members made the journey, with over half of them taking to "the boards" for the very first time. The club hired the track for five hours on Saturday afternoon and for four hours on Sunday morning. Top British Cycling coach Bob Barber ran the sessions, which ended with a series of time trials, flying 200 metre races and team pursuits results here. BBC Television North West arrived on the Saturday to film the proceedings for a report they are doing on the club and its achievements. _____________________________________________ 27th October * The club's annual report and accounts for 2006 have recently been published, showing an increased turnover of £42,000. Scottish Provident sponsored the club for the thirteenth year in succession, with additional financial support coming from the Public Lottery Trust, the Rotary Club, the Gough Ritchie Trust, the Clucas Trust and Shoprite. Donations received in memory of James Berry amounted to an amazing £3,277.52p, further boosted by the £1,751.50p (to be matched by their employers) that James's mother Sarah, Liz Boothman and Suzanne O'Sullivan (Colum O'Shea's mum) raised in sponsorship from their marvellous endeavours in the Parish Walk. During the year the club organised thirteen off-island racing and coaching trips, costing in excess of £21,000, and increased its stock of loan bikes to sixteen (8 track and 8 road). The outlay for the prize presentation in the Villa Marina was over £8,000. * The club's annual fundraising concert in Marown school will be held in January 2007. Last year's event raised over £1,500. * Tom Black, Alicia Corlett, Christopher Nicholson, Caroline O'Neill, Colum O'Shea and Jack Wolstencroft will be competing in the November 3rd round of the Friday night league at the Manchester velodrome. On the Saturday and Sunday a large group of their team mates will be joining them for two days of intensive coaching and training. * Don't forget that the club's winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid hall get underway on Thursday, 9th November, starting at 6.30pm. _____________________________________________ 15th October * Thanks
to the generosity of a local charitable trust, the club will be purchasing six
new turbo trainers for members to use at the weekly spin sessions in the Braaid
hall. _____________________________________________ 8th October * Following a recent British Cycling testing session, Christopher Nicholson has been invited to attend a selected number of Talent Team training camps as a guest rider. * The postponed Shoprite Challenge charity relay ride around the TT course has been rescheduled for Sunday, 25th February 2007. * At least six club members will be contesting some of the rounds in this winter's weekly track leagues at the Manchester velodrome. * We have a new supply of club clothing available at heavily subsidised prices. All sizes are in stock at the moment, so if you need any items contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im . * There has been a great deal of interest in the club's forthcoming turbo training nights in the Braaid hall. The sessions are due to start on Thursday, 9th November. _____________________________________________ 3rd October * TSP riders performed well in last Sunday's Alex Forrest / Family 2-Up 10 mile time trial. Tom Black and partner Dave Taylor (MRC) posted a rapid 23 minutes and 05 seconds, second fastest behind the tandem pairing of Ian Sharpe and Andrew Cook. Mark Christian and Peter Gage were fourth best in 23.42 and Christopher Nicholson and Andrew Roche 5th on 23.46. Alex Kinvig and Rob Christiian were 12th in 25.32, some 29 seconds ahead of Sam and Jeff Looker, who pipped Matthew and Ken Berry for the best father and son prize by a narrow 13 seconds. Tom and Gary Mazzone, another father and son combination, were seventeenth in 27.10 and Warwick Sanderson did well to accompany Dave Taylor on his second outing of the day to a respectable 20th position in 28.15. Alicia and Julian Corlett were the leading father and daughter in 23rd spot on 28.49, with Laura and Peter Gage third father and daughter in 27th overall on 30.34. Adam and Brian Johnson finished 28th in 31.26, just five seconds and one position ahead of Lucy Johnson and Keith Redhead, who in turn had 58 seconds in hand over Alex and Peter Christian in 31st spot. Johnathan Cregeen and Stuart Mason clocked 39.47 in 35th place. _____________________________________________ 26th September * Thanks to the hard work of "directeur sportif" Ken Berry, the club will be well represented in this Sunday's Alex Forrest Memorial two-up 10-mile time trial at Ballavarran. Alex was one of the main instigators of the Tuesday night youth league at the NSC. * Tom Black has produced a DVD of this year's Kerry Youth Tour. Copies at just £2 each can be obtained from tomblack10@gmail.com. * Over 30 riders have put their names down for the club's forthcoming track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome. * Matthew Berry, Tom Black, Mark Christian, Oliver Honeybone and Colum O'Shea will be joining team mates Alex Kinvig, Matthew Looker, Caroline O'Neill and Mark Redhead in the junior ranks next season. _____________________________________________ 22nd September * Sarah Berry, Liz Boothman and Suzanne O'Sullivan all took part in last June's Parish Walk in memory of James Berry and to raise money for TSPIOM club funds. Sarah and Liz, who are workmates at the Isle of Man Bank, collected over £1,500 between them and Suzanne, a Scottish Provident International employee, raised £226. Both amounts are being matched by the girls' employers. A fantastic effort by all concerned. * After scoring an excellent third place in the final round, Christopher Nicholson finished a very good fifth overall in British Cycling's national under 14's circuit race series. * Congratulations to Victoria Kinrade on her superb bronze medal winning ride in the British national BMX championships and also to 17 year old Alex Kinvig for his amazing thirteenth place in the recent End to End mountain bike race. * The annual Shoprite Cycle for Life family fun ride along the Douglas promenade cycle path was another great success. Unfortunately, the relay race around the TT course had to be postponed because of the wet and misty conditions. * Resplendent in his TSPIOM kit, Mark Christian's brilliant victory in the youth event at the finish of the Tour of Britain in London was a marvellous advert for the Isle of Man. _____________________________________________ 19th September * The club's prize presentation ceremony for the 2006 Scottish Provident league took place in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina last Sunday Night. Scottish Provident's Lillian Boyle and Alison Rymill, ably assisted by Tourism Minister David Cretney MHK, handed out the medals and prizes in front of a packed house. Guests of honour included representatives from the IOM Sports Council and the Public Lottery Trust. The overall class winners were named as Ryan Forrest, Lucy Callow, Adam Scarffe, Amelia Sharpe, Thomas Bostock, Megan Kelly, Marcus Simpson, Eleanor Davies, Owen Dudley, Emily Kelly, Matthew Bostock, Victoria Kinrade, Matthew Davies, Laura Kinley, Joshua Knights, Sarah Quine, Alexander Haddock, Lucy Johnson, Christopher Nicholson, Alicia Corlett, Matthew Looker and Mark Christian. As always, one of the highlights of the night was the announcing of the winners of the five special awards for notable performances on and off the island. Nine year old Matthew Bostock received the Peter Buckley memorial trophy for the best young prospect and Alicia Corlett collected the Marie Noon award for the most outstanding girl. Christopher Nicholson picked up the £100 George Wilson memorial bursary, while Colum O'Shea was awarded the Steve Hislop memorial cup as the most improved rider of the year. The prestigious Alex Forrest trophy, which T-Mobile rider Mark Cavendish won in 1998, went to Tom Black for his time trialling achievements and impressive performance in the Kerry Youth Tour. He also received the gold cup and £25 he won as the club's rider of the month for August. Finally, an emotional Mark Christian was presented with two new and very special awards in memory of his great friend James Berry. The trophies, which are to be given annually to the under 16's Scottish Provident league champion and the under 16's 10 league winner, were handed over to Mark by James's father Ken and brother Matthew. These unique trophies consist of two silver Mercury figures (the messenger of the gods) on beautiful etched bases created by Pooil Vaaish Quarry, who kindly donated their services free of charge. The figures are the same as those used for the coveted TT replicas and special permission had to be obtained from the IOM tourist Board, the Manx Motorcycle Club and the Auto Cycle Union to reproduce them. A total of 446 youngsters took part in this year's league, with an average of 221 turning out for each of the 15 rounds that were staged. Final overall results here _____________________________________________ 12th September * Don't forget that the prize presentation for the club's Scottish Provident Tuesday night league is being held in the Villa Marina this Sunday (Sept. 17th), starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. It promises to be a great night. * The club has entered four teams of seven in Sunday's Shoprite Cycle for Life charity relay ride around the TT course. The riders are :- (A team) Colum O'Shea, Sam Looker, Matt Looker, Tom Black, Mark Christian, Alex Kinvig and Mark Redhead; (B team) Oliver Honeybone, Sam Black, Robin Garry, Caroline O'Neill, Adam Johnson, Tom Mazzone and Matthew Berry; (C team) John Sanderson, Sarah Quine, Warrick Sanderson, Alex Christian, Jack Wolstencroft, Alicia Corlett and Lucy Johnson; (Dads team) Stephen Cregeen, Keith Redhead, Ken Berry, Peter Christian, Julian Corlett, Gary Mazzone and Brian Johnson. * Tom Black is the club's rider of the month for August. Tom has produced some excellent results in the second half of the season and is the only rider to get the better of Mark Christian in the Tuesday night youth league at the NSC. Demonstrating his versitility, Tom was also in fine form in the local time trial events, posting an excellent 59 mins 26 secs in the Penrice "25" and gaining regular top ten placings in the Manx Telecom 10 league. Off-island Tom finished a brilliant ninth overall in the very competitive Kerry Youth Tour - impressing everyone with his aggressive riding - and recently helped the club to retain the prestigious team award in the national final of the GHS British juvenile 10 mile time trial championship. Tom receives a gold cup and £25 in cash. * Despite a puncture on the final stage, Caroline O'Neill finished a very good 39th overall and first junior in last weekend's Ras na mBan in Ireland. Stephanie Gronow from Germany won the two-day event, which attracted a top class field of over 75 riders. _____________________________________________ 9th September * For the second year in succession and the third time in four years, Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man has won the prestigious team title in the GHS British juvenile 10 mile time trial championship. Competing in today's (Saturday, 9th Sept.) national final in Cambridgeshire, Mark Christian, Tom Black and Colum O'Shea posted a combined time of 1hour 09mins 54secs to beat their nearest rivals, Lee Valley Youth CC, by a massive 1min 05secs. Individually, Mark was eighth fastest in a rapid 22.41, with Tom twelfth quickest in 23.16 and Colum nineteenth in 23.57. Lucy Johnson also put in a good performance to take the prize for the best 12 year old girl, clocking an impressive 30mins 17secs for 93rd spot overall. Alexander Haddock and Alicia Corlett were 99th and 101st in 31.02 and 31.34 respectively. Over 130 competitors qualified for the championship in a series of regional finals held throughout the UK. _____________________________________________ 6th September * There was a large turn out of 203 competitors for the fifteenth and final round of the Scottish Provident youth league, staged in very gloomy conditions at the NSC last Tuesday night. Ryan Forrest scored maximum points again in the novices class, finishing well clear of Nicholas Peniata and relative newcomer Rory Donegan. Round four winner Samuel Callow beat leading girls Lorna Spiers and Maria Frize to the line for fourth, with Keri Hampson and Charlotte Watson just behind in seventh and eighth places. Callum Smith led Tom Cain across the line for ninth and Will Corkill outsprinted Ashleigh Yates for eleventh spot. In the born 2001 and later age group Adam Scarffe recorded his twelfth win of the series. Top girl Rebecca Killip put in a determined challenge before settling for the runners-up spot and Jacob Phair returned from a two week break to claim the final place on the podium. Juan Kneen won his battle with Angus Wheeler for fourth and Jade Lund came in on her home for sixth. A late surge from Blae Cain put her in seventh position ahead of Daniel Sowerby, Elle Cain, Harry Walters and Olivia Kniveton. For the second week running, the in-form Robert Webster got the better of arch rival Thomas Bostock in the born 2000 category. Cameron Wheeler was a very good third and first lap leader Tom Murray hung on for fourth. The ever improving Josh Smith took fifth ahead of a well strung out line of riders consisting of Luke Murray, Megan Kelly, Adam Long, Sam McCord, Harrison Gilbert and Antony Coward. Newcomer Jack Clayton led the main bunch home for twelfth. Marcus Simpson and Conor Davies broke away from a five strong leading group to fill first and second places in the born 1999 event. George Dalton-Brown held on for third and Joseph Glover overcame top girl Eleanor Davies for fourth. Liam McCann took the sprint for fifth from Ben Cregeen and Kaitlin Slack, with Benjamin Raven edging out Alex Cain for ninth. Repeating his successful tactics of the previous week, Matthew Draper went from the gun in the born 1998 race and stayed clear to the finish. Overall leader Owen Dudley followed in Draper's wheel tracks but was unable to get round him and had to be content with second position. Emily Kelly rode strongly for an excellent third and James Costain pipped Brody Patience for fourth. Amy Kinley got the better of Matthew Kneale to fill the final position on the top six leader board. After dropping travelling companion Aaron Peniata on the last lap, Matthew Bostock time trialled to victory in the born 1998 event. Peniata was a safe second and Kathryn Hull came from behind to grab third from Breeshey Cain. Fifth place went to Joseph Haddock and James Skillicorn took the flag ahead of Aaron Beattie and Tamara Preskey for sixth. The born 1996 class produced the closest finish of the night, with Matthew Davies just getting the verdict over the much improved Ashley Faragher in the final frantic dash for the line. Laura Kinley took the girls' prize in third place. Jonathan Cregeen took the five-up gallop at the end of the born 1995-93 group to increase his tally of wins to eight. Andrew Marshall, who was the winner of the previous two rounds, was second ahead of Sarah Quine, Alexandra Christian and Joshua Knights. A group of ten riders broke away at the start of the under 12's racing bikes four lapper and stayed together to the finish. Matthew Davies won the dash for the line ahead of Juan Hendy and Leon Mazzone, with nine year old Matthew Bostock fourth and Lucy Johnson the top girl in fifth spot. Anna Christian won the chasing bunch sprint for eleventh. Fresh from his success in the support races at the finish of the Tour of Britain in London, Mark Christian outsprinted six other riders for the honours in the under 14's. under 16's and junior racing bikes. Tom Black was second and Christopher Nicholson was the best under 14 in an impressive third place. Sam Looker was fourth followed by Colum O'Shea, Adam Johnson and Alex Kinvig. All the league's final overall positions will be revealed at the prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 17th September. Anyone still requiring tickets should contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im immediately. _____________________________________________ 4th September * Anyone still requiring tickets for the club's annual prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 17th September should contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im as soon as possible. * Also on Sunday, 17th September the Shoprite "Cycle For Life" family fun cycle is taking place along the Douglas promenade cycle path, starting from the Sea Terminal at 9.30am. Every participant will receive a free T-Shirt and refreshments will be provided. Entry forms with full details are available at all Shoprite stores and down at the NSC next Tuesday night (Sept. 5th). This year the proceedings are going to Craig's Heartstrong Foundation and the IOM Football Association. * Hetton Hawks CC has invited the club to compete in an exciting new three-day youth event they are promoting in July of next year. * Congratulations to Mark Cavendish on his superb performance in winning the points competition in the recent Tour of Britain and for gaining a well deserved professional contract with the mighty T-Mobile team - and it all started in the Scottish Provident Tuesday night league. * Club members Alex Kinvig and Mark Christian have come out on top in the junior and juvenile sections of the IOM Cycling Association's 2006 Best All Rounder time trialling competition. _____________________________________________ 1st September * Christopher Nicholson finished a creditable 20th overall in the under 14's omnium at the recent British national youth track championships in Newport, Wales. It was his first attempt at the event. * Mark Christian, Tom Black, Colum O'Shea, Alex Haddock, Alicia Corlett and Lucy Johnson will be representing the club in the British national final of the GHS juvenile time trial championship in Cambridgeshire on Saturday, 9th September. * There are only a few places left for the club's track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome in November. Contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im now if you would like to be considered. * Caroline O'Neill will be riding in a composite team under the banner of McNally Swords CC in the Ras na mBan women's two-day stage race in Co.Dublin, Ireland on September 9th-10th. Over sixty riders have already entered the event. * The club's popular weekly winter spin training sessions in the Braaid Hall will start on Thursday, 9th November. * Don't forget that an extra round of the Scottish Provident league is being staged at the NSC next Tuesday (5th September), starting at the usual time of 6.45pm. _____________________________________________ 30th August * Conditions were surprisingly good for the 181 club members who competed in round 14 of the Scottish Provident league at the NSC last Tuesday night. In the novices class Ryan Forrest cruised to his tenth victory of the series. Nicholas Peniata was a safe second and Samuel Callow pipped leading girl Lorna Spiers for third. Maria Frize claimed fifth ahead of Charlotte Watson, with Rory Donegan a lonely seventh. The fast finishing Callum Smith got the better of Callum Kennish and Keri Hampson for eighth place. Adam Scarffe came out on top in the born 2001& later age group, but had to work very hard to repel a very strong challenge from top girl Rebecca Killip. Third place went to Juan Kneen and Daniel Sowerby outsprinted Dylan Groom, newcomer Eadlin Dobbs and Anna Kelly for fourth. Harry Walters, Catherine Craig and Elle Cain completed the top ten. Keeping the battle for the overall honours alive, Robert Webster edged out main rival Thomas Bostock and regular top three finisher Luke Murray for his sixth success in the born 2000 category. Josh Smith dropped Megan Kelly on the final lap to take fourth and Adam Long trailled in for sixth. Further down the field, Lewis Bridson won an exciting three way tussle with Lee Cain and Ciara Sowerby for seventeenth. Connor Davies was first for the second week running in the born 1999 event, outgunning breakaway partner Marcus Simpson in the final dash for the line. Liam McCann led Ben Cregeen and first girl Kaitlin Slack home for third, with Victoria Watson finishing sixth just ahead of chasers Tara Ferguson, Benjamin Raven and Matthew Cain in seventh, eighth and ninth places respectively. Sophie Alton-Heath was a good tenth. In the born 1998 race Owen Dudley broke away on the penultimate lap and took the chequered flag with a comfortable winning margin over Ben Cunningham, who edged out Emily Kelly for the runners-up spot. James Costain beat Brody Patience and Matthew Kneale in the gallop for fourth, with Amy Kinley and Emma Nicholson the second and third girls across the line in seventh and eighth positions. Rory McCann was ninth and Kate Marshall tenth. Matthew Bostock left nothing to chance in the born 1997 class, attacking from the gun and time trialling to a fine solo victory. Aaron Peniata chased hard but could not make any inroads into Bostock's ever increasing lead and in the end had to settle for second. Kathryn Hull was third followed by Joseph Haddock, Elizabeth Holden and Tamara Preskey. The closest finish of the night was in the born 1996 three lapper where Ashley Faragher beat Leon Mazzone by a tyre's width to notch up his first win of the year. Laura Kinley and Jamie Dudley, who had been with the two frontrunners for most of the race, came in on their own for third and fourth, with Andrew Cregeen and Sophie Black filling the remaining places on the top six leader board. After breaking free from a leading group of five riders, Andrew Marshall held off an aggressive Sarah Quine to take the honours in the born 1995-93 group. Alexandra Christian finished third and Jacob Holden sneaked ahead of Anna Christian for fifth. The result of the under 12's racing bikes was decided in an eight strong bunch sprint, with Glen Vine's Matthew Davies getting the verdict from Leon Mazzone, Juan Hendy, Lucy Johnson, Matthew Bostock, Ryan Dean, Nicholas Corlett and Maria Hull. The seven-up gallop for ninth went to Jamie Dudley. In the under 14, under 16 and junior racing bikes Mark Christian took the honours from Tom Black and Colum O'Shea. Mark kept the pace high from the start and put in numerous attacks to whittle down the opposition to just two riders. One final dig on the penultimate was enough to give Christian the victory, with Black securing second ahead of O'Shea. Behind the battle at the front Alex Kinvig and Christopher Nicholson, the leading under 14, jumped away from the chasers for fourth and fifth. Don't forget that an extra round of the league is being held next Tuesday,September 5th, to compensate for the rounds that were lost at the beginning of the season and in August. _____________________________________________ 28th August * Please note that the club is staging an extra round of the Scottish Provident league on Tuesday, September 5th to compensate for the rounds lost in April and August. Meanwhile, don't forget to order your tickets for the prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 17th September. Contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im * Congratulations to Mark Christian on being voted the club's "rider of the month" for July. Mark currently leads the hotly contested under 14, under 16 and junior class in the club's Tuesday night league and looks set to take the overall honours for yet another year. During July Mark also received the good news that he had been selected to ride for Great Britain in the prestigious Youth Tour of Assen, fully justifying his place on the team by winning the final stage and finishing a fantastic second overall. Rounding off a brilliant few weeks, Mark went on to take the under 16's pursuit bronze medal at the British National Youth Track Championships in Newport, Wales. * A second place in the final round gave team member Sam Looker the overall victory in the season long Bikestyle handicap road race series. Newcomer Tom Craine also did well to score a first and a second in the opening two rounds to put him in 8th spot overall. In addition, Adam Johnson won the penultimate event and there were top three placings for Caroline O'Neill (2nd in round 4) and Mark Christian (3rd in round 5). * What others have said about us - part 15 .........."I used to go down to the NSC on a Tuesday night on the Isle of Man and it just went from there" ...........Commenwealth gold medalist and 2005 World Champion Mark Cavendish, Cycling Weekly, August 10th 2006. _____________________________________________ 23rd August. * Round thirteen of the Scottish Provident children league was held at the NSC last Tuesday night in overcast but dry conditions. Considering the rather gloomy weather forecast and the disruption caused by the evening practices for the Manx Grand Prix, there was a good turn out of 146 competitors. Most of the classes were reduced in distance to ensure that the ten race programme was completed before any of the predicted rain arrived. Ryan Forrest notched up his ninth win in the novices event, taking the chequered flag well clear of Nicholas Peniata in second place. Maria Frize produced her best ride of the season so far to take the girls' prize in an excellent third position, with Rory Donegan outsprinting Will Corkill for a fine fourth. The fast finishing Lorna Spiers overtook Keri Hampson in the final few yards for sixth, while Callum Kennish beat Callum Smith, Cameron Skehan and Jonty Cope to the line for eighth. Alex Bridson outgunned Jack Christian for the final place on the top twelve leader board and Cara Bews did well to come out on top against the boys in a six way battle for fourteenth. In the born 2001 & later category Adam Scarffe made sure of the overall honours by securing his tenth win of the series. Angus Wheeler, who was having his first outing in the class, was a very good second just ahead of leading girl Jade Lund and Ethan Leivers, with Harry Walters edging out Juan Kneen, Daniel Sowerby and Rebecca Killip for fifth. Glen Vine's Thomas Bostock held off a strong challenge from main rival Robert Webster to secure his seventh success in the born 2000 class. Third placed Sam Batey finished on his own and Adam Long pipped Harrison Gilbert for fourth, with Megan Kelly the first girl across the line in sixth spot. In two unrelated incidents Cameron Wheelers, who had been circulating with the leaders, and Eddie Morris crashed heavily. Thankfully, both were uninjured and were able to carry on to the finish. Conor Davies built up a commanding lead in the early stages of the born 1999 age group and was never headed. Top girl Kaitlin Slack led the chasers home for an impressive second and Matthew Cain came through to grab third from Benjamin Raven and Daniel Scarffe. A determined Joe Walters held off schoolgirl motorcrosser Sophie Alton-Heath for sixth. In the born 1998 race Matthew Draper attacked from the gun, taking the chequered flag with a sizable gap over runner-up Owen Dudley, who suffered only his second defeat of the year. James Costain, Emily Kelly and Ben Cunningham came home together in third, fourth and fifth places respectively, with Amy Kinley a close sixth. Maintaining his 100% record, Matthew Bostock powered to another impressive solo victory in the born 1997 event. Aaron Peniata chased hard but in the end had to settle for second place and Kathryn Hull got away from travelling companion James skillicorn to claim third. Aaron Beattie was fifth and Dillan Matthews sixth. Matthew Davies controlled the born 1996 event from the front and was never in any serious danger of losing his lead, although runner-up Laura Kinley was visibly reducing the gap on the long finishing straight. Jamie Dudley was with Kinley for most of the race but could not match her pace at the end and had to settle for third. Daniel de Weert got the verdict over Matthew Jack and Katy Robinson in the sprint for fourth. After breaking away from a leading group of five riders, Andrew Marshall recorded his maiden win in the born 1995-93 group. Sarah Quine took the gallop for second ahead of Kathryn Hull and sisters Alexandra and Anna Christian. Sixth place was taken by Ben Millard closely followed by Ciara Sullivan. In the under 12's racing bikes Matthew Davies notched up his second win of the night, but he had to use all his strength to get the better of breakaway partner Matthew Nicholson in the final lunge for the line. Nicholas Corlett beat early leader Lucy Johnson for third and the ever improving Matthew Bostock won the bunch sprint for fifth. As usual, the pace was fast and furious in the under 14's, under 16's and junior racing bikes, with an aggressive Tom Black eventually coming out on top ahead of the previously unbeaten Mark Christian. The race split in two on the opening lap, with Black, Christian, Sam & Matthew Looker, Chris Nicholson, Adam Johnson, Mark Redhead and Tom Craine at the head of affairs in the leading group. Black clipped off the front towards the end of the 15 lap race, but was reeled in. Not to be outdone, he attacked again shortly after and this time stayed clear to record a memorable victory, leaving Christian and the rest of the group to fight over the minor placings. _____________________________________________ 9th August * Last night's round of the club's Scottish Provident league had to be cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. Don't forget that the league's prize presentation is being held in the Villa Marina's Royal Hall on Sunday, 17th September, starting at 5.30 for 6.00pm. Tickets can be ordered down at the NSC on a Tuesday night or from dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im * The club made another very successful trip to the Kerry Youth Tour last weekend. In category 1/1a for under 16's and under 15's Tom Black was a very good 9th overall, Colum O'Shea 14th, Sam Looker 16th (4th in cat. 1a), Matthew Berry 41st and lone girl Caroline O'Neill 44th. In category 2/2a for under 14's & under 13's Christopher Nicholson and Adam Johnson finished 6th and 7th respectively, with Jack Wolstencroft 20th overall (3rd under 13) Last but not least Alicia Corlett was a fine 5th and 3rd girl in category 3/3a (under 12's & under 11) and Lucy Johnson 18th (8th girl & 5th under 11). Full report to follow. * Places for the club's coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome in November are filling up fast. Numbers are limited to around 20,so If you would like to go put your name down now to avoid disappointment _____________________________________________ 3rd August * A total of 180 competitors took part in round 12 of the Scottish Provident youth league, held at the NSC last Tuesday night in very breezy but dry conditions. Ryan Forrest returned from a week's break to claim maximum points for an eighth time in the novices class, taking the chequered flag just ahead of Angus Wheeler and Juan Kneen. Round 11 winner Nicholas Peniata was fourth and fifth placed Charlotte Watson beat Maria Frize to the line for the girls' honours. Lucy Callow, Will Corkill, Amy Beattie and Tom Cain completed the top ten. In the born 2001 & later age group Adam Scarffe outsprinted main rival Jacob Phair for his ninth win of the series. Amelia Sharpe was the leading girl in third place and relative newcomer Ethan Leivers was a fine fourth ahead of Jade Lund, Dylan Groom and Anna Kelly. who pipped Daniel Sowerby for seventh. Further down the field Lydia Glover got the verdict in an exciting four way tussle for nineteenth spot. Tom Murray went from the gun in the born 2000 event and was never caught. Six time winner Thomas Bostock was the runner-up and Luke Murray, Tom's twin brother, got the better of top girl Megan Kelly for the final podium position. Cameron Wheeler edged out Sam Batey, Joseph Corkish and Adam Long for fifth, with Josh Smith just holding off second girl Olivia Sharpe for ninth. Recording his first win of the season, Liam McCann led breakaway partner and first girl Eleanor Davies home in the born 1999 category. George Dalton-Brown outsprinted Joseph Glover for third and overall leader Marcus Simpson overtook Victoria Watson to claim fifth. Ben Cregeen won his race long battle with Kaitlin Slack and Emelie Haddock for seventh, while down the order Chloe Heath did well to grab eighteenth spot from Joseph Savage and Nathan Millar. In the born 1998 event Owen Dudley had to come from behind before notching up his ninth win in a row. Early leaders Emily Kelly and Ben Cunningham were second and third, followed by James Costain, Rory McCann and Matthew Kneale. Seventh placed Amy Kinley was the second girl in front of Emma Nicholson and Kate Marshall. After riding clear of a leading group of five riders on the penultimate lap, Matthew Bostock powered to a convincing solo victory in the born 1997 race. Victoria Kinrade was second ahead of the fast finishing Joseph Haddock, with Aaron Peniata and Breeshey Cain trailling in for fourth and fifth. Leon Mazzone led from start to finish in the born 1996 class, crossing the line with a healthy advantage over Ashley Faragher in second place. Top girl Laura Kinley made a late bid to catch Faragher, but ran out of time and had to settle for third. Jamie Dudley, Andrew Cregeen, Sophie Black and Katy Robinson were the only other finishers. Attacking on the second of three laps, Jonathan Cregeen time trialled to his seventh success in the born 1995-93 group. Sarah Quine rode strongly for second, after repelling a late challenge from Andrew Marshall. Fourth place went to Eleanor Stokoe in a reduced field of just seven riders. With gear problems putting series leader and the previously unbeaten Alex Haddock out of contention, the door was left open for Matthew Davies to claim the number one spot in the under 12's racing bikes. Lucy Johnson had a great ride to oust Leon Mazzone for second and Nicholas Corlett did well to keep out Matthew Bostock and Juan Hendy for fourth. Haddock salvaged eleventh. In the absence of Mark Christian, who was on international duty for Great Britain in the Tour of Assen, the under 14's, under 16's and junior racing bikes event was wide open. The opening laps were very cagey with no one prepared to commit themselves. At two thirds distance, however, Colum O'Shea made a big effort and got away to be joined shortly afterwards by Tom Black. A group of eight riders gave chase for awhile, but eventually resigned themseves to the fact that they would be fighting for the minor placings. At the finish it was Colum who took the sprint for his maiden win in the class. Tom was second and Matthew Looker won the bunch gallop for third. Longmarkers Joseph Kissack and Chloe Heath were first and second respectively in the born 1999 handicap. Joe Walters from the middlemarker's group came through to grab third. _____________________________________________ 27th July * Considering that the holiday season is now in full swing, there was another good turn out of 183 youngsters at a sun drenched NSC last Tuesday night for round eleven of the club's Scottish Provident league. In the novices class Nicholas Peniata grabbed his third win of the season. Juan Kneen edged out Angus Wheeler for the runners-up spot and Lucy Callow led Lucas Parker across the line to take the girls' prize. Callum Parker was sixth and Lorna Spiers overtook Keri Hampson in the closing stages for seventh. Mariama Camara, Amy Beattie and Maria Frize completed the top ten, while newcomer Robert Moore did well to finish fourteenth on his debut. Adam Scarrfe increased his tally of wins in the born 2001 & later age group to eight, taking the chequered flag ahead of his main rival Jacob Phair. Third placed Rebecca Killip was the leading girl for the third week running, with Ethan Leivers a fine fourth in only his second appearance. Elle Cain and Matthew Teare filled the remaining positions on the top six leader board. After crashing out of contention in the previous round, Thomas Bostock regained the number one spot in the born 2000 category. Cameron Wheeler tried hard to stay with the leader but in the end had to settle for second place. Luke Murray caught and passed Joseph Corkish for third and Harrison Gilbert pipped Megan Kelly and Adam Long for a very good fifth. Milly-Rose Killeen returned from a four week lay off and rode well for ninth. Marcus Simpson, George Dalton-Brown and Conor Davies broke away from the bunch to claim the top three positions in the born 1999 event. Top girl Eleanor Davies was fourth followed by Liam McCann and Joseph Glover. In the born 1998 class early leader Matthew Draper was caught on the final lap by Owen Dudley, who went on to score his eighth win of the series. Ben Cunningham was third and James Costain got the better of Rory McCann for fourth. Amy Kinley produced one of the rides of the night to take the girls honours in a very tight sprint with Emily Kelly for sixth place. Matthew Bostock rode clear from a breakaway group of four riders for another impressive victory in the born 1997 race. Victoria Kinrade was second ahead of the fast finishing Joseph Haddock, with Aaron Peniata, Breeshey Cain and James Skillicorn trailling in for fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Following a fairly pedestrian opening two laps, Matthew Davies just managed to hold off a determined Leon Mazzone in the final dash for the line. Ashley Faragher kept leading girl Laura Kinley at bay for third and Andrew Cregeen was not far behind in sixth spot. In another close finish Jonathan Cregeen edged out Joshua Knights for his sixth success in the born 1995-93 grouping. Andrew Marshall was a good third and Sarah Quine the best girl in fourth place. Alexandra Christian, who made a spirited lone bid for glory at the start of the final lap, was fifth and Eleanor Stokoe sixth. Alex Haddock maintained his unbeaten record in the under 12's racing bikes, but had to work hard to keep ahead of breakaway partners Matthew Davies, Lucas Croydon, Leon Mazzone and Nicholas Corlett, who finished in that order. Joshua Knights had also been up with the leaders untill he crashed on the final lap after pulling his foot out. Lucy Johnson was the first girl in sixth place, with Matthew Bostock putting in another good ride for seventh. Sports Aid Foundation recipient Mark Christian stamped his authority on the under 14's, under 16's and juniors racing bikes in what was his final workout before leaving the Island to represent Great Britain in the Tour of Assen. Alex Kinvig and Adam Johnson got away with Mark and stayed with him to take second and third places - their best results to date.. Despite a valiant chase, Colum O'Shea, Tom Black and Robin Garry were unable to regain contact and had to settle for the lower leader board placings. Middlemarker came through the field to take the born 2000 handicap from Elise Smith, Matilda Perry and Ellie Harrison. Megan Kelly was the first of the scratch riders in fifth spot. _____________________________________________ 25th July * The club is taking a large squad of eleven riders to the Kerry Youth Tour in August. The three-day event is one of the toughest youth stage races in Europe, attracting teams from as far afield as Denmark, Belgium and South Africa. The late James Berry gave TSP its first ever overall victory in 2004. * Don't forget that the prize presentation for the Scottish Provident League will be held in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 17th September. * Names for the club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome in November are now being taken. Preference will be given to those who have never tasted track racing before . We should be able to accomodate around 20 riders. Contact Dot for more details. * Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea and Christopher Nicholson will be representing the club at the forthcoming British National Youth Track Championships in Newport, Wales from 15th-19th August. Chris has also qualified for the final stages of British Cycling's track series as have Caroline O'Neill and Alicia Corlett, despite having competed in only one of the three area heats. _____________________________________________ 19th July * Exactly 200 club members turned out for round ten of the Scottish Provident league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in continental weather conditions. In the novices class Nicholas Peniata scored his second win of the season, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over series leader Ryan Forrest. Surby's Juan Kneen was third and fourth placed Lucy Callow was the first girl just ahead of Mariama Camara and Maria Frize, who were fifth and sixth respectively. Matthew Black's seventh position was a marked improvement on his previous best result of fifteenth. Following four consecutive second places, Jacob Phair finally got the better of Adam Scarffe to pick up his fourth victory in the born 2001 & later age group. For the second week running Rebecca Killip took the girls' prize, outsprinting Amelia Sharpe and Daniel Sowerby for third place. Jade Lund completed the top six. Robert Webster led from start to finish for a fourth straight win in the born 2000 category. Luke Murray and leading girl Megan Kelly overtook early challenger Tom Murray on the last lap to grab second and third. Adam Long was fifth and Sam Batey pipped Harrison Gilbert for the final place on the top six leader board. A jumping chain put regular top ten finisher Arthur Bankes-Jones in a lowly 25th spot, while overall leader Thomas Bostock crashed on the second lap and trailed home in last place. After they had both clipped off the front of a leading group of seven riders, Marcus Simpson edged out Conor Davies to take the honours in the born 1999 event. Liam McCann got the verdict in the sprint for third ahead of newcomer J.J. Mitchell, Eleanor Davies (top girl), Joseph Glover, Victoria Watson and Alex Cain. A determined George Dalton-Brown beat Tara Ferguson to the line for ninth. Clocking up his seventh success, Owen Dudley proved to be too strong for breakaway partner Matthew Draper in the closing stages of the born 1998 race. Ben Cunningham was a safe third and James Costain held off Brett Dean for fourth, while Rory McCann snatched sixth from first girl Emily Kelly. Matthew Bostock returned from a two week holiday to claim maxium points for an eigth time in the born 1997 class. Aaron Peniata had a great ride to oust Joseph Haddock for the runners-up spot, while Kathryn Hull, who had been with the leaders until the final lap, was a lonely fourth. Six riders circulated together for most of the born 1996 three lapper. It was only when the pace increased on the final lap that the gaps started to appear, with Matthew Davies emerging as the winner ahead of Leon Mazzone, Ashley Faragher, Jamie Dudley, Laura Kinley and Andrew Cregeen. Jonathan Cregeen came from behind to beat Joshua Knights, Sarah Quine and Alexandra Christian in the gallop at the end of the born 1995-93 group. Maria Hull was just off the back of the leaders in fifth place. In the under 12's racing bikes Alex Haddock and Matthew Davies made an early break for glory. Leon Mazzone, Joshua Knights and Nicholas Corlett chased hard and finally bridged the gap in time to contest the final sprint, which Haddock won from Davies,Mazzone, Knights and Corlett. Sixth spot went to Lucy Johnson and Matthew Bostock was a very impressive seventh in his first ever competitive outing on a drop handlebar bike. Mark Christian left nothing to chance in the under 14.s, under 16's and junior racing bikes. He attacked from the gun and left the rest of the field in his wake to fight over the minor placings. Tom Black won the battle for second from brothers Matthew (1st junior) and Sam Looker, Colum O'Shea and Robin Garry. The under 14's honours went Christopher Nicholson in seventh place and Alicia Corlett was the first girl in seventeenth spot. Rhys Quayle, Peter Naylor and Ben Millard stayed clear of scratch riders Sarah Quine and Jonathan Cregeen to take the spoils in the born 1995-93 handicap. _____________________________________________ 17th July * Club members Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea, Christopher Nicholson, Adam Johnson , Alicia Corlett and Joshua Knights all rode well in last Sunday's Northern final of British Cycling's National Youth Circuit Race Series, staged at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Stadium in Wombwell near Barnsley. Racing in temperatures approaching 30c, Christopher Nicholson was a fine fifth in the under 14's event, Chris contested the bunch sprint for third place some 15 seconds behind runner-up Felix English (Preston Park Youth CC) and winner Daniel McLay (Leicestershire RC). Adam Johnson was his usual aggressive self early on in the race, but lost contact in the closing stages and was eventually lapped and pulled out when lying in 11th or 12th spot. Alicia Corlett was one of the many crash victims who slid off on the tight hairpin bends. In all the commotion she forgot to take the lap out she was entitled to and, despite a valiant effort, was unable to get back up to the bunch. She was holding onto 15th place overall and 4th girl when lapped and pulled out. In the under 16's class Ben Plain (Hargrove Cycles) dropped breakaway partner Erick Rowsell (Team Corridori) on the last lap to take the honours, with Mark Christian 10th in the sprint for the final podium position. After getting to within a hair's breadth of rejoining the leaders, Colum O'Shea was the last rider to be lapped and pulled out. Joshua Knights competed in the supporting non-championship event for under 8's, under 10's and under 12's, finishing an excellent second to red hot favourite Harry Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers). * Christopher Nicholson is the winner of the club's coveted "rider of the month" award for June. Chris receives the gold cup and £25 cash prize for his impressive performances on and off the island. The Douglas youngster has notched up a total of five wins in the very competitive under 14's class of the Scottish Provident League to put him in pole position for the overall honours, while "across the water" the talented all-rounder has qualified for the finals of British Cycling's prestigious circuit race and track series and finished a very good fifth in the national circuit race championships. _____________________________________________ 16th July * British Cycling's national circuit race series finalists Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea, Adam Johnson, Christopher Nicholson and Alicia Corlett will be in Wombwell near Barnsley this Sunday for the first of three deciding rounds (two to count). Thomas Mazzone also qualified for the final stages, but is unable to compete as he is still recovering from the nasty injury he suffered recently while playing football at school. * What others have said about us - part 14 .........."The junior cycling league at the NSC has enjoyed a meteoric rise from humble beginnings and is now the envy of sporting nations throughout Europe" .......... Richard Parslow, Isle of Man Examiner's Sports Update magazine, June 2006. * Congratulations to Mark Christian on being selected to represent Great Britain in the Assen Youth Tour in Holland at the end of the month. Mark is another graduate from the Scottish Provident league and in 2005 was successfully recommended by the club for a place on British Cycling's Talent Team. * The club's "guess the mileage" competition at Tynwald Fair raised over £350. Club members took it in turn to pedal two static turbo trainers for three hours, covering a total distance of 82.49 miles. Mrs Quilliam of Peel made the winning guess of 82.75 miles and she was delighted with her prize of a brand new mountain bike, kindly donated by Bikestyle. Many thanks to everyone who turned up to help and to the Round Table for letting us use part of their plot. * Representatives from Merseyside's Knowsley Recreation Department attended last Tuesday night's round of the Scottish Provident league at the NSC. They were on a fact finding mission for a similar venture at home and were very impressed with what the saw. _____________________________________________ 12th July * A total of 249 club members signed on for round nine of the Scottish Provident league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in sunny but breezy conditions. Reversing the previous week's result, Ryan Forrest beat Nicholas Peniata to the line for his eighth win in the novices class. Juan Kneen was a safe third well clear of leading girl Olivia Kniveton, with Lucy Callow outsprinting Samuel Callow and Keri Hampson for fifth. Maria Frize was eighth and the ever improving Mariama Camara put in another good performance to take ninth ahead of Anna Kelly. Adam Scarffe just managed to hold off Jacob Phair again for the honours in the born 2001 & later category, while first girl Rebecca Killip edged out Daniel Sowerby and Amelie Sharpe for third. Jade Lund was sixth followed by Elle Cain, Dylan Groom, Taylor Andrews and relatve newcomer Alex Macmillan. In the born 2000 event Robert Webster picked up his fourth win in a row. Megan Kelly recorded her best result to date in an excellent second place and Joseph Corkish led Adam Long, Matthew Thomas and Olivia Sharpe home for third. Sam Batey and Arthur Bankes-Jones trailled in for seventh and eighth places respectively and Antony Coward won the gallop for ninth from Adam Kelly, Ben Christian and Harrison Gilbert. After breaking away from a leading group of six riders, Marcus Simpson pipped Conor Davies in the born 1999 race. Liam McCann headed top girl Eleanor Davies for third and Joseph Glover grabbed fifth ahead of Victoria Watson, who completed the top six. Daniel Scarffe clipped off the front of the chasing bunch to claim seventh. Owen Dudley and Matthew Draper circulated together for most of the born 1998 race. On the final circuit, however, Owen put the hammer down and pulled away for a comfortable victory. Ben Cunningham was third and Max Murray came through from the back of the grid to pip James Costain for a well earned fourth. Eighth placed Emily Kelly took the girls' prize one position in front of impressive newcomer Dan Watterson. In the born 1997 age group Victoria Kinrade saw off an early challenge from Breeshey Cain before cruising to her second success of the series. Kathryn Hull, who gets stronger every week, chased hard, but in the end had to settle for second. Joseph Haddock filled the final place on the podium and Tamara Preskey had her best ride of the season in fourth. Aaron Peniata was fifth and Bresshey Cain salvaged sixth. Elsewhere, Dillan Matthews got the verdict for eleventh in a very close finish with Kate Lamming. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone resumed battle in the born 1996 class, with Matthew coming out on top in the final sprint. Ashley Faragher overtook Laura Kinley on the last lap for third and Jamie Dudley got the better of Andrew Cregeen in the dash for fifth. In the closest finish of the night Emma Kennaugh edged out Sophie Black for seventh by the width of a tyre. A fast final lap in the born 1995-93 group split the leading break of seven riders into several groups. Coming down the finishing straight Jonathan Cregeen and Joshua Knights were out in front and it was Jonathan who got his nose in front as they crossed the line. Andrew Marshall came in third just ahead of Alexandra Christian, Eleanor Stokoe, Sarah Quine and Anna Christian. An early attack by Alex Haddock caught the field by surprise in the under 12's racing bikes. Despite a concerted effort by the bunch, Joshua Knights was the only rider to eventually breach the gap. The two leaders stayed clear to the finish where Alex got the sprint for first place. Matthew Davies was third and Lucy Johnson the first girl in seventh spot. Mark Christian won the under 14's, under 16's and junior racing bikes from Tom Black, Sam Looker and Adam Johnson (1st under 14), who did very well to stick with his more senior travelling companions. The four riders set a very fast pace from the gun and split the field. Unusually, Christopher Nicholson and Robin Garry missed the break and circulated on their own for fifth and sixth places. Alex Kinvig, Matthew Berry, Tom Craine and Jack Wolstencroft rounded off the top ten leader board. The top three places in the born 1996 handicap were filled by longmarkers Matthew Jack, Natalie Kneen and Katy Robinson. Middlemarker Sophie Black was fourth and scratchman Ashley Faragher fifth. Several members of Knowsley Recreation Department attended the event on a fact finding mission for a similar venture at home in Merseyside. _____________________________________________ 10th July * Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man members topped all the classes at last Sunday's Wavertree Criteriums in Liverpool. The Liverpool Century promoted event consisted of a scratch race and a handicap race, with the overall positions being decided by the total number of points a rider accumulated from both events. Overcoming a strong wind and occasional heavy showers,Tom Black, Jack Wolstencroft, Joshua Knights and Matthew Davies took the honours in the under 16's, under 14's, under 12's and under 10's age groups respectively, with Eleanor Davies grabbing the prize as the best under 8's rider to complete a TSPIOM clean sweep. There were also very good top six placings for Alicia Corlett (2nd in the under 14's), Laura Kinley (3rd in the under 10's), Robin Garry (5th in the under 16's), John and Warwick Sanderson (4th & 5th in the under 14's), Lucas Croydon (5th in the under 12's) and Victoria Kinrade (6th in the under 10's). Rounding off an excellent day for the club, Matthew Berry and Oliver Honeybone were 7th and 8th in the under 16's; Alexandra Christian and Sarah Quine 9th & 11th in the under 14's; Nicholas Corlett and Juan Hendy 7th & 8th in the under 12's and Breeshey Cain, Anna Christian, Eleanor Davies (1st under 8) and Kathryn Hull 8th, 9th,10th & 12th in the under 10's. Impressive race wins were gained by Tom Black in the under 16's scratch, Jack Wolstencroft in the under 14's scratch, Joshua Knights in both the under 12's scratch and handicap events, Matthew Davies in the under 10's scratch and Laura Kinley in the under 10's handicap. Breeshey Cain, Laura Kinley, Victoria Kinrade, Oliver Honeybone and Lucas Croydon did exceptionally well as it was their first off-island racing trip with the club. _____________________________________________ 7th July * Tropical like conditions greeted the 230 club members who turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round eight of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Before the racing got underway Lillian Boyle and Alison Rymill from Scottish Provident presented league organiser Dot Tilbury with a sponsorship cheque for £3,500. In the novices class Nicholas Peniata overtook series leader Ryan Forrest in the final few yards to score his first ever victory. Samuel Callow finished on his own to take third and Juan Kneen led leading girl Lucy Callow home for fourth. Sean Jackson was a close fifth ahead of Kirk Michael's Mariama Camara, whose seventh place was her best result of the season by far. Cameron Skehan, Maria Frize and Anna Kelly completed the top ten. Adam Scarffe came out on top in another very close tussle with Jacob Phair to clinch his fifth success in the born 2001 & later category. Third placed Amelia Sharpe was the first girl just ahead of Rebecca Killip, Daniel Sowerby and Jade Lund, who pipped Dylan Groom for the final place on the top six leader board. A little further down the field Libby Scarffe spearheaded the large chasing bunch across the line for a good twelfth. Leading from start to finish, Robert Webster completed a hat trick of wins in the born 2000 event. Luke Murray got past the tenacious Megan Kelly (1st girl) on the last lap to secure the runners-up position, with Joseph Corkish a distant fourth. Matthew Thomas beat Olivia Sharpe to the line for fifth and Sam Batey had a good ride to secure seventh. Marcus Simpson held off a deternined challenge from Conor Davies for a fifth win in the born 1999 age group. Eleanor Davies, who led the chase behind Simpson on the opening lap, picked up the girl's prize in third place. Liam McCann was fourth followed by Victoria Watson, George Dalton-Brown and Joseph Glover. In the born 1998 race Owen Dudley edged out Matthew Draper in the sprint for the chequered flag. James Costain was a lonely third and Max Murray held off travelling companions Brett Dean and Ben Cunningham for fourth, while Emily Kelly was the first girl across the line in seventh spot. Leading contenders Brody Patience and Rory McCann had a coming together in the early stages, losing any chance of a high placing. They did continue, but finished at the back of the field. Victoria Kinrade powered to a fine solo victory in the born 1997 class. Kathryn Hull chased her all the way, but in the end had to settle for second place. Joseph Haddock and James Skillicorn rode strongly for third and fourth and Breeshey Cain got the better of Thomas Dalton-Brown for fifth. The born 1996 three lapper went to Matthew Davies after a very close battle with Leon Mazzone that was only decided on the line. Third placed Ashley Faragher managed to stay with the two frontrunners for awhile before settling for a comfortable third. Laura Kinley was top girl in fourth position. After several defeats,Joshua Knights bounced back to pip three time winner Jonathan Cregeen in the born 1995-93 group. Andrew Marshall was third ahead of Alexandra Christian (1st girl), Maria Hull and Eleanor Stokoe. Alex Haddock picked up maximum points again in the under 12's racing bikes, but was pushed all the way by the chasing pack. Josh Knights edged out Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone for second, with Lucy Johnson the leading girl in an excellent fifth place. Having missed the previous round, Mark Christian returned to take the number one slot in the under 14's, under 16's and junior racing bikes. Matthew Looker was a close second and Colum O'Shea Third. The race was settled when Christian, Looker, O'Shea, Sam Looker (4th),Tom Black(5th) and Christopher Nicholson (6th) got away in a break and stayed clear to the finish. Robin Garry and Adam Johnson just missed the cut, finishing seventh and eighth respectively. Alicia Corlett worked hard for the girls' honours in tenth place. Finally, longmarker Charlotte Heath held on to win the born 1997 handicap from Alex Coward and Aaron Beattie. _____________________________________________ 1st July * Eleven club members competed against the cream of Britain's youth cyclists in last Saturday's British National Circuit Race Championships in Bradford. Christopher Nicholson was the best placed Manx rider, finishing an excellent fifth in the hotly contested under 14's category. Chris was in the thick of the action throughout and instigated the race winning break with pre-race favourite and eventual gold medalist Daniel McLay (Leicestershire RC). Chris, however, found the pace a bit too quick and wisely dropped back to the chasing bunch, while Samuel Fry (Welwyn Wheelers), who had been in hot pursuit of the two leaders, replaced him at the front. With four laps to go Mclay attacked Fry and crossed the line with a clear nine second advantage, with Chris just losing out to Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors) and Perry Bowater (Walsall Roads CC) in the sprint for the bronze medal. Chris's TSP team mates Adam Johnson and Warwick Sanderson both rode well but were pulled out after being lapped by the leaders, and Thomas Mazzone retired with a groin strain. In the under 16's event Mark Christian was a good eighth in the gallop for the chequered flag.The race split several times as riders tried to get away, but going into the last lap everyone was together again. Coming out of the crucial final bend Tom Skubala (Team PRS) had two lengths on Andrew Fenn (www.agiskoviner.com) and that was enough to secure the victory. Tom Black, Colum O'Shea and Robin Garry norrowly failed to get through the qualifying heats. Lucy Johnson was the club's sole representative in the under 12 girls race and she did well to finish ninth behind Lucy Garner (Leicestershire RC), while Alex Haddock and Joshua Knights were baulked at the start of the under 12 boys and were unable to get back up to the front of the race, despite a determined effort. * Our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Thomas Mazzone who has undergone an operation in Nobles Hospital following a freak accident while playing football at school. _____________________________________________ 1st July * Don't forget that next Wednesday we will be holding are now annual "guess the Mileage" competition at Tynwald Fair to raise money for the club's off-island racing trips. The first prize is a brand new mountain bike kindly donated by Bikestyle. If you would like to help contact Dot. * The club will be taking over twenty riders to next weekend's Wavertree Criteriums in Liverpool. * Congratulations to Adam and Lucy Johnson on their superb performances in the recent Lytham St Annes triathlon. Adam won the 13-14 category and Lucy was sixth overall and fourth girl in the 11-12 age group. * Also,well done to Tom Craine who outsprinted Team Scottish Provident team mate Caroline O'Neill to win last Thursday night's round of the Bikestyle handicap road race series. Sam Looker and Tom Black were 8th and 9th respectively. * A total of nine TSPIOM members gained top ten placings overall in British Cycling's (Northern Area) circuit race series. After the three rounds (best two to count) Mark Christian and Colum O'Shea finished 4th and 9th in the U16's; Christopher Nicholson, Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson were 3rd, 4th and 8th in the U14's; Alicia Corlett 3rd in the U14 girls and Alexander Haddock, Joshua Kinghts and Lucy Johnson 3rd, 5th and 6th in the U12's. _____________________________________________ 28th June * Conditions were perfect for the 273 club members who turned out for round seven of the Scottish Provident youth league at the NSC last Tuesday night. In the novices class Ryan Forrest headed a group of four riders over the line to record his sixth success of the series. The fast finishing Nicholas Peniata pipped Angus Wheeler and Juan Kneen for the runners-up spot, with Lucy Callow taking the girls' prize in fifth place. Samuel Callow, Callum Parker, Lucas Parker, Keri Hampson and Sean Maxwell completed the top ten. Adam Scarffe got the better of Jacob Phair in the dash for the line at the end of the born 2001 and later event. Top girl Amelia Sharpe finished on her own for a safe third and Daniel Sowerby outsprinted Rebecca Killip, Elle Cain and Jade Lund for fourth. The ever improving Robert Webster scored his second win in succession in the born 2000 category, taking the chequered flag well clear of overall leader Thomas Bostock. Third place went to Luke Murray and Cameron Wheeler was a good fourth. Megan Kelly was the first girl in fifth position and Joseph Corkish won a close battle with Tom Murray for sixth. Lucas Mudie led the main chasing bunch home in eighth spot. Bouncing back from his defeat in the previous round, Marcus Simpson edged out round six winner Conor Davies in the born 1999 age group. Leading girl Eleanor Davies, who had been circulating with the leading duo for much of the race, took third ahead of George Dalton-Brown, Victoria Watson and Joseph Glover. Regular top ten finisher Liam McCann beat off Nathan Pope for seventh. Owen Dudley returned from holiday to resume his place at the top of the born 1998 class, catching and overtaking early leader Matthew Draper on the last lap for his fourth victory. Ben Cunningham was a lonely third and Rory McCann beat Brody Patience to the line for fourth. Max Murray came from behind to snatch the final place on the top six leader board from Brett Dean and tenth placed Emma Nicholson grabbed the girls' honours after Emily Kelly hit mechanical problems. Matthew Bostock and Victoria Kinrade clipped off the front of a breakaway group of six riders to claim first and second respectively in the born 1997 class. Kathryn Hull rode strongly for third ahead of Joseph Haddock, Breeshey Cain, Elizabeth Holden and Aaron Peniata, who as a relative newcomer did very well to hang onto the leaders. Thomas Dalton-Brown, Tamara Preskey and James Skillicorn rounded off the top ten. In the born 1996 group Matthew Davies picked up maximum points again, but had to work hard in the final sprint to hold off a determined Leon Mazzone. The impressive Laura Kinley was a clear third ahead of a chasing trio of Andrew Cregeen, Jamie Dudley and Sophie Black. Jonathan Cregeen showed a fine turn of speed in getting the better of Joshua Knights at the end of the born 1995-93 three lapper. Andrew Marshall kept travelling companions Sarah Quine, Alexandra Christian and Eleanor Stokoe at bay for third, with Nicholas Corlett leading Maria Hull home for seventh. Scottish Provident League's rider of the month for May, Alex Haddock, had to fend off a spirited challenge from Leon Mazzone before going on to maintain his unbeaten record in the under 12's racing bikes. Preston Youth Race winner Matthew Davies got the verdict for third from Joshua Knights, with Ryan Dean fifth and Matthew Nicholson sixth. Lucy Johnson was the best girl in eighth slot. Warming up for this coming weekend's British National Youth Circuit Race Championships in Bradford, a confident Tom Black came out on top in the under 14's / under 16's and junior racing bikes. Sam Looker scored his best result to date in second place and Colum O'Shea was his usual aggressive self in third spot. Junior Mark Redhead was fourth and Christopher Nicholson the top under 14 rider in fifth. Alicia Corlett took the girls' honours in thirteenth position. Longmarkers Helen Lobb, Edith Bankes-Jones, Adam Callow and Olivia Perry made the most of their starting advantage to fill the top four places in the born 1998 handicap. Full results here _____________________________________________ 25th June * Congratulations to Sarah Berry on her fantastic achievement of reaching Peel in last Saturday's record breaking Parish Walk. Sarah's initial goal was to cover the 19.5 miles to Rushen, but once that was accomplished she gamely decided to continue the extra 13 miles or so to the Sunset City, taking in the torturous climb of the Sloc on the way. Sarah and her friend Liz, who made it to Rushen, tackled the gruelling event in memory of Sarah's son James and to raise money for Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man (over £700 already received in pledges). Suzanne O'Sullivan (Colum O'Shea's mum) also took part in the "walk" to boost TSPIOM funds and was able accompany Sarah from Rushen onwards. Well done to all three of them. * Port Erin's Tom Craine did very well to finish second in the recent round of the Bikestyle handicap road race series at Jurby. It was Tom's first appearance in the event. * A grand total of 15 riders will be representing the club in this coming Saturday's British National Youth Circuit Race Championships at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre in Bradford. _____________________________________________ 20th June * Eighteen club members competed with great success in England last weekend. On Saturday the TSPIOM squad contested the third and final round of British Cycling's Northern Area circuit race series and on Sunday raced against the clock in Cycling Time Trials' Northern District final of the GHS juvenile time trial championship, both staged at the Preston Sports Arena. Saturday's event was the third and final round of British Cycling's Northern Area qualifying heats (best two results to count) for the Michelin sponsored national circuit race championship, with the top ten overall in the under 14 & under 16 categories (male and female) going through to the final stages of the competition (names still to be confirmed). Overcoming the stifling hot conditions, relative newcomer Eleanor Davies rode very well to finish a fine third in the under 8's class behind the much more experienced Jonathan Anderson and Matthew Braybrook (both Eastlands Velo). In the following under 10's event Matthew Davies powered out of the critical final corner to take an impressive victory ahead of Charlie Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers) and Christian Braybrook (Eastlands Velo). An aggressive Leon Mazzone put in many attacks throughout the race but was unable to get away, eventually settling for fourth in the sprint for the line. Harry Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers) and Hugh Carthy (Science in Sport.Com) broke clear in the under 12's category to finish first and second. A group of eight riders battled it out for third, with an under the weather Alex Haddock grabbing seventh and team mate Joshua Knights tenth. Lucy Johnson was thirteenth. After a rather pedestrian start, the under 14's age group came alive in the closing stages, with Jordan Hargreaves (Eastlands Velo), Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors) and Team Scottish Provident's Christopher Nicholson clipping off the front to claim the top three podium positions. Thomas Mazzone was a good seventh and Adam Johnson twelfth. John and Warwick Sanderson crossed the line a little further down the order ahead of Alicia Corlett. The under 16's class ended in a bunch sprint contested by most of the field and won by pre-race favourite Tom Buck (Sports City Velo). Mark Christian was just behind in fourth spot followed by Sam Looker (TSPIOM) in 8th spot, Colum O'Shea (TSPIOM) in 12th, Tom Black (TSPIOM) 16th and Robin Garry (TSPIOM) 22nd. MORE BLACK MAGIC FROM TOM On Sunday most of the team remained in Preston for the northern heat of the GHS juvenile time trial championship, with Tom Black, Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea, Alicia Corlett, Alex Haddock and possibly Lucy Johnson all qualifying for the national final in September. The event was run over eight one mile laps of the closed Preston Arena circuit and not on open roads as is usually the norm for this type of competition. Tom Black produced the Manx ride of the day, storming round in a super-fast 17mins 59secs to take an excellent second place some eight seconds down on the winner Simon Martindale (VC Cumbria), but just one second in front of his TSPIOM club mate Mark Christian. All three riders gain automatic entry to the final. Colum O'Shea also had a great ride to clock 18.37, which slotted him into sixth spot. His time combined with Black's and Christian's gave TSPIOM the team prize, putting him in the final alongside his two team mates to defend the title TSP won last year and in 1993. Alicia Corlett (22.39), Alex Haddock (23.12) and Lucy Johnson also go through as the quickest girl overall, the fastest boy under 13 and the third fastest girl (still to be confirmed) respectively. Sam Looker was the best of the Manx non-qualifiers in a respectable 19.45 followed by Adam Johnson 20.47, Robin Garry 20.51, John Sanderson 21.41, Thomas Mazzone 22.02 and Warwick Sanderson 22.37. While their team mates were battling it out in the time trial Joshua Knights and Christopher Nicholson were competing elsewhere. Joshua nipped over to Lancashire for the Horwich Carnival Races, where he came eleventh in the youth event, and Chris went to Scunthorpe for the latest round of BC's youth omnium track series, finishing eleventh overall. Also last weekend,Caroline O'Neill made her junior/senior road race debut in last Saturday's British national circuit race championship at Curborough and achieved her objective of completing the distance in 31st place. Having only just turned seventeen, Caroline was the youngest competitor in the race. _____________________________________________ 18th June * Over £500 has so far been pledged for Sarah Berry and her friend Liz in their Parish Walk endeavours next Saturday (June 24th). Sarah and Liz are having a go at the arduous event in memory of Sarah's son James and to raise money for Team Scottish Provident IOM. You can add your name to the sponsorship list down at the NSC next Tuesday night or, alternatively, you can e-mail dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im . Scottish Provident employee Suzanne O'Sullivan (Colum O'Shea's mum) is also taking part to boost club funds. Good luck to them all. * A total of 402 youngsters have competed in the first six rounds of the club's Scottish Provident League. * Club members put in some blistering performances in last Wednesday's round of the Manx Telecom "10" League. Mark Christian posted a very rapid 23mins 08secs to take the juvenile honours in a brilliant fourth place overall. Colum O'Shea clocked 25.06 (3rd juvenile), Sam Looker 25.34 (5th juv), Tom Black 26.08 (6th juv), Chris Nicholson 26.24 (7th juv), Mark Redhead 26.54 (4th junior), Jack Wolstencroft 28.01 (8th juv), Adam Johnson 28.04 (9th juv), Robin Garry 28.08 (10th juv), Caroline O'Neill 28.44 (5th woman), Thomas Mazzone 29.01 (11th juv), Matthew Berry 29.17 (12th juv), John Sanderson 30,46 (13th juv), Warwick Sanderson 31.00 (14th juv), Alicia Corlett 31.23 (15th juv) and Lucy Johnson 33.35 (16th juv). _____________________________________________ 14th June * There was another large turn out of 257 competitors for round six of the Scottish Provident league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in ideal racing conditions. In the novices class Ryan Forrest notched up his fifth success of the series. Angus Wheeler, who was having only his second outing, pipped fourth round winner Samuel Callow for the runners-up spot, with Juan Kneen a good fourth. Lucy Callow led the chasers home to grab the girls' prize in fifth position, while newcomer Olivia Kniveton did well to finish eighteenth in the fifty nine strong field. Adam Scarffe was the clear winner of the born 2001 & later category ahead of Jacob Phair, who was closely followed by Amelia Sharpe (first girl) and Rebecca Killip in third and fourth places respectively. Elle Cain and Jade Lund completed the top six. A start line shunt put the born 2000 event into disarray. Regular top three finisher Robert Webster made the most of the confusion, beating twin brothers Tom and Luke Murray to the line for his very first victory. Joseph Corkish was a comfortable fourth, his best result to date, and Megan Kelly picked up the girls' honours in a lonely fifth. Milly-Rose Killeen edged out Matthew Thomas for sixth and Olivia Sharpe got the better of impressive first timer Joseph Canaper for ninth. Series leader Thomas Bostock suffered most from the commotion at the beginning of the race, but recovered well to salvage tenth. After several second places, Conor Davies finally made it to the top in the born 1999 age group. Marcus Simpson, the winner of the previous two rounds, was second and George Dalton-Brown third. Eleanor Davies was the first girl in fourth place ahead of early leader Joseph Glover and Liam McCann. Seventh place went to Victoria Watson and Ben Mazzilli won the bunch sprint for eighth. Matthew Draper went from the gun in the born 1998 event, taking the chequered flag by a clear margin from Ben Cunningham, who continues to make steady progress. Last week's victor Brody Patience was third and Rory McCann fourth. Gabriel Wilson had a good ride in fifth spot and Amy Kinley was the best girl in ninth place. In the born 1997 class Matthew Bostock surged ahead of beakaway partner Victoria Kinrade on the final lap to maintain his unbeaten record. Elizabeth Holden led chasers Kathryn Hull, Joseph Haddock, Tamara Preskey and Breeshey Cain home for third, with Thomas Dalton-Brown and James Skillicorn, who had both been with the leaders in the early stages, trailling in for eighth and ninth. Matthew Davies collected maximum points again in the born 1996 race, outsprinting arch rival Leon Mazzone in the gallop for the line. Ashley Faragher rode away from Laura Kinley (top girl) and the hard working Andrew Cregeen to fill the final place on the podium. Ten riders contested the finish of the born 1995-93 group, with Jonathan Cregeen first across the line followed by Joshua Knights, Andrew Marshall, Sarah Quine (first girl), Alexandra Christian, Ryan Dean, Eleanor Stokoe, Maria Hull, Anna Christian and Nicholas Corlett. Further down the field Peter Naylor and Harry Goodwin had a good tussle for fourteenth place. The well supported under 12's racing bikes provided some of the best entertainment of the night. Alexander Haddock attacked at half distance, showing everyone a clear pair of wheels before clocking up another impressive solo victory. Joshua Knights won the charge for second from Matthew Davies, with Ryan Dean holding off Leon Mazzone for fourth. Lucy Johnson was the first of the nine girl competitors in an excellent sixth place. Sports Aid Foundation recipient Mark Christian is still the man to beat in the under 14, under 16 and junior racing bikes. Mark headed Matthew Looker and Colum O'Shea over the line after the three break clear following some aggressive riding from O'Shea. Tom Black was stuck in no-man's-land for much of the race, but stuck to his task to keep Sam Looker at bay for fourth. Christopher Nicholson was the best of the under 14's in sixth spot and Alicia Corlett the top girl in fourteenth. Jonathan Cregeen came off the worst in a crash at half-distance, but luckily escaped with a few gravel rashes. In the born 1999 handicap middlemarker Benjamin Raven claimed the spoils after catching longmarkers Nathan Millar, Rachael Pearson and Georgia Perry on the finishing straight. _____________________________________________ 11th June * Twelve year old Alexander Haddock has been voted "rider of the month" for May. Alex has come up through the ranks in the club's Scottish Provident league and this year has dominated the under 12's racing bike class with impressive wins in the first four rounds. Alex's positive attitude is an example to everyone. He receives a gold cup and £25 in cash. * What others have said about us - part 13 .........."the (Scottish Provident) children's cycling league at the National Sports Centre has emerged as one of the major success stories of recent years" ..........(Richard Parslow, Manx Independent 28.04.2006) * Good luck to Matthew & Eleanor Davies, Tom Black, Alicia Corlett, Robin Garry, Alex Haddock, Adam & Lucy Johnson, Joshua Knights, Sam Looker, Thomas & Leon Mazzone, Chris Nicholson, Colum O'Shea, John & Warwick Sanderson, and Mark, Alexandra & Anna Christian who will all be representing the club at this coming Saturday's Preston Youth Races. On Sunday at the same venue Tom, Alicia, Robin, Alex, Adam, Lucy, Sam, Thomas, Colum, John, Warwick, Mark and Alexandra will be competing in the Northern Final of Cycling Time Trials' GHS juvenile championship, while Chris travels across to Scunthorpe for the latest round of BC's Youth Track Series and Joshua trys his luck in the Horwich Carnival Races. * First year junior Caroline O'Neill will also be away at the weekend for the British National Women's Circuit Race Championships at Curborough in Staffordshire. On July 2/3 Caroline will be joining up with Claire Moore and Laura Wasley from our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers and Cayley Ennett of the Ellan Vannin CC for the Limavady "Danny Boy" two-day international stage race in Northern Ireland, which in 2005 was won by Helen Wyman (Team Fat Birds). _____________________________________________ 8th June * Conditions were perfect for the 178 club members who turned out for round 5 of the Scottish Provident league, staged at a sun kissed National Sports Centre last Tuesday night. In the novices class Ryan Forrest bounced back from his defeat in the previous round to score his fourth win of the series. Juan Kneen took the runners-up spot for the second week running and Callum Parker was third. Sean Jackson, Lucas Parker and Callum Kennish completed the top six leader board, with Anna Kelly the first girl in eighth position. Adam Scarffe and Jacob Phair could not be split at the end of the born 2001 & later one lapper. Scarffe held the lead approaching the chequered flag, but a determined effort by Phair saw him draw level on the line. Third placed Amelie Sharpe was the top girl ahead of Jack Sowerby and the ever improving Blae Cain. Three riders contested the finish of the born 2000 event, with Thomas Bostock just edging out Robert Webster and Tom Murray to maintain his unbeaten record. Adam Kelly won the sprint for fourth place from Matthew Thomas, while Megan Kelly (5th) pipped Olivia Sharpe for the girls' prize. Further down the field Arthur Bankes-Jones secured twelfth position after a very close tussle with Lewis Bridson. A seven strong break formed at the beginning of the born 1999 category and were never caught, with Marcus Simpson taking maximum points for the third week in a row. Conor Davies was second followed by George Dalton-Brown, Liam McCann, Eleanor Davies (first girl), Matthew Cain and Joseph Glover. Eighth placed Ben Cregeen led the rest of the field home. In the born 1998 age group Brody Patience held off a determined chase from Ben Cunningham to score his very first victory of the season. Rory McCann, who had been with the two leaders until the final stages, was a good third ahead of Max Murray and the fast finishing James Costain. In the battle for sixth Emily Kelly (leading girl) got the better of Amy Kinley and Luis Novo-Smith. Matthew Bostock just managed to keep Victoria Kinrade at bay before picking up his fifth victory the born 1997 race. Kathryn Hull got stronger as the race went on, beating Joseph Haddock and Breeshey Cain to the line for a well deserved third. Aaron Peniata did well to come sixth and newcomer Danielle Wright rode strongly for eleventh. Without series leader Matthew Davies to contend with, Leon Mazzone romped to a clear win in the born 1996 class. Three riders fought it out for second, with Ashley Faragher getting the verdict from Laura Kinley and Andrew Cregeen. Jonathan Cregeen was having his first outing of the 2006 series and rode impressively to take the six up gallop at the end of the born 1995-93 group. Joshua Knights and Andrew Marshall were second and third, with Alexandra Christian gaining the advantage over Eleanor Stokoe and Ryan Dean for fourth. Onchan's Alex Haddock added another win to his tally in the under 12 racing bikes, but was pushed all the way by a tenacious Leon Mazzone. Joshua Knights and Ryan Dean had good rides in third and fourth places respectively, while Victoria Kinrade broke away from the bunch to claim the girls' honours in a fine fifth place. Ashley Faragher is the latest rider to make use of one of club's stock of racing bikes and he did well to finish thirteenth on his debut in the class. In the very competitive under 14, under 16 and junior racing bikes Mark Christian had to overcome strong opposition from Matthew Looker and an aggressive Colum O'Shea before securing the victory. Sam Looker was fourth and Tom Black, who was the only rider left not to be lapped by the four leaders, circulated on his own for fifth place. Thomas Mazzone was the best of the under 14's in sixth spot and Alicia Corlett the top girl in twelfth. Before the proceedings got underway Colum was presented with the cup and £25 he won as the club's "rider of the month" for April. Finally, longmarkers Ciara Sowerby, Imogen Woodward and Lucas Mudie stayed ahead of the chasing pack to fill the podium positions in the born 2000 handicap. _____________________________________________ 6th June * Christopher Nicholson scored some notable off-island results last weekend. On Saturday he was at the Preston Arena where he won the TLI North West Region Under 14 championship and the latest round of the season long circuit race series. In the first event Chris outsprinted five other riders to claim the title, while in the second he rode away from his breakaway companion to score a fine solo victory. On Sunday Chris travelled up to Scotland for the Dundee round of British Cycling's Northern Area youth omnium track series, finishing an excellent third behind Jordan Hargreaves and Simon Yates (both Eastlands Velo). He now lies fifth in the overall standings. _____________________________________________ 5th June * Following a short break in the action while the TT evening practices were taking place, the club's Scottish Provident League resumes at the NSC next Tuesday (6th June). The action packed programme gets underway at 6.45pm with the novices race. Some very special guests could be coming down on the night, so don't miss it. * What others have said about us - part 12 .........." (IOM Sports Council) members have requested that I thank you for sending your annual report and are delighted that Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man goes from strength to strength. Congratulations to you and your team - keep up the wonderful work" ..........(Pauline Carr, Secretary, IOM Sports Council, 14 February 2005) * The club will be taking at least twenty riders to the Preston Youth Races on Saturday, 17th June. The event is the third and final round of British Cycling's Northern Area qualifying heats for the national finals of the Michelin youth circuit race series. * Sports Aid Foundation and IOM Steam Packet scholarship recipient Mark Christian attended the latest of British Cycling's Talent Team training camps during TT practice week. _____________________________________________ 25th May * The moment you have been waiting for ! The club is pleased to announce that Colum O'Shea is the winner of the newly introduced Scottish Provident League "rider of the month" award for April. Colum has impressed everyone this season with his aggressive style of riding and willingness to "have a go", something we always try to encourage down at the NSC. Colum will receive a gold cup and a £25 in cash. The winner for May will be announced shortly. * With race kit colourfully emblazoned with the three legs emblem and Isle of Man lettering, the club has been one step ahead of the Manx's government's recently announced branding strategy to publicise the Island overseas. * Don't forget to sponsor Sarah Berry and her friend Liz in the forthcoming Parish Walk. The intrepid duo are tackling the event in memory of Sarah's son James and to raise money for Team Scottish Provident. You can make your pledge down at the NSC on a Tuesday night or alternatively e-mail dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im _____________________________________________ 25th May * With two of the three rounds of British Cycling's Northern Area circuit race series completed, a large group of TSP riders are well placed to go forward to the national finals. Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea, Tom Black, Thomas Mazzone, Adam Johnson, Alicia Corlett, Alex Haddock, Joshua Knights and Lucy Johnson are all placed in the top ten overall, which at the moment will put them through to the final stages of the competition. Christopher Nicholson, who has only competed in one round (two to count), also looks likely to qualify. * What others have said about us - part 11 ............." the beauty about the Scottish Provident International league is the fact that the children don't have to be superstars to enjoy themselves. It's a very social event and for every winner there are plenty of children who gain enjoyment from the excitement of taking part. Regular handicap races also help to ensure that those at the back of the field are not left out when it comes to picking up prizes" ................ (manx tails magazine April 2003) * Riders currently competing in the 11-12 age groups on a Tuesday night will be eligble for the Commonwealth Youth Games when they come to the Isle of Man in 2011. * The club has managed to book the Manchester velodrome for another track coaching weekend early in November. We should have space for approximately 25 riders. More details to follow nearer the time. _____________________________________________ 24th May A heavy cloudburst earlier in the afternoon made conditions difficult for the 210 club members who turned out for round four of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league at the NSC last Tuesday night. In the novices class Samuel Callow splashed his way through the puddles to pick up his first win of the season ahead of Juan Kneen and the previously unbeaten Ryan Forrest. Fourth place went to Amy Beattie, who headed Tom Cain and Lucy Callow across the line for the girls' prize. Callum Kennish. James Harrison, Will Corkill and Maria Frize completed the top ten leader board, while newcomer Patrick Douglas did well to finish 14th spot on his first outing. Jacob Phair held off chasers Amelia Sharpe and Adam Scarrfe for a repeat victory in the born 2001 & later age group, with Rebecca Killip a clear fourth ahead of Elle Cain and Blae Cain, whose sixth place was her best result to date. Having only just abandoned her sabilisers, Catherine Craig was a good twelfth. A determined Thomas Bostock gained his fourth win in a row in the born 2000 category. Thomas dropped breakaway partners Tom Murray and Caitlyn Smith on the final lap, taking the chequered flag with a clear margin. Murray hung on for second and Robert Webster chased down leading girl Caitlyn Smith for third. Megan Kelly was the second girl home in a lonely fifth place and Luke Murray was sixth. Adam Kelly outsprinted Olivia Sharpe and Milly-Rose Killeen for seventh. Marcus Simpson led from start to finish in the born 1999 event for his second win in succession. Conor Davies stormed through the field on the last lap to pip Eleanor Davies on the line for the runners-up spot, with Joseph Glover and Victoria Watson, who had both been contesting second place themselves, trailling in for fourth and fifth. First timer Jessica Walton was an impressive eleventh. Following an intriguing game of cat and mouse, Owen Dudley pulled away from Matthew Draper on the final circuit to complete a hat trick of victories in the born 1998 class. Rory McCann got the better of Ben Cunningham for third and Max Murray made his usual late charge to beat James Costain for fifth. Brody Patience had been ahead of Murray and Costain, but got into a nasty speed wobble within sight of the line and almost crashed. However, he made a great recovery and went on to salvage seventh place. Emily Kelly took the girls' honours again in ninth position. In the born 1997 class Matthew Bostock's gamble of going from the gun payed off, giving him a fourth straight win. Victoria Kinrade chased Matthew all the way and on the second of the three laps seemed to be making inroads into his lead but in the end had to settle for second. Joseph Haddock just managed to stay ahead of the fast finishing Kathryn Hull for the final podium position and Breeshey Cain pipped Tamara Preskey for fifth. Five riders broke away at the start of the born 1996 group and stayed together untill the final lap. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone eventually clipped off the front to contest the finish, with Matthew getting the verdict after a very close battle. The ever improving Ashley Faragher won the dash for third from Laura Kinley and Jamie Dudley. Just as the born 1995-93 age group was about to begin the heavens opened again, completely soaking the track. Before the start of the race the competitors were allowed a sighting lap to get used to the wet surface. Sarah Quine adjusted well to the tricky conditions, beating Joshua Knights and Alexandra Christian to the line for a well deserved victory. Eleanor Stokoe was a little further back in a fourth place followed by Ryan Dean and Andrew Marshall. All the riders did well to complete the distance. Because of the drastic deterioration in the weather it was decided to cancel the two racing bike events for safety reasons, which was a shame as the track had almost dried out after the intial shower of rain. Don't forget that there is no racing nest Tuesday (May 30th) due to the TT practices, but there will be a round of the league held during TT week itself (Tuesday, June 6th). _____________________________________________ 23rd May * There were some excellent performances from the eight team members who competed in last Sunday's Eastlands Velo junior & youth track meeting at the Manchester velodrome. Over 70 riders, including several Talent Team Members, took part in the event, which was the opening round of British Cycling's northern area national track series. The junior, under 16 and under 14 classes were put through their paces in a sprint race, a 3km scratch, a 1km time trial, a devil and a points race, while the under 12's contested a 200m time trial, a 1 lap dash and a 1km scratch, with the final overall positions being decided on the total number of points gained in all disciplines. Mark Christian was a brilliant second overall in the under 16's category, some seven points behind runaway winner Tom Buck (Sportscity Velo). Mark won the 3km scratch, was 2nd in the sprint, 3rd in the 1km and 4th in the devil and the points to secure the runners-up spot by just two points from Tom Skubala ((Team PRS). Colum O'Shea was 13th and Tom Black 15th. In the mixed category for junior and under 16 women Caroline O'Neill (TSP) was up against a high class field and did well to come 9th, with her best finish a 7th in the devil. The standard of the opposition was revealed early on in the proceedings when Lucy Ayres (Sportcity Velo) and Anna Blyth (VC St Raphael), the eventual winner and runner-up, both got unofficial national records in the flying 200m time trial. Christopher Nicholson scored an impressive 2nd in the 3km scratch, a 6th in the points and an 11th in the devil for 9th overall in the under 14's. Chris would have finished even higher except for a poor result in the sprint (21st). Track racing novices Jack Wolstencroft and Alicia Corlett had steady rides for 20th and 21st respectively. Eleven year old Joshua Knights (TSP), who is also a newcomer to the track, was the club's sole representative in the under 12's and his 7th in the 200m time trial and 8ths in the1 lap dash and 1km scratch earned him a creditable 8th in the overall standings. Many thanks to our sponsors Scottish Provident for subsidising the trip and the Manx Public Lottery Trust for funding the team's track bikes. _____________________________________________
21st May * Due to popular demand, the club will be resuming its weekly road training sessions after TT week. Utilising the roads in the Braaid area, the rides will be ideal preparation for those team members competing in the Kerry Youth Tour in August. * Looking ahead, the club has already booked the Braaid Hall for next winter's turbo training sessions. The 2006/07 series will start in October as usual and run right through to the end of April '07. The club is hoping to invest in some new turbo trainers so that more members can attend the sessions. * The newly introduced Team Scottish Provident IOM "Rider of the Month" award for April will be announced in the near future. Watch this space. * Following a very busy April and May, the club's off-island racing campaign continues apace with further trips lined up in the next few weeks to Preston for the third round of British Cycling's Circuit Race Series and to Bradford for the British National Championships. * Congratulations to Matthew Looker on his superb win in the "B" event in last Sunday's Tour of the West. Matt's brother Sam was third, with TSP team mates Colum O'Shea and Tom Black fourth and fifth respectively. Mark Christian tackled the gruelling 78 mile 'A' race and did well to finish seventh. _____________________________________________
17th May * Despite the rather gloomy weather forecast, there was another huge turn out of 272 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round three of the club's Scottish Provident circuit racing league. In the very well supported novices class Ryan Forrest notched up his third win in a row. Sean Jackson beat Luke Strickett-Morling, Juan Kneen and Samuel Callow to the line for second place, with Lucy Callow the top girl in sixth spot. Nicholas Peniata was a good seventh in front of Callum Kennish, Keri Hampson and Will Corkill, who completed the top ten leader board. Jacob Phair overtook leading girl Amelia Sharpe in the final few yards to record his first ever win in the born 2001 & later age group. Rebecca Killip was a comfortable third and Dylan Groom outsprinted Elle Cain and Zoe Kirkham for fourth. After holding off a strong challenge from the fast finishing Caitlyn Smith, Glen Vine's Thomas Bostock picked up maximum points again in the born 2000 category. Luke Murray was not far behind in third place and brother Tom was fourth ahead of Robert Webster, Megan Kelly and impressive newcomer Cameron Wheeler. Marcus Simpson rode everyone off his wheel for a fine solo victory in the born 1999 event. Eleanor Davies made a valiant effort to stay with him, but in the end had to settle for the runners-up spot. The final podium position went to Joseph Glover, who led home a five strong chasing group containing Conor Davis, George Dalton-Brown, Alex Cain and Victoria Watson. There was a repeat win for Owen Dudley in the born 1998 race. Owen caught early leader Matthew Draper on the penultimate lap and gradually pulled away for a clear victory. After his customary slow start, Max Murray worked his way through the field to pip Ben Cunningham for third. Emily Kelly was the first girl in eighth position. Matthew Bostock and Victoria Kinrade resumed their weekly battle in the born 1997 class, with Matthew proving to be too strong again in the final gallop for the line. Joseph Haddock was third for the second week running and Kathryn Hull did well to grab fourth ahead of Breeshey Cain and Elizabeth Holden. Maintaining his unbeaten record, Matthew Davies headed Leon Mazzone across the line in the born 1996 class. Ashley Faragher broke free from the chasing group to grab third, with Laura Kinley holding off Andrew Cregeen and Jamie Dudley for fourth. In a closely fought sprint for seventh place Emma Kennaugh got the verdict over Sophie Black by the width of a tyre. In the born 1995-93 group Joshua Knights took the honours from his all female breakaway patners Alexandra Christian, Sarah Quine, Eleanor Stokoe and Anna Christian. The five riders got away on the first lap and stayed clear to the finish. Maria Hull was just off the back in sixth place followed by Nicholas Corlett, Jamie Everitt and the ever improving Ciara Sullivan. Fresh from his excellent third place in the previous week's Richard Dunn youth races in Bradford, Alex Haddock came out on top in the under 12's racing bikes. Matthew Davies was second and Josh Knights third, with Lucy Johnson the leading girl in fifth. The under 14's, under 16's and junior racing bikes 25 lapper was won by Matthew Looker from Colum O'Shea, Tom Black and Sam Looker. The quartet were part of a group of six riders left at the front after a devastating attack from O'Shea had split the field. The fast pace whittled the group down even further, leaving just four in contention. Christopher Nicholson was fifth and first under 14, with Adam Johnson and Robin Garry, who had both featured strongly in the early action, sixth and seventh. The best girl was Alicia Corlett in eleventh place. _____________________________________________
15th May
*Maria Hull has posted her TSP Questionnaire form - check it out here
* Team Scottish Provident members were in fine form again at last Saturday's Richard Dunn Youth Races in Bradford. Competing against top class opposition, Thomas Mazzone and Alex Haddock were second and third in their respective classes, with Joshua Knights, Lucy Johnson, Christopher Nicholson, Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea and Tom Black all recording excellent top ten finishes. The event was the second of British Cycling's Northern Area qualifying heats for the national finals of the 2006 Michelin circuit race series. The extremely cold, wet and windy conditions failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the seventy seven young riders who turned up to do battle on the newly renovated and very technical circuit. In the opening race of the day, category C for under 12's, Alex Haddock gained his first ever podium position in a national event. A delighted Alex took third place after catching and then attacking a group of three riders, who were chasing eventual winner Harry Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers) and runner-up Hugh Carthy (Science in Sport.Com). Joshua Knights was 7th and Lucy Johnson 8th and 2nd girl. Thomas Mazzone rode with great maturity in the under 14's age group, finishing a brilliant second behind recently crowned North West Youth Champion Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors). Thomas and team mate Christopher Nicholson, who was still recovering from a heavy cold, got away in a break of eight riders. Thomas kept out of trouble at the front of the bunch and was well positioned in the final sprint to take the runners-up spot, with Chris a good fifth. Adam Johnson overcame gears to claim 9th and 12th placed Alicia Corlett was just pipped for the girls honours by Melissa Greaves ((Bronte Wheelers). Twin brothers Warwick and John Sanderson were 15th and 17th respectively. The rain had stopped by the time the under 16's race got underway. Mark Christian was in a group of four riders fighting for second place when he punctured at the end of the penultimate lap, ending any chance he had of a top three finish. He rejoined the fray after a wheel change and did well to salvage sixth position. Colum O'Shea and Tom Black rode aggressively throughout the 35 lap race and were two out of only nine riders not to lapped by runaway winner Simon Martindale (VC Cumbria). Colum finished a fine 5th and Tom an equally impressive 8th.
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13th May
* Donations are still being received in lieu of flowers for James Berry. A very generous contribution from the mortgage team at the Royal Bank of Scotland, the department where James's mother Sarah works, has pushed the total amount of money raised over the £3,000 mark. Don't forget that Sarah and her friend Liz are taking part in the Parish Walk in memory of JB and to raise funds for TSP. Sponsorship details will be available down at the NSC on Tuesday nights.
* Mark Christian, Tom Black, Colum O'Shea, Caroline O'Neill, Christopher Nicholson, Alicia Corlett, Joshua Knights and Jack Wolstencroft will be putting the club's Public Lottery Trust funded track bikes to good use next Sunday (21st May) when they compete in the Eastlands Velo track meeting at the Manchester velodrome. _____________________________________________ 11th May * Good luck to the thirteen team members who are competing in this coming Saturday's Richard Dunn youth races in Bradford. The event is the second round of British Cycling's Northern Area Circuit Race Series. * The club is planning another fundraising effort for Tynwald Fair Day on July 5th. Last year over £300 was raised, despite an early finish due to a heavy downpour. * A total of 373 riders have now signed on for the Scottish Provident Tuesday night league. The popular handicap races will start next week (16th May). The British Cycling website posts all the league's results and reports in full. * Due to an increase in demand, the club has recently added to its stock of road and track racing bikes. All fifteen bikes are in constant use. _____________________________________________ 10th May * In sharp contrast to last week, conditions were ideal for the 292 competitors who turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round two of the club's Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Ryan Forrest notched up his second win in the novices class, taking the chequered flag well clear of Sean Jackson, who outsprinted Callum Parker for the runners-up spot. Samuel Callow was a safe fourth ahead of Juan Kneen and Lucy Callow, who was the leading girl, Charlie Whittaker, Lucas Parker and Nicholas Peniata, whose ninth place was a marked improvement on his round one performance, and Jonathan Williams completed the top ten. In the Born 2001 & Later age group Adam Scarffe overtook Dylan Groom in the closing stages to maintain his 100% record, while newcomer and best girl Amelia Sharpe did very well on her debut to grab third place. Jade Lund slid off on the final corner, but made a good recovery to finish 17th. After breaking away on the opening lap, Thomas Bostock, Tom & Luke Murray and Caitlin Smith fought it out for the honours in the born 2000 category. Thomas eventually got the verdict from top girl Caitlyn, with Luke beating his brother Tom to the line for third position. Robert Webster was fifth and Milly-Rose Killeen the second girl in sixth spot. Further down the field Lewis Christian just pipped Elise Smith and Matilda Perry in an exciting sprint for 35th place. George Dalton-Brown reversed round one's result to beat Eleanor Davies in the Born 1999 event. Conor Davies (no relation) was third for the the second time in succession and former series winner Alex Cain returned from a three week holiday in America to claim fourth. In the born 1998 class Matthew Draper made a fast start and by the end of lap one held onto a comfortable lead. On the second circuit, however he was caught by Owen Dudley, who then surged ahead to record his first win. Max Murray, who had to work his way through the field, was third followed by Brody Patience, Rory McCann, Brett Dean, Ben Cunningham, Luke Annett and Luis Novo-Smith. Baldwin's Emily Kelly took the girls' prize in tenth place. Four riders were in contention throughout the born 1997 race. At the finish Matthew Bostock gradullly pulled away from Victoria Kinrade for the victory. Joseph Haddock and Breeshey Cain were not too far behind in third and fourth positions respectively, with recently crowned North West youth champion Kathryn Hull leading the chasers home for fifth. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone got away at the beginning of the born 1996 three lapper and, despite the best efforts of a determined group of five pursuers, were never challenged. Davies got the better of Mazzone in the gallop for the chequered flag and Ashley Faragher led Jamie Dudley, Laura Kinley and Andrew Cregeen home for third. Sophie Black, who had been in the chasing group but dropped off the back. was seventh. Once again the girls were in the thick of the action in the born 1995-93 group. Sarah Quine had been impressive at the head of affairs before Joshua Knights and Jacob Holden wound up the pace on the last lap and came through to claim first and second. Alexanra Christian was third followed by Quine, Eleanor Stokoe, Anna Christian and Maria Hull. Alex Haddock dominated the under 12's racing bikes. The young Onchan man made his bid for glory just after half distance and went on to win by a clear margin. Behind him there was an almighty battle going on between Matthew Davies, Leon Mazzone, Juan Hendy, Lucas Croydon and sole girl Lucy Johnson. In the end it was relative newcomer Hendy who grabbed second - his best result to date. Davies was third, Croydon fourth, Johnson fifth (first girl ) and Mazzone sixth. The in form Mark Christian held off a very strong challenge from brothers Matthew and Sam Looker to win the sprint at the end of the under 14, under 16 and junior racing bikes 25 lapper. Tom Black was fourth and Colum O'Shea fifth. These five riders broke away after an aggressive Colum O'Shea had split the field with a series of blistering attacks. Mark Redhead and Niall Shimmin were next to finish in sixth and seventh places and Thomas Mazzone outsprinted Adam Johnson for the under 14 honours. Twelfth placed Alicia Corlett was the best girl. _____________________________________________ 8th May * The 26 team members who competed in last Saturday's North West Youth Circuit Race Championships at Victoria Park in Southport came home with three race winners' jerseys and a bag full of gold, silver and bronze medals. Matthew Davies, Kathryn Hull and Eleanor Davies all won their respective classes, with Christopher Nicholson, Thomas Mazzone, Alicia Corlett, Lucy Johnson, Maria Hull and Leon Mazzone gaining top three podium placings. Much to the delight of the organisers, the event attracted a record entry of nearly ninety of the regions top young riders. Proving that her recent overall win in the opening round of the Scottish Provident League was no fluke, Eleanor Davies got the club off to a flying start by taking the girls' honours in the under 8's age group. In the under 10's category Eleanor's brother Matthew outsprinted Chris Braybrooke (Eastlands Velo) and team mate Leon Mazzone to claim the yellow jersey, with Daniel De Weert doing well to finish 9th. Kathryn Hull was the first girl across the line to give the club its third victory of the day. Alex Haddock was unlucky to miss out on a medal in the under 12's event. The young Manxman was up with the leading group of six riders for the entire race, but just lost out to Jack Sadler (Gill Cycles) and Josh Penrice (Eastlends Velo) in the sprint for second place behind winner Hugh Carthy (SIS.com), who broke free at half distance and was never seen again. Joshua Knights was 7th, Ryan Dean 8th, Juan Hendy 14th, Nicholas Corlett 15th and Jamie Everitt 17th. An aggressive performance from Lucy Johnson in the under 12's girls event was rewarded with an excellent second place. Lucy and eventual winner Jessica Anderson (Eastlands Velo) got away in the early stages and were never challenged. The non-working Anderson attacked with four laps to go, leaving the Manx girl in the silver medal position. Maria Hull got clear of the chasing group to pick up the bronze medal ahead of Hannah Layland (Mossley CRT). Eleanor Stokoe and Anna Christian were not far behind in 5th and 6th positions respectively. In category B for under 14 boys Christopher Nicholson, Thomas Mazzone, Adam Johnson and pre race favourite Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors) formed a break on the fifth of thirty laps and, working hard together, built up a sizable lead of 55 seconds on the chasing bunch. Realising that Balyckyi (the winner of the Hetton Hawks Spring Classic and Terry Dolan series) was a major threat, all the TSP riders made spirited but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to get away. Predictably, it was Balyckyi who got the verdict in the final sprint ahead of Nicholson, Mazzone and the hard working Johnson. Jack Wolstencroft came home in the chasing group in 9th spot. New Brighton CC's Laura Allen was the clear winner of the under 14's girls. Alicia Corlett, who was in contention for the first half of the race, was an excellent second, with team mates Alex Christian and Sarah Quine 5th and 6th. Colum O'Shea, Sam Looker, Robin Garry and Tom Craine represented the club in the very competitive under 16's category, staged over 35 laps (35kms) of the Victoria Park circuit. O'Shea and Looker got into the race winning break alongside Simon Martindale (VC Cumbria), Scott Flynn (Obricoaching RT) and British Cycling Talent Team member Oliver Suart (Ribble Valley Juniors). O'Shea tried to get away on several occasions but was reeled in each time. The decisive move came on the last lap when Suart put in the race winning attack. Flynn went after him but lost out in the gallop for the chequered flag. Martindale held off a very strong challenge from O'Shea for third, with Looker a very good 5th. Robin Garry got clear of the second chasing group for 12th place, while Tom Craine, who was on there to gain experience, found the pace a bit too much and reluctantly pulled out at two thirds distance. Many thanks to our sponsors Scottish Provident who contributed over £800 towards the cost of the trip. _____________________________________________ 4th May * Sarah Berry is one of the 1,329 hardy souls who will be taking part in this year's Parish Walk. Sarah and her friend Liz have entered the event to raise money for TSPIOM club funds in memory of her son James. You will be able to sponsor Sarah down at the NSC on Tuesday nights. Both are raising funds for TSPIOM. The Walk takes place on Saturday, 24th June. * What others have said about us - part 10 ............"Letters complaining about a lack of opportunities for youngsters are received on a daily basis in the cycling weekly office, but if initiatives started by some clubs are anything to go by a new generation of cycling prospects will soon brighten the future of the sport. The brightest spot is undoubtedly the Isle of Man where hundreds of youngsters compete in the Scottish Provident League, with the vast majority coming from a non-cycling background" ...........(Cycling Weekly, December 21st 1996) * The club is taking 25 members to this coming Saturday's North West Youth Championships at Victoria Park in Southport. The organisers have kindly scheduled the event to fit in with the club's travel arrangements. * Following a recent free membership promotion for under 16.s, over 50 TSP members now hold British Cycling racing licences. _____________________________________________ 1st May * There were some excellent performances from the 22 TSP members who competed in last weekend's IOM Youth/Junior Tour. Chris Nicholson, Adam Johnson and Thomas Mazzone rode superbly throughout the three days to win the team prize in category B for under 14's. Individually, Chris was a very good 5th overall, Adam 8th and Thomas 11th. Jack Wolstencroft, Jonathan Cregeen, John Sanderson and Alicia Corlett (2nd girl) were not far behind in 12th, 13th, 15th and 19th places respectively, with Sarah Quine, Alex Christian and Warwick Sanderson, who only completed one stage, 23rd, 29th and 32nd. In Category C (U/12's) Alex Haddock was the leading TSP rider in a fine 8th position, followed by Joshua Knights (13th), Matthews Davies (15th), Ryan Dean (19th), Laura Kinley (25th & 7th girl)) and Victoria Kinrade (two stages completed) (27th). After winning the category A (U/16's) prologue time trial in fine style, Mark Christian ended the Tour in an excellent 4th spot overall and 2nd in the team competition with Colum O'Shea (13th overall) and Tom Black (18th overall). Former Manchester International Youth Tour winner Sam Looker was a respectable 21st and newcomer Robin Garry 38th. Matthew Looker was the club's sole representative in the very competitive junior class and did very well on a limited amount of training to finish 21st. Many thanks to Scottish Provident International for paying the club's entry fees, totalling £345 _____________________________________________ 26th April There was a large turn out of 263 competitors for the opening round of the club's 2006 Scottish Provident League, staged at a breezy but dry NSC last Tuesday night. In the novices class Ryan Forrest took the honours from Sean Jackson, with Samuel Callow pipping Callum Parker on the line for the final place on the podium. Lucy Callow was the first girl in fifth spot. Adam Scarffe was the clear winner of the born 2001 & Later age group ahead of Zoe Kirkham, who picked up the girls' prize. Harry Walters got the better of Rebecca Killip for third place and Elle Cain held off Jacob Phair and Taylor Andrews to claim fifth position. Leading from start to finish, Thomas Bostock scored an impressive victory in the born 2000 category. Brothers Tom and Luke Murray led the chasers home in second and third places respectively, with fourth placed Milly-Rose Killeen ousting Megan Kelly for the girls' prize. Robert Webster, Adam Long, Arthur Banks-Jones, Matthew Thomas and Joseph Corkish completed the top ten. Eleanor Davies produced one of the rides of the night to take the overall win in the born 1999 event. Eleanor went from the gun and steadily increased her advantage all the way to the finish. George Dalton-Brown and Conor Davies escaped from the chasing bunch to grab second and third, with Ben Mazzilli coming out on top in the sprint for fourth. In the born 1998 three lapper Matthew Draper broke away in the early stages and was never headed. Owen Dudley came a comfortable second and Max Murray outsprinted Rory McCann for third. Emily Kelly was the top girl in tenth place. After circulating together for most of the race, Matthew Bostock eased away from Victoria Kinrade in the finishing straight to collect maximum points in the born 1997 class. Kathryn Hull was a safe third and Joseph Haddock overtook Elizabeth Holden on the last lap for fourth. A group of five riders, driven mainly by Ashley Faragher, broke clear soon after the start of the born 1996 class and built up a sizable lead. At the finish it was Matthew Davies who got the verdict over Leon Mazzone in the gallop for the line, with the leading girl Laura Kinley coming through for third ahead of the hard working Faragher. The girls were well to the fore in the born 1995-93 age group. Alexandra Christian, Sarah Quine, Anna Christian, Eleanor Stokoe and lone boy Joshua Knights led at the end of the first circuit. Maria Hull joined them on the second lap, replacing Anna Christian who dropped back to the main bunch. In the end, however, Knights proved to be too strong for his breakaway partners and took the chequered flag by a comfortable margin from Quine, Christian (Alex), Stokoe and Hull. Putting his brand new bike to the test, an aggressive Alexander Haddock attacked at the start of the under 12's racing bikes and left the field in his wake to fight over the minor placings. Lucy Johnson got away from the chasing group for an excellent second place and Matthew Davies got the sprint for third. Twenty one riders lined up for the under 14/ 16 & junior racing bikes. Despite the fast pace six riders ( Mark Christian, Tom Black, Colum O'Shea, Sam & Matthew Looker and Chris Nicholson) managed to get away. Christian and Black tried on several occasions to make solo bids for glory, but were unable to escape. In the final sprint it was Christian who got the verdict from Matt Looker (1st junior). The much improved O'Shea was third followed by Sam Looker, Black and Nicholson (1st U/14). Having just recovered from a broken leg, Matthew Berry did very well to finish ninth behind Thomas Mazzone (7th) and Adam Johnson (8th). The first girl was Alicia Corlett in fourteenth position. Full results here _____________________________________________ 24th April * British Cycling Talent Team member and Sports Aid Foundation recipient Mark Christian looks to have made Manx cycling history by becoming the first juvenile ever to win a senior scratch race on the island. The TSP rider claimed his place in the record books by taking the 33 strong bunch sprint at the end of the 43 mile Roy Killey Memorial Road Race at Jurby last Sunday. Colum O'Shea, Sam Looker and Chris Nicholson also contested the sprint. * TSP members were out in force for the opening round of the Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league, staged recently on the Jurby course. Tom Black and Colum O'Shea were 1st and 2nd in the juvenile class in excellent times of 25mins 21secs and 25.43 respectively, while Matt Looker took the junior honours in 26.22. Sam Looker and Adam Johnson were the 4th and 5th quickest juveniles with 27.42 & 27.45 followed by Chris Nicholson (6th juvenile in 28.13) and Robin Garry (7th juvenile in 28.26). Niall Shimmin was the third best junior in 28.46 just six seconds faster than Caroline O'Neill, who was the leading junior girl and second woman overall in an impressive 28.52. Thomas Mazzone got round in a rapid 29.19 (8th juvenile), with Jack Wolstencroft clocking 30.31 (9th juvenile), Jonathan Cregeen 30.36 (10th juvenile), Sam Black 31.20 (11th juvenile), John Sanderson 31.53 (12th juvenile), Warwick Sanderson 32.00 (13th juvenile), Alicia Corlett 32.05 (14th juvenile), Lucy Johnson 34.31 (15th juvenile) and Aifric O'Shea 40.38 (16th juvenile). * There were some more outstanding performances from team members in the recent Hetton Hawks Spring Classic in Sunderland. The event, which was the opening round of British Cycling's Northern Area circuit race series, attracted a field of of over 70 riders. In the under 10's category Leon Mazzone was an impressive 2nd, with team mates Matthew Davies and Emma Kennaugh 3rd and 9th. Alexander Haddock overcame hailstones, rain and sleet to finish a fine 4th in the under 12's, while Joshua Knights recovered from a bad start to salvage 5th and relative newcomer Lucy Johnson was the second girl home in a very good 6th place overall. The ever improving Adam Johnson did well to take the sprint for 7th place in the under 14's age group and Thomas Mazzone rode with great determination to finish 12th, after spending most of the race in no-man's-land. Sam Black, Alicia Corlett (2nd u/14's girl), and John Sanderson crossed the line in the main bunch, claiming 13th, 15th and 19th places respectively, with Warwick Sanderson a little further back in 21st spot. In the battle for series points all the TSP riders in this age group move up two places as the two girls who finished 2nd and 3rd were riding down a category and consequently did not count in the final result. Following a flurry of activity in the first half of the race, the under 16's class eventually ended in a sixteen strong bunch sprint, with Sports Aid Foundation recipient Mark Christian safely avoiding a crash on the last bend to grab an excellent third place. Tom Black and Colum O'Shea, who had both been in the thick of the action throughout, were a very good 11th and 13th in the same time as the winner. _____________________________________________ 8th April * Making good use of the club's Manx Public Lottery Trust funded track bikes,Caroline O'Neill and Colum O'Shea put in some excellent performances in last week's round of the Friday Night Track League at the Manchester velodrome. Caroline was 8th (3rd girl) in the 16 lap points race, 5th (3rd female & 1st junior girl) in the unknown distance event, 5th (2nd girl) in the 1km scratch and a fine 4th (2nd girl) in the "devil". Meanwhile, Colum, riding in the very competitive Goup 3, picked up a 10th in the 20 lap points race, a 12th in the unknown distance, an 8th in the "devil" and an 11th in the 25 lap scratch race. * Over 20 TSP members have entered the 2006 IOM Youth/Junior Tour, with very strong representation in all the juvenile categories. Don't forget that for the next three weeks the club will be holding its regular Thursday night training session on the Ellersie /Youth Tour course, starting from the Braaid Hall at 6.30pm. Turbo training if wet. * The newly introduced "rider of the month" award will not necessarily go to the race winners as the judges will be taking several factors (attitude, aggressivness, improvement etc.) into consideration. _____________________________________________ 7th April * Now firmly established as the most successful youth series in Britain and beyond, the 2006 version of the Scottish Provident Children's Cycling League gets underway at the NSC next Tuesday (April 11th) with a "come and try it" and practice night, commencing at 6.30pm. The competition starts for real on the following Tuesday (18th April) and continues up to and including Tuesday, 29th August. The prize presentation will be in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 17th September. * Good luck to the 14 riders who will be representing the club at this coming Sunday's Hetton Hawks Spring Classic in Sunderland. The event is the opening round of British Cycling's Northern Area circuit race series. * What others have said about us - part 9 ............... "Council have asked me to extend their congratulations to you and your "crew" for the wonderful job you are doing with the young cyclists and wish you every success for the future to produce more World Champions". ................... (Pauline Carr, Secretary, IOM Sports Council, 14th Feb. 2005) * There was a good turn at the Braaid Hall on Thursday night out for the club's training ride around the Ellerslie/Youth Tour circuit, with most riders completing at least two laps. Weather permitting, there will be another run out on the course next Thursday, starting from the Braaid at the same time of 6,30pm. If wet, the usual turbo training session will be held. * In an exciting new initiative, the club is introducing a "rider of the month" award for the 2006 season. The competition, which will run from April to August, will mainly be based on performances in the racing bike classes of the Scottish Provident League, although rides in other events may also be taken into consideration. The winners, and there will be a different one each month, will receive a cash prize. _____________________________________________ 2nd April * The club's spin sessions in the Braaid Hall have proved to be a real boon during the recent spell of bad weather. Elliott Moore, a former British Cycling Talent Team member, ran last Thursday night's session in the absence of regular coach Christian Varley, who was unavailable due to to work commitments,. Next Thursday night the club will be moving outdoors for a training ride on the course being used for the forthcoming IOM Youth Tour. Members should meet at the Braaid Hall at the earlier than usual time of 6.30pm. If wet, a spin session will be held. _____________________________________________ 29th March * A message from our sponsors - "Everyone at Scottish Provident International was delighted and proud of Mark Cavendish's stunning achievement in Melbourne. Please pass on our official congratulations!" * Twenty four team members have entered this year's Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league. Eleven TSP dads and one mum have also decided to have a go. * Talent Team member Mark Christian was in top form at the March 24th round of the Friday night league at the Manchester velodrome, picking up victories in the 1km and unknown distance plus a second place in the points race. Colum O'Shea, Christopher Nicholson and Tom Black also performed well in the same meeting. The following day Colum and Chris competed with distinction in the Terry Dolan circuit races at Victoria Park in Southport, with Colum finishing an excellent third in the under 16's event. _____________________________________________ 27th March * Sports Aid Foundation and IOM Steam Packet scholorship recipient Mark Christian was the top TSP rider in last Sunday's 15 mile time trial at Ramsey. Still recovering from a bad cold, Mark covered the course in 36mins 56secs to grab an impressive 10th place overall. Tom Black, who is also getting over a nasty bug, posted 39.20 for 17th position, some 42secs ahead of Colum O'Shea in 22nd spot. Relative newcomer Robin Garry recorded 45.20 for 35th place, with twelve year old Thomas Mazzone 38th in a respectable 46.17. Caroline O'Neill was 40th in 47.34 and Alicia Corlett 42nd in 51.16. * Tom Black, Mark Christian, Colum O'Shea, Sam Black, Alicia Corlett, Adam Johnson, Thomas Mazzone, John & Warwick Sanderson, Alexander Haddock, Joshua Knights and Matthew Davies will be representing the club at the Hetton Hawks Spring Classic in Sunderland on April 9th. The event is the opening round of British Cycling's (Northern Division) national circuit race series. * What others have said about us - part 8 ........................" The Isle of Man's dominance of British Cycling's Challenge' 98 final is all down to the island's vibrant programme of youth cycling. Manx competitors won three of the six classes at Manchester. Remarkably, only two of the six classes did not have a Manx rider on the podium. All the riders are products of the Scottish Provident Youth League" ....................(Cycling Weekly, 31st October 1998) _____________________________________________ 20th March Congratulations to Mark Cavendish on his fantastic gold medal winning ride in the Commonwealth Games scratch race in Melbourne. Mark dedicated the victory to James Berry. In the last twelve months the young Manxman has collected World, European, Commonwealth and British honours and now only needs an Olympic title to complete the full set. Mark started his cycling career in the Scottish Provident League in 1995, winning his first ever race in round four of that year's series. * Several team members competed in last Sunday's 2-up 25 mile time trial, promoted by our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers in and around Ballaugh. Tom Black and Mark Christian took the juvenile prize, clocking an excellent 1hr 2 mins 22secs for 4th position overall, with Colum O'Shea - partnered by his father Peter - just six seconds slower in a very good 6th place overall. Caroline O'Neill and Claire Moore (MVW) were the fastest all female pairing in 14th spot on 1.15.12. * Donations received by the club in lieu of flowers for James Berry have now reached a fantastic £2,942.52p and look set to pass the £3,000 mark. * The club's seven track bikes are currently being put to good use, with Tom Black, Christopher Nicholson, Colum O'Shea and Caroline O'Neill all competing tn the Friday Night League at the Manchester velodrome. _____________________________________________ 8th March * Talent Team member Mark Christian continues to clock up some good results on his regular trips to the Friday Night Track League at the Manchester velodrome. On his most recent visit (March 3rd) he scored a string of fourth places in the points race, the 1km dash, the unknown distance and the scratch race. Mark's TSP club mates Christopher Nicholson and Tom Black will be making their debuts in the leagues this week (Chris on Monday & Tom on Friday) using the team's Public Lottery Trust funded track bikes. * What others have said about us - part 7 .......................... "(Isle of Man Sports) Council members are delighted at the success of the Scottish Provident League and wish to thank you and your members for the wonderful organisation and hard work necessary to run such a scheme" .......................... (Pauline Carr, Secretary, IOM Sports Council, 10th Nov 1997) * The club will be entering several teams for the Isle of Man Youth Tour. Scottish Provident International are paying the entry fees as they are keen for TSPIOM to make a good showing on home ground, especially as the company has now invested over £30,000 in the development of youth cycling on the Island. Club members who have already entered as individuals will be reimbursed. Would anyone intending to enter the event please forward their entry forms to Dot. * Following the confusion that occurred at last year's national youth track championships, British Cycling has changed the restrictions on rim depth for Under 12 & Under 14 riders. The maximum rim depth allowed is now 35mm as opposed to the previous regulation of 25mm. _____________________________________________ 6th March * There were some excellent performances from TSP members in last Sunday's Fletcher Trophy time trial. Mark Christian notched up his second victory in as many weeks when he took the honours in the juvenile event, clocking a rapid 31mins 32secs for the testing 11.5 mile course around Ballig, Glen Helen, Kirk Michael and the Switchback. Tom Black had a good ride to finish runner-up in 32.40 and Colum O'Shea did well to grab fourth spot in 33.57. Thomas Mazzone was sixth in a respectable 40.41 one place and 1min 48secs ahead of Jack Wolstencroft, with Jonathan Cregeen eighth in 43.02 and Rebecca Whipp ninth in 44.02. * Don't forget that the closing date for entries for the Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league is March 26th. * Caroline O'Neill posted some good results in last Friday night's track league at the Manchester velodrome. Competing against boys as well as girls, Caroline was 5th in the devil, 8th in the 16 lap points race, 9th in the 1km scratch and 12th in the 12 lap scratch event. On Saturday she attended the Eastlands Velo's training session, winning the keiran and finishing 5th (1st girl) in the 12 lap scratch race. _____________________________________________ 3rd March * The club's off-island race programme for 2006 has been completed and will be distributed shortly. Priorities include British Cycling's circuit race series and national championship, the Kerry Youth Tour, the GHS time trial competition and BC's Northern Division circuit race and track championships. * Need any new kit for the forthcoming season? We have a good selection of team clothing in stock at the moment, but be quick as some of the more popular sizes are getting low. All items are heavily subsidised by our sponsors. * Things others have said about us - part 6 ................."The more I hear about your club the more I am impressed. The numbers of children you cater for and the activities you provide them with are excellent. It is for this reason that I would like to nominate your club for the auspicious award of "Sports Club of the Year". The award is set up and run by the British Foundation for Sports and the Arts in association with the Central Council of Physical Recreation"......................... (Kurt Lindley, British Cycling Regional Youth Development Officer, 12th June 2002). * The Manx Cavery has made a very generous donation of £250 to club funds. The Carvery has provided excellent catering facilities for the Scottish Provident league since 2004. _____________________________________________ 26th February * Donations to the club in lieu of flowers for James Berry have now reached an amazing £2,852.52p. Ken's (James's father) workmates at British Airways have contributed a magnificent £553.32p to the total. * Inspired by the club's recent visit to the Manchester velodrome, several team members are planning return visits to compete in the regular track leagues staged at the venue. Meanwhile, plans are being made for future coaching trips. * Don't forget that British Cycling racing licences run from December to December and need renewing now. Forms can be downloaded from BC's website. * Talent Team member Mark Christian won the "B" race in the Tour of the Middle Road Race, promoted by our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers over six laps of the testing Stugadhoo course around the Braaid, Foxdale and St Marks. Mark overcame the strong headwind finish to get the better of British Circuit Race Champion Christopher Whorrall in the sprint for the line, with Mark's TSP team mates Tom Black and Colum O'Shea doing very well to grab third and fourth places respectively some one and a half minutes later. * Entries for the Isle of Man Youth/Junior Tour on April 28th-30th close on Apil 9th. * Keep out of the cold and the wind and get some quality training done at the club's Thursday night turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall. The action starts at 7.45pm. _____________________________________________ 15th February *Twenty club members were at the Manchester velodrome last weekend for two days of intensive track coaching. The youngsters spent a total of six hours on the track under the expert supervision of British Cycling coach Andrea Ingram. The six novices in the party took to the new discipline like ducks to water and were soon riding up and down the steeply banked corners with their more experienced team mates. At the end of the end of the sessions the riders had reached a high enough standard to be invited to compete in the Northern Area Youth and Junior Track Championships, which are being staged at the velodrome in May. The team would like to thank the Rotary Club of Douglas for their very generous donation of £1,250 towards the cost of the trip and the Manx Public Lottery Trust for providing the finance to assist with the purchase of four new track bikes. * A big thankyou to everyone who has made donations to the club in lieu of flowers for James Berry. To date the total has climbed to an amazing £2,250. * Entry forms are now available for the 2006 Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league. They can be downloaded from our sister club's website www.manxvikingwheelers.com. You must be aged 12 or over to take part in the series. * British Cycling has altered the gear restrictions for Youth B (under 14's) and Youth C (under 12's) age categories to 6.45 and 6.05 metres respectively. * Please note that individual British Cycling membership/licence is not required to compete in the Scottish Provident League at the NSC. You will, however, require a BC licence to compete off-island or in other local events organised under BC regulations (ie IOM Youth Tour). _____________________________________________ 5th February * The club is taking twenty riders to the Manchester velodrome this coming weekend (February 11th & 12th) for two days of intensive track coaching. The cost to members has been kept to a bare minimum thanks to some very generous sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Douglas and Shoprite. * Caroline O'Neill has created a lasting tribute to James Berry in the form of a book of condolences containing the written thoughts of his team mates. Meanwhile, donations to the club in memory of JB have now passed the £2,000 mark. * As the countdown to the 2006 season starts, more and more team members are taking advantage of the club's Thursday night turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall. Former Great Britain rider Christian Varley is in charge of the proceedings. * British Cycling Talent Team member Mark Christian competed in last week's round (January 27th) of the Friday Night Track League at the Manchester velodrome, scoring several top six placings. _____________________________________________
30th January
* The high esteem in which James Berry was held by everyone has been underlined by the large number of donations TSPIOM has received in lieu of flowers for his funeral. To date the total has reached an incredible £1,655. * The Rotary Club of Douglas has presented the team with a cheque for £1,250. The donation came about as the result of a talk on cycling that Dot Tilbury gave to members at one of their monthly meetings. The money will go towards the considerable cost of the team's forthcoming track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome. * The club's Thursday night turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall will continue right up to the start of the Scottish Provident League at the beginning of April. * "Dot's New Year Bash" concert at Marown School raised over £1,500 for club funds. The all- star cast included Anna Goldsmith, the Bollywood Dancers, the Central Young Farmers, Christine Wild Dancers, the Las Vagas girls, Ian Qualtrough, the Laws of Tynwald (Simon Clarke & James Radcliffe), Niahm Wilder, Peter Cringle, Tony Hawkes, Gavin Kerruish, Geoff Corkish and the 30 strong Manx Wind Band. The show was dedicated to James Berry. * Tom Black, Mark Christian and Matthew Looker attended the recent Road Time Trials "Champions Night" in Nottingham to receive the magnificent George Herbert Stancer team award they won at the national final of the British national youth 10 mile time trial championship in Cambridge last September. Mark was also presented with the under 15 age category winner's medal and Dot Tilbury picked up the under 13's prize on behalf of James Berry. RTT national committee member Peter Stone gave a moving tribute to James and Dot was handed a beautiful bouquet of flowers to take home to his parents Sarah and Ken. The TSP trio and their supporters wore buttonholes of red and yellow Manx roses in memory of their team mate. _____________________________________________
* Kirk Braddan church was full to overflowing last Friday for James Berry's funeral service. The large congregation included representatives from British Cycling and club sponsors Scottish Provident International. Reporters from the local press and radio were also in attendance. A group of James's Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man club mates followed the hearse on their bikes as the cortege made its way to the church under a police escort. During the service there were moving and sometimes amusing tributes to James from his school teacher Mrs Duffy, children's cycling league organiser Dot Tilbury and IOM Cycling Association chairman Steve Shimmin. After the church ceremony, James's team mates formed a guard of honour at the crematorium. Despite the overwhelming sadness of the occasion, the huge turn out demonstrated just how many lives James had touched in his thirteen years. He will be greatly missed by everyone, but never forgotten. _____________________________________________ 26th December * The dates for the 2006 Kerry Youth Tour are the 5th, 6th and 7th of August. Following the demise of the Manchester Youth Tour in 2002, the Kerry race has become the premier youth tour in Britain and Ireland. The club has supported the event every year since its inception in 1999, with James Berry giving us our first ever overall victory in 2004. * Things others have said about us - part 5 ................"Congratulations on yet another successful year in promoting our wonderful sport to so many youngsters. You are a credit to the sport and your island"........................................ (Suzanne Glavin, Development Director, British Cycling, 25th January 2001) _____________________________________________ 22nd December * Shoprite recently made a very generous donation of £1,000 to club funds. The money is part of the total raised by the company in its 2005 charity cycle ride, staged around the TT course and on Douglas promenade last September. The Team Scottish Provident "A" squad of Mark Christian, James Berry, Tom Black, Niall Shimmin, Colum O'Shea, Mark Redhead and Matthew Looker won the main event. Meanwhile, Ellan Vannin CC has presented the club with a cheque for £246 - the proceeds from this year's Rob Rohrer Memorial 25 mile time trial. A big thank you to both organisations * The club has managed to book the Manchester velodrome for some track coaching sessions on Saturday, 11th February and Sunday, 12th February. Places are limited so contact Dot ASAP if you are interested. * The club's final spin session of 2005 took place in the Braaid Hall last Monday night in a festive atmosphere. Alicia Corlett and James Everitt won the fancy dress competition and Father Christmas was on hand to distribute presents to everyone. The next session after the Yuletide break will be on Thursday, 12th January, starting at the slightly later time of 7.45pm. * What others have said about us - part 4........."Many thanks for the wonderful evening at the (Scottish Provident) Awards Presentation on Sunday. I must say I was very impressed at the number of young people involved in cycling on the Island and their very apparent enthusiasm"............. Chief Minister, Donald Gelling Esq CBE, MLC - 7th September 1998 _____________________________________________ 20th December * Following some excellent performances at last weekend's final selection event, Mark Christian has secured a place on British Cycling's 2006 Talent Team. There was also some good news for Mark's TSPIOM team mate James Berry. Despite being too young for this year's intake, James impressed the British Cycling coaches so much that he has been co-opted onto the 2006 Team with a view to gaining full membership later in the year. _____________________________________________ 16th December * The final spin session of 2005 takes place in the Braaid Hall next Monday, commencing at 7,00pm. In the New Year the weekly sessions move to a Thursday night, beginning on January 12th, and will start at the slightly later time of 7.45pm. * James Berry and Mark Christian travel to Manchester this weekend for the last of British Cycling's selection events for 2006 Talent Team hopefuls. The names of the successful candidates will be announced in the near future. * The Isle of Man Government will be honouring World Champions Mark Cavendish and David Knight in a special reception in the Villa Marina on Friday, 23rd December. Both ,of course, have very strong connections with Team Scottish Provident IOM. Mark is the Scottish Provident Youth League's most famous graduate to date and David is one of the club's patrons. Tickets for the event are free and can be obtained from the Villa or the Tourist Information Centre in the Sea Terminal. _____________________________________________ 12th December * The date for the club's annual fund raising concert at Marown School is confirmed as Friday,13th January 2006. The event is always a complete sell out, so book now to avoid disappointment. Tickets at £6 for adults and £3 for children (including supper) can be ordered from Dot on 851691. Last year's show raised a fantastic £1,500. * Our recently published annual accounts reveal that Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man's turnover for the 2005 season was a staggering £37,000. _____________________________________________ 9th December * Our best wishes go to Matthew Berry for a speedy recovery. Matt broke his leg in a football match at school and will be out of action for at least three months. * After consultation with the club, the date for the North West Division youth circuit race championships has been set at Saturday, 6th May 2006. The organiser has kindly scheduled the event to fit in with our travel arrangements. * The penultimate spin session before the Christmas break takes place in the Braaid Hall this coming Monday (12th December). After Christmas the sessions will be held on Thursday nights, starting at the slightly later time of 7.45pm. * What others have said about us - part 3 ........................."Without doubt the most successful children's cycling league in Britain is the Scottish Provident International series on the Isle of Man"............................(Cycling Weekly, 27 January 2001) _____________________________________________ 7th December * All four of the Team Scottish Provident squads that Peter Christian put together for the recent Shoprite Challenge charity relay around the TT course put in some excellent performances. The 'A' team consisting of Niall Shimmin, Colum O'Shea, Matthew Looker, Tom Black, Mark Christian, James Berry and Mark Redhead stormed around the 37.75 mile circuit in a very impressive 1 hour 41minutes and 44 seconds to win the event outright. The much fancied Manx Telecom septet of senior riders had to settle for second place some 43 seconds adrift of the TSP youngsters, with the Bikestyle Bandits third at 4mins 01 secs and the IOM Cycling Association fourth a further 9 seconds down. Plod Power and the IOM Fire Service completed the top six in 1.51.37 and 1.52.30 respectively. Matheu Marshall, Matthew Berry, Rebecca Whipp, Caroline O'Nell, Jonathan Cregeen, Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson made up the 'B' team and they posted a very good 2hrs 04mins 45secs, which was good enough for eleventh overall and third mixed team behind CMI and Team Sloth. 'C' team members Oliver Honeybone, Alexandra Christian, Joshua Cowie, Sam Black, Christopher Nicholson, Alicia Corlett and Sarah Quine were thirteenth fastest and fifth best mixed team in an excellent 2.12.37 - a brilliant ride considering the young age and relative inexperience of the riders. In a new initiative a TSP dads was entered in the event and Steve Shimmin, Ken Berry, Colin Cowie, Stephen Cregeen, Julian Corlett, Gary Mazzone and Brian Johnson did themselves proud by clocking 1.56.20 for a respectable eighth position. Organiser Kim Makin of Shoprite said : "we had more teams than ever in the relay and it was great that the winning team was the under 16's from Scottish Provident". _____________________________________________ 1st December * The club's weekly spin training nights in the Braaid Hall cover everything from base fitness to sprints and hill climbs. The next session is on Monday, 5th December. * The provisional date for the club's annual fund raising concert in Marown School is Friday, 13th January 2006. * Major off-island youth events already confirmed for next season are :- April 9 - National Youth Circuit Race Series (Northern Area Round) - Sunderland May 13 - National Youth Circuit Race Series (Northern Area Round) - Bradford June 4 - National Youth & Junior Track Series Series (Northern Area Round) - Dundee June 7 - GHS '10' Liverpool District Final - Merseyside June 17 - National Youth Circuit Race Series (Northern Area Round) - Preston June 18 - National Youth & Junior Track Series (Northern Area Round) - Scunthorpe July 1 - British National Youth Circuit Race Championships - Bradford Aug 15/19 - British National Youth & Junior Track Championships - Newport Sept 9 - GHS '10' National Final * What others have said about us - part 2 "Manx cycling can claim to being the most child cyclist-friendly place in the British Isles, with around 500 youths taking part in the Scottish Provident Children's League"...........(Cycling Weekly, 20 Nov 2004) |
