Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man
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"You are in 2007 Archived News " 31st December * There was a large turnout for last Sunday morning's commemorative ride in honour of James Berry. The riders cycled from the NSC to the scene of James's incident at Greeba where a minute's silence was held. Many thanks to everyone for making the event such a special occasion. * The fourth round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior championship series is on Sunday, 20th January. More details to follow. * There are only few tickets left for the club's fundraising concert at Marown School on Saturday, 19th January. Contact Dot on 851691 if you still haven't booked your seat. * The charity bucket collection at the end of the Jack and the Beanstalk panto on Sunday, 23rd December raised nearly £400 for club funds. _____________________________________________ 24th December * IMPORTANT NOTICE...........The start time for the James Berry commemorative ride from the NSC this coming Sunday (Dec. 30th) has been brought forward one hour to 9.00am. This is in order to give riders plenty of time to get to Jurby for the rescheduled hamper handicap road race. * All category A youth riders should note that the maximum gear for closed road circuit and track racing has now been raised to 6.93 m. Also, in all open youth races of mixed gender the top three boys and top three girls will now be allocated licence ranking points. _____________________________________________ 21st December * This year's commemorative ride in honour of James Berry is being staged on Sunday, 30th December. The ride will depart from the NSC at 10.00am and head for the Tynwald Mills Cafe along the main Douglas to Peel road. Alternatively, mountain bikers can use the railway line that runs parallel to the road. Everyone is welcome and there will be groups to cater for all abilities. Contact Dot on 851691 for more details. Meanwhile, the 2007 recipient of the James Berry Memorial Trophy for Commitment to Sport - presented annually by Ballakermeen High School - is Christopher Nicholson. * Club members were well to the fore in round 3 of the junior mountain bike championship at South Barrule plantation. Thomas Mazzone won the 14-16 year age group, with Jack Wolstencroft and Alicia Corlett second and third respectively. Leon Mazzone took the honours in the 11-13's class ahead of Nicholas Corlett (2nd) Lucy Johnson (3rd) and Sophie Black (6th). In the 8-10's category Matthew Bostock was a good fourth, Matthew Draper 5th, Breeshey Cain 6th and Megan Comaish 10th. * A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man. Here's to another record breaking season in 2008. * Don't forget that the next turbo training session in the Braaid Hall will be on Thursday, 10th January 2008, starting at 6.30pm. _____________________________________________ 17th December * Andrew Haddock has compiled an excellent hardback book of photos from the club's 2007 off island racing campaign. The publication, which has been professionally produced in Scotland, has created so much interest that an order for additional copies is being compiled. If you would like to have a look at the book or add your name to the list contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im . * Don't forget that the expiry dates of your British Cycling racing licence and membership do not run concurrently. All racing licences are due for renewal at the end of December. * It's good to see so many club members competing in and doing well in other sports. In round 3 of the cross country running championship at Glen Lough on Sunday, 9th Dec Alicia Corlett won the under-17 girls' class. * What others have said about us - part 23.........."We (Scottish Provident) are very proud to be involved with a cycling team (TSPIOM) that has produced so many champions. As an Investor in People Champion company we are particularly pleased to give the opportunity for young cyclists to achieve such great success. They are a credit to their team and the Isle of Man..........(Lillian Boyle managing director Scottish Provident International, 3rd December '07) * Adam Johnson continues to perform well in the Friday night track league at the Manchester velodrome. In the December 7th round he won the 1km scratch race. * The final spin session of 1997 takes place in the Braaid Hall this Thursday (20th Dec). The sessions resume on Thursday, 10th January 2008, starting at the usual time of 6.30pm. _____________________________________________ 8th December * DreamStar productions are presenting the classic pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Gaiety Theatre from Friday 21st December 2007 to 5th January 2008. Once again TSP is to benefit from some of the end of performance charity bucket collections, which last year yielded nearly £800 for club funds. Tickets for the show can be reserved on 694555. * What others have said about us - part 22.........."The Isle of Man may be synonymous with motorcycles and the famous TT, but cycling is proving ever more popular and from that growth in the sport has come a growing number of internationals coming from the Island. The Island boasts one of, if not, the most popular Youth Leagues in the World. BBC North West went to visit the Island to talk to the young riders and one of the driving forces behind the (Scottish Provident) Youth League Dot Tilbury "..........(British Cycling website, 4th December 2007) * As the event is always a sell-out, it would be wise to book early for the club's annual fundraising concert at Marown School on Saturday, 19th January 2008. Numbers are strictly limited so contact Dot now (tel 851691) to avoid disappointment. * If you are still looking for that ideal Christmas gift or stocking filler don't forget that we still have a good stock of club clothing and Mark Cavendish T-shirts for sale at ridiculously low prices. _____________________________________________ 5th December * BBC North West's excellent film about the club was shown on Friday, 30th November. The item also included interviews with Mark Cavendish and British Cycling's Under-23 coach Rod Ellingworth. If you missed the programme and want to see it contact dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im for a copy. * Trident Trust is sponsoring a family Christmas Party in aid of the Commonwealth Games Association. The event takes place at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday, 15th December. Tickets can be obtained from Danni Mottram on 486201 / dannimottram@hotmail.com . * The third round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior championship takes place at South Barrule on Sunday, 16th December. Sign on in the car park at 10am for a 10.30am start. Ages from 8-16 will be catered for. Fifteen TSP members took part in round 2 of the competition. * Next year's IOM Youth Tour will be held from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th. More details on www.youthtour.co.uk . * Tickets for the club's fundraising concert in Marown School on Saturday, 19th January 2008 are now available from Dot on 851691. The cost including supper is just £6 _____________________________________________ 30th November * It can now be confirmed that the club's annual fundraising concert will be held in Marown school on Saturday, 19th January 2008. Tickets will be on sale soon. The 2007 event raised a fantastic £1,500. * The next track coaching visit to the Manchester velodrome will be on Saturday and Sunday the 26th and 27th of April 2008. The trip will also incorporate the North West Region Youth Circuit Race Championships in Southport. * The final spin session of 2007 will take place in the Braaid Hall on Thursday, 20th December. There will then be a two week break for Christmas and the New Year. _____________________________________________ 28th November * The club's new clothing order has arrived. If you need any team kit for Christmas or next season it would be advisable to get it now while stocks are high. * Team members were in great form in the recent junior mountain bike event at Archallagan. In the 14-16 year old class Thomas Mazzone took the honours ahead of Adam Johnson, Jack Wolstencroft and Alicia Corlett. Glen Vine's Matthew Davies came out on top in the 11-13 year olds, with Leon Mazzone second, Nicholas Corlett third, Juan Hunter fourth, Joshua Kinghts fifth and Jamie Dudley eighth. In the 8-10's Owen Dudley was second, Matthew Draper fourth, Breeshey Cain seventh, Daniel de Weert ninth and Alex Cain tenth. * Club sponsors Scottish Provident are organising a reception at their HQ for our British national and regional youth champions Matthew Bostock, Breeshey Cain and Thomas Mazzone. * Congratulations to team member Laura Kinley on winning two doubles titles at the recent IOM under-13 badminton championships. She also reached the semi - finals in the singles competition. _____________________________________________ 19th November * Last Friday night's scheduled screening of BBC TV North West's news item on the club was postponed at the last minute in order to accommodate the station's extended coverage of the Children in Need fundraising campaign. It is hoped that the feature will now be shown sometime in the next week or two. Keep watching. * Following several inquiries, we have been assured that the club's new clothing order will be here in plenty of time for Christmas. _____________________________________________ 16th November * Stop Press ! ...........The broadcasting of BBC TV North West's feature on the club has been brought forward to TONIGHT (Friday 16th, November). Providing that there is no breaking news to fit in, the item will be in the 6.30 sports bulletin. * It was good to see so many new faces at last night's spin session in the Braaid Hall. The sessions are held every Thursday at 6.30pm and run right through to the end of April next year. _____________________________________________ 15th November * BBC TV North West reporter Rachael Price would like to thank the many team members who turned out for the recent filming session at the NSC. Rachael has promised to put together a professionally produced DVD of the occasion for the club. * The magnificent International Cycle Week trophies are now on display at the NSC. This priceless silverware and showcase were donated by our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers - the organisers of Cycle Week from its inception in 1936 to its eventual demise in 2003. * The second round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior winter series takes place at Archallagan Plantation on Sunday, 25th November, starting at 11 am. The entry fee is £2 and the age groups are 8 to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 16. Please note that all riders must have a parent or guardian with them for the entire race. Meet in the car park at 10.30 am and don't forget your helmet. * The club's first off-island racing trip in 2008 will be to the Hetton Classic in Sunderland on April 6th. Meanwhile, there are plans for another track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome, providing a suitable date can be found. _____________________________________________ 12th November * BBC Television North West was at the NSC last Saturday morning to film Team Scottish Provident IOM for a forthcoming news item on the club and the major contribution it has made to the success of cycling on the Isle of Man. Reporter Rachael Price spent over one hour filming and interviewing team manager Dot Tilbury and the 100 plus TSP members who turned out for the occasion. She will also be talking to two of the Scottish Provident League's most successful graduates - Mark Cavendish and Johnny Bellis. * Numbers attending the Thursday night spin sessions in the Braaid Hall are increasing week by week. If you need to borrow one of the club's turbo trainers please get their early to avoid disappointment. The action starts at 6.30pm. * The provisional date for the club's annual fund raising concert at Marown school is Saturday, 19th January 2008. More details to follow. * What others have said about us - part 21..........(TSPIOM is one of the most exciting children's cycling clubs in the whole of the British Isles) " When you consider that hundreds of young riders who come from all over the island to the National Sports Centre in Douglas each week, few could argue with that."..........(Larry Hickmott, British Cycling Website, August 2007) * The 2008 Scottish Provident League's prize presentation will be held slightly later than usual on Sunday , 12th October - the only date that the Villa Marina's Royal Hall is available at that time of the year. _____________________________________________ 9th November The club's popular winter spin sessions in the Braaid Hall are now back in full swing. The weekly sessions are held every Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm. * All together, the TSP teams in September's Shoprite Charity Cycle relay around the TT course raised a fantastic total of £663.50p for the Hyperbaric Chamber and the Manx Netball Association. Well done to all concerned. * Adam Johnson won the 500 metres event in a recent round of the Friday night track league at the Manchester velodrome. * Congratulations to club patron and double World Enduro Champion David Knight on his superb overall victory in the US Grand National Cross-Country series. David is only the third rider in the history of world enduros and cross-country racing to win all three of the major titles - the World Championship, the International Six Days Enduro and the US series. What a man ! * Next season's off-island race programme includes a new three-day event - the Ribble Valley 3-day from June 13th to 15th. * Many thanks to the Ladies Luncheon Club for the £100 donation they made to club funds. The Institute of Chartered Secretaries made a similar contribution last week. _____________________________________________ 1st November * In an effort to keep up with the ever increasing demand, the club has recently ordered £6,000 worth of TSP clothing to replenish the rapidly decreasing stocks. Individual orders for the distinctive kit have been received from as far afield as Australia. * BBC TV's North West Tonight programme has requested DVDs and articles relating to the success of the club and the Scottish Provident youth league in particular. * Following an evening's entertainment with Dot Tilbury and friends, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries made a £100 donation to the club. Meanwhile, arrangements are already being made for the club's annual New Year's fundraising concert in Marown School. * The £505 raised at the Alex Forrest charity two-up 10 mile time trial in August has been donated to the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association at the request of Alex's widow Jean. * Tom Black produced the excellent DVD of the Scottish Provident league shown on the big screen at the club's prize presentation in the Villa Marina. * The club was able to report on another record breaking year at the AGM of our parent club the Manx Viking Wheelers. Living up to its reputation as " the biggest British cycling club in modern history" (Cycling Weekly, December 2002), the club's membership in 2007 rose to 579. The annual turnover for the year was over £47,500, with nearly £25,000 being spent on off-island racing and coaching trips. Generous grants from various charitable organisations enabled the club to increase its stock of loan bikes to 25. _____________________________________________ 15th October * The club's popular winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall commence on Thursday, 1st November. The sessions start at 6.30pm and last for approximately one hour. * The specially commissioned Mark Cavendish T-shirts used for prizes at the club's prize presentation have proved to be very popular, with many people asking where they could purchase more. Fortunately, the club anticipated the extra demand and has a good supply in stock. Enquiries to Dot on 851691. * As usual, the club had a large presence in the recent Shoprite Relay Challenge around the TT course. The A squad consisting of Adam Johnson, Jack Wolsterncroft, John & Warwick Sanderson, Thomas Mazzone, Alex Haddock and Matthew Berry finished a fine third in a rapid 2hrs 2mins and 23secs, with the dad's team (Andrew Haddock. Keith Redhead, Peter Christian, Gary Mazzone, Brian Johnson, John Wolstencroft and Julian Corlett) doing very well to claim fifth place just 6mins 47secs further down. An excellent performance from the young mixed team of Joshua Knights, Matthew Jones, Lucy Johnson, Sarah Quine, Anna & Alex Christian, Eleanor Stokoe and Alicia Corlett put them in 9th spot on 2.22.31, while the TSP mums (Denise Johnson, Sharon Cain, Sharon Nicholson, Tanya Sanderson, Glenda Marshall, Liz Hull and Jan Ulyatt) got round in 2,47.06 for a respectable 12th place. Many thanks to Peter Christian, Phil Knights and Tanya Sanderson for organising the teams. * A very generous new award in the shape of a £500 bursary has been presented to the club by Peter and Martin Quayle in memory of their father stuart, who died a few weeks ago. Stuart loved cycling and for many years was a valued member of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers. Starting in 2008, the money will be awarded annually to help a promising rider of the club's and Quayle family's choice. * Matthew Bostock and Joshua Knights represented the club in the ninth and final round of British Cycling's national circuit race series, finishing 2nd and 9th respectively. Overall, Matthew won the under 10's class and Joshua was 7th in the under 12's. Well done to both of them. _____________________________________________ 8th October * The Villa Marina was packed to capacity for the 2007 Scottish Provident youth cycling league prize presentation. Guests of honour included representatives from the Isle of Man Sports Council, the Public Lottery Trust and the local media. Scottish Provident's managing director Lillian Boyle and Sponsorship Committee Coordinator Steve Wright were kept busy handing out the hundreds of medals and prizes, which this year consisted of a specially commissioned "Mark Cavendish" T shirt. The league's final overall positions were revealed by master of ceremonies Dot Tilbury, with the coveted yellow winners' jerseys going to Callum Smith, Charlotte Watson, Charlie Gibson, Blae Cain, Adam Scarffe, Amelia Sharpe, Thomas Bostock, Olivia Sharpe, Conor Davies, Eleanor Davies, Owen Dudley, Amy Kinley, Matthew Bostock, Breeshey Cain, Matthew Davies, Anna Christian, Victoria Kinrade, Eleanor Stockoe, Thomas Mazzone, Lucy Johnson, Christopher Nicholson and Alicia Corlett. Five special awards for outstanding performances on and off the island were also presented on the night. British Cycling Talent Team member Chris Nicholson received the James Berry memorial trophy for the under 16's champion from James' brother Matthew and nine year old Owen Dudley picked up the Peter Buckley memorial cup for the most promising young prospect from Peter's aunt Marion Gell. Former British champion and Tour de France Feminin stage winner Marie Noon (formerly Purvis) was on hand to present her own award to the league's most outstanding girl Lucy Johnson, while Anna Christian was awarded the Steve Hislop memorial trophy for her aggressive performances in the league. It was no surprise that recently crowned British under 10's circuit race champion Matthew Bostock was named as the recipient of the prestigious Alex Forrest trophy, which a certain Mark Cavendish won in 1998, and the £100 George Wilson bursary. Alex and George's widows, Jean Forrest and Rozanne Coward made the presentations. An all-time record total of 579 competitors took part in this year's league, with an average of over 270 turning out for each of the seventeen rounds staged. Five of the rounds attracted fields of 300 plus. Full results here _____________________________________________ 18th September For the third year in succession the club has received a substantial grant from the Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust. Most of the money will be used to offset the cost of the club's extensive off-island racing programme, which this season has cost in excess of £21,000. * Matthew Bostock won the under 10's class in last Saturday's eighth and penultimate round of British Cycling's 2007 national youth circuit race series, staged at the Fowlmead Country Park in Kent. The points Matthew earned from the victory gives him an unassailable lead in the race for the overall honours. * Don't forget that the Scottish Provident league's prize presentation is being held in the Villa Marina's Royal Hall this coming Sunday (23rd September), starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. Tickets can still be ordered from Dot on 851691. Over 600 competitors, family and friends have already put their names down. * Weather permitting, the postponed Shoprite Cycle for Life along the Douglas promenade and relay around the TT course will also take place this Sunday. _____________________________________________ 10th September * Copies of Larry Hickmott's excellent photos of the club's recent track coaching visit to the Manchester velodrome can be purchased from http://www.photoboxgallery.com/Bike_Racing/6375967 * Matthew Bostock won his class in the Omega youth races at Thruxton in Hampshire. The event was the seventh round of British Cycling's prestigious circuit race series and Matthews victory keeps him in pole position in the overall standings. Joshua Knights finished seventh in the under 12's age group, maintaining sixth overall, and Christopher Nicholson was fourteenth in the under 16's. * The Alex Forrest charity 2-up in August raised a fantastic £505. The money will go to a charity of Jean Forrest's (Alex's widow) choice. Alex was one of the main instigators of the Tuesday night league at the NSC. * Judging by the number of tickets being ordered, the Scottish Provident league's prize presentation on Sunday, 23rd September promises to be the biggest yet. Tickets are available from Dot on 851691. * Arrangements are already being made for this coming winter's turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall. The sessions are due to start early in November. * As usual, Peter Christian is organising the TSP squads for the Shoprite charity relay around the TT course on Sunday, 16th September. Tanya Sanderson is also putting together a TSP mum's team. _____________________________________________ 2nd September * The club's latest track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome last weekend was another great success. A total of 28 riders, including eight first timers, spent a total of ten hours on the track under the watchful eye of British Cycling coaches. See Larry Hickott's report and loads of photos on the BC website. * Don't forget the prize presentation for the Scottish Provident Tuesday night league is being held in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 23rd September, starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. Tickets can be ordered from Dot on 851691. An all-time record number of 579 competitors took part in this year's series, with an average of 271 turning out for each of the seventeen rounds staged. Rounds 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 had fields of over 300 riders. * Entries for the Shoprite Cycle for Life Family Fun Cycle on Douglas promenade on Sunday September 16th should be returned to Kim Makin, Shoprite, Centre House, Douglas, IM2 4RE by next Friday (7th September). One lucky child will win a brand new bike. * Adam Johnson, Jack Wolstencroft, Joshua Knights, Lucy Johnson and Alicia Corlett will be representing the club at next Sunday's (Sept 9th) British national final of the 2007 GHS juvenile 10 mile time trial championship in Hull. The event is one of the most prestigious races on the youth calendar and has a full entry of 150 of Britain's top young riders. * Congratulations to Warwick Sanderson and Lucy Johnson on being voted the club's riders of the month for July and August. Warwick has greatly improved this year and performed well on and off the Island, while Lucy had a superb ride in the Kerry Youth Tour to finish second overall in her class. * What others have said about us - part 20 .........."with the large numbers of young riders they (TSPIOM) get each Tuesday evening during the summer, it may well be the most successful youth club in the World"..........(Larry Hickmott, British Cycling website, 30th August 2007) _____________________________________________ 27th August A total of 245 competitors made it down to the NSC last Tuesday night for the seventeenth and final round of the Scottish Provident league. In the novices class Charlotte Watson took the number one slot well clear of Keri Hampson, who beat Cara Yule to the line for the runners-up spot. Maria Frize clipped off the front of a five strong chasing group to claim fourth ahead of Ella Kenyon, Lorna Spiers, Haydn Waddington and Yasmin Kelly. Onchan's Harry Crompton came in on his own for ninth as did Lauren Duncan in tenth spot. Scarlett Clague got the better of Alex Craine, Tara Hickey-Alton and Milly Duggua for eleventh and Aaron Pannell-Cottier led Issac Kirk home for fifteenth. A repeat of the previous week's dead heat seemed on the cards as Tom Cain and Angus Wheeler went head- to-head again in the born 2002 and later age group. This time, however, it was Cain who had his nose in front as the pair crossed the line. Alastair Flint grabbed the final place on the podium and the ever improving Oliver Dean edged out Matthew Black for fourth. Leading girl Blae Cain did well to hold off a bunch of ten riders for sixth. In the born 2001 category Amelia Sharpe was too strong for Adam Scarffe and Matthew Flint in the final dash for the line. Kyle Caley overcame Lydia Glover in their race-long battle for fourth and Rory Donegan trailed in for sixth. Jade Lund and Elliott Callow came in together for seventh and eighth respectively, while Tom Bowman and Juan Kneen finished individually in ninth and tenth positions. Thomas Bostock overtook brothers Tom and Luke Murray in the closing stages to notch up his ninth success in the born 2000 category. Joseph Corkish was with the three frontrunners for the opening laps but fell behind on the final circuit and had to settle for fourth. Jack Clayton took fifth ahead of Adam Long, Cameron Wheeler, Josh Smith, Robert Webster and Olivia Sharpe, who beat Ciara Sowerby and Rachel Kelly for the girls' prize. A slow start to the born 1999 event enabled most of the field to stay together. As the speed increased more and more riders were shelled out the back, leaving just four - Marcus Simpson, Conor Davies, Joseph Glover and Alex Cain - in contention at the beginning of the last lap. Coming out of the final corner Simpson attacked and reached the chequered flag with a clear advantage over Davies, Glover and Cain in second, third and fourth places. Charlotte Dougherty held off Daniel Scarffe and Liam McCann for fifth, with Harry Peake the best of the rest in eighth spot. Matthew Draper scored his fifth win in a row in the born 1998 class, getting the verdict in another very tight finish with Owen Dudley, who despite his recent run of second places still retains pole position in the overall standings. Brody Hewison stayed with the leading duo for most of the race, but faded in the closing stages and had to settle for third. Max Murray headed Jordan Corkish for fourth and James Costain rode away from Rory McCann and Ben Cunningham to claim sixth. Amy Kinley took the girls' prize in ninth place. In the born 1997 class winner Breeshey Cain made an early break for glory. Kathryn Hull and Joseph Haddock reeled her in, but were unable to hang on when she kicked again for the finish. Hull edged out Haddock for second and Aaron Beattie came in fourth. James Skillicorn got clear of Matthew Naylor and Owen Plasigett to pick up fifth. Anna Christian went from the gun in the born 1996-94 three lapper and powered away to an impressive solo victory. Ashley Faragher came through at the end to snatch second from Maria Hull and Laura Kinley, with Juan Hunter and Sophie Black rounding off the top six leader board. The under 12's racing bikes event had to be stopped at half distance due to a crash. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and the race was re-started, with Matthew Davies adding yet another victory to his tally. Matthew Bostock was second followed by Leon Mazzone, Ryan Dean and Jamie Dudley. Sixth placed Eleanor Stokoe pipped Anna Christian for the girls' award. With the light fading fast, the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes class was reduced in distance. After ten fast and furious laps it was Chris Nicholson who gained the upper hand over Adam Johnson in the final frantic dash for the honours. Thomas Mazzone was the best under 14 rider in third place and John Sanderson finished in front of twin brother Warwick for fifth. Jack Wolstencroft and Alex Haddock were sixth and seventh and Alicia Corlett the first girl in eighth position. The league's overall standings will be revealed at the prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 23rd September. Tickets can be ordered from Dot on 851691. _____________________________________________ 27th August Despite the difficult travelling conditions created by the Manx Grand Prix practices, a total of 194 competitors made it down to the NSC last Tuesday night for the sixteenth and penultimate round of the Scottish Provident league. In the novices class Charlotte Watson came out on top in another close tussle with Jonty Bregazzi, the winner of the two previous rounds. Ella Kenyon continued her recent run of good form to grab third and Maria Frize inched ahead of Keri Hampson for fourth. Luke Walker escaped from the main chasing bunch for sixth, while Yasmin Kelly edged out Lorna Spiers and Harry Crompton for seventh. Lauren Duncan completed the top ten. Tom Cain and Angus Wheeler could not be separated at the end of the born 2002 & later race and both were credited with equal first place. Newcomer Jonathan Bateman outgunned Patrick McCord for an impressive third and Oliver Dean got the better of Archie Walter and Matthew Black for fifth. Top girl Charlie Moss held off Saul Parry for eighth and Blae Cain beat Cameron Morgan for tenth. Further down the field Hollie Glassey did well to take the bunch gallop for nineteenth position. In the born 2001 event Adam Scarffe bagged maximum points after a race long battle with leading girl Amelia Sharpe. Port Erin's Lydia Glover came from behind to snatch third from Rory Donegan, Kyle Caley, Tom Bowman, Harry Walters and Jade Lund. The unluckiest rider in the race was Morgan Harrison who hit mechanical problems on the last lap when lying ninth and dropped down eighteen places to 27th. A trio of riders consisting of Thomas Bostock, Luke Murray and Tom Murray made an early break in the born 2000 age group and were never headed. At the finish it was Thomas who had the advantage over Luke, with Tom just off the back in third place. Cameron Wheeler came in ahead of Jack Clayton and Josh Smith for fourth and Rachel Kelly squeezed out Eddie Morris, Olivia Sharpe and Adam Long for seventh. Ciara Sowerby lost touch with the frontrunners in the closing stages, but did well to stay in front of Ryan Forrest and Sean Maxwell for eleventh place. Leading from start to finish ,Joseph Glover recorded his first ever win in the born 1999 category. Alex Cain was a close second and Eleanor Davies took the girls' prize in a safe third. Daniel Scarffe held off Sophie Alton-Heath and Charlotte Dougherty for fourth, with Benjamin Raven beating Joe Walters to the line for eighth. Michael Quayle and Rachael Pearson rounded off the top ten. An aggressive Matthew Draper powered to his fourth consecutive win in the born 1998 race, outsprinting breakaway partner and series leader Owen Dudley in the final dash for the line. Sam Mills was a very good third - his best result to date - and Ben Cunningham fourth, with Amy Kinley winning the sprint for fifth from Madran Hull, Michael Moss and Matthew Kneale. An unlucky Jordan Corkish unshipped his chain on the penultimate lap and did well to work his way back up through the field to twelfth place. In the born 1997 event Breeshey Cain rode away from travelling companion Kathryn Hull for a well deserved maiden victory. James Skillicorn got clear of a four strong chasing group to snatch a very good third from Aaron Beattie, Owen Plasigett and Phoebe Ferguson. Repeating her successful tactics from a few weeks ago, Anna Christian went from the gun in the born 1996-94 grouping and never looked like being caught. Maria Hull gave chase but was unable to make any significant inroads into Christian's winning lead. Ashley Faragher prevented a female cleansweep by edging out Laura Kinley for third, with Sophie Black and Rhys Quayle filling the two remaining places on the top six leader board. After a spirited solo bid for glory had failed, Matthew Davies had to wait for the final gallop before securing his seventh win in the under 12's racing bikes. Ryan Dean got the verdict over Matthew Bostock for the runners-up spot, with Jamie Dudley not too far behind in fourth place. Leading girl Maria Hull pipped Anna Christian, Gareth Jones, Eleanor Stokoe and Matthew Draper in the battle for fifth. Adam Johnson had the edge on Thomas Mazzone in the dash at the end of the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes event. Jack Wolstencroft took third by the narrowest of margins form Warwick Sanderson and Alicia Corlett was the first girl in fifth position. Weather permitting the seventeeth and final round of the 2007 league takes place at the NSC next Tuesday, 28th August. _____________________________________________ 16th August * Unfortunately, last Tuesday night's (August 14th) round of the Scottish Provident league had to be cancelled due to the wet weather. The two remaining rounds of the series are scheduled for Tuesday, August 21st (MGP practice week) and Tuesday, August 28th. The prize presentation and buffet is in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 23rd September, starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. Tickets, which are free to all competitors, can be ordered down at the NSC on Tuesday nights or from Dot on 851691. Don't miss it. * Around 30 club members will at the Manchester velodrome on the 25th/26th August for a weekend of intensive track coaching. * Thanks to some further sponsorship from the Gough Ritchie Trust, the club has been able to purchase two more road bikes for members to use. * Don't forget that the club's Thursday night training rides are still going strong, leaving the Braaid Hall at 6.30pm. * There were some excellent performances from club members in this year's Kerry Youth Tour. Lucy Johnson was a brilliant second place overall in the under 12's, with Matthew Davies an excellent fourth and Alex Christian a very good 13th on her very first visit to the event. In the under 14's Jack Wolstencroft finished a respectable 18th, puncture victim Alex Haddock was 31st and Alicia Corlett 41st. Warwick Sanderson was lying 11th overall when he was taken out in a crash on the penultimate stage and was unable to continue. Finally, Chris Nicholson, who was riding for British Cycling's Team North West, was a superb third in the under 16's and Adam Johnson 31st. * After six rounds of British Cycling's national youth circuit race series Matthew Bostock is leading the under 10's category and Joshua Knights is lying sixth in the under 12's. * Go to the "team members" page to find out more about Ben Cunningham. While you're there why not complete the questionnaire and let your club mates know a bit more about yourself. _____________________________________________ 12th August Conditions were perfect for the 237 competitors who turned out at a sun drenched NSC last Tuesday night for round 15 of the Scottish Provident Tuesday night youth league. In the novices class Jonty Bregazzi picked up his second win in as many weeks, squeezing out eleven times winner Charlotte Watson on the line. Ella Kenyon was very good third, with Cara Yule pipping Maria Frize for fourth. Keri Hampson and Yasmin Kelly came home individually for sixth and seventh places respectively, while Luke Walker got the better of Harry Crompton for eighth. Oliver Wait outsprinted Abby Plowman and Scarlett Clague for the final spot on the top ten leader board. After several second and third placings, Nicholas Peniata finally made it to the top in the born 2002 & later age group. Angus Wheeler was a safe second ahead of Tom Cain, Alastair Flint and Aaron Lund, all four riders coming in within a second or two of each other. Aaron Dougherty had the edge over Anna Kelly, Charlie Moss, Cameron Morgan and Ben Longden in the charge for third and James Harrison beat Matthew Black and Josua Concannon to the line for eleventh. Adam Scarffe scored maximum points again in the born 2001 category to further tighten his grip on the overall honours. Matthew Flint was a close second and Lydia Glover took the girls' prize in third place. Juan Kneen was fourth and Tom Bowman an excellent fifth in only his third outing of the series. Jade Lund ousted Ethan Georgeson for sixth. An injection of pace on the last lap fragmented the leading group in the born 2000 event, leaving Thomas Bostock and Luke Murray at the front to fight it out between them. Bostock eventually got the verdict in a very tight finish, with Sam Batey grabbing third from Tom Murray. Port Erin's Joseph Corkish was fifth and Adam Long, who had been in no-man's-land for most of the race, was sixth. Jack Clayton escaped from the main chasing group to claim seventh and Thomas Longden had the upper hand in the dash for eighth. Rachel Kelly was the top girl in thirteenth position. In the born 1999 class Marcus Simpson proved too strong for Conor Davies in the final sprint. Joseph Glover was not far behind in thrid place and Daniel Scarffe rode away from Kaitlin Slack and George Dalton-Brown for fourth. Charlotte Dougherty came from behind to snatch seventh and Benjamin Raven kept Sam Murray at bay for eighth. Matthew Draper came out on top in the born 1998 three lapper, but had to work hard to hold off strong challenges from breakaway partners Owen Dudley, Brody Hewison and Max Murray, who finished in that order. Jordan Corkish and James Costain clipped off the front of the chasing pack to complete the top six and ninth placed Amy Kinley held off Madran Hull and Olivia Perry for the girls' award. Aaron Peniata attacked on the penultimate lap of the born 1997 and stayed clear to the finish. Tamara Preskey did well to fend off Kathryn Hull, Nathan Knights and Joseph Haddock for the runners-up spot, with James Skillicorn making up a lot of ground on the final circuit to take sixth place. In the born 1996-94 grouping Leon Mazzone got away from travelling companions Anna Christian and Maria Hull for a fine solo victory. Anna beat Maria to the line for second and Ashley Faragher held off Laura Kinley in the fight for fifth. Juan Hunter was the best of the rest in eighth spot. Four riders contested the finish of the very well supported under 12's racing bikes event. Joshua Knights grabbed the victory from Leon Mazzone, Matthew Bostock and Nicholas Corlett, with Ryan Dean was just off the back in fifth place. Jamie Dudley was sixth and Maria Hull the best girl in seventh spot. Dan Hamill did well on his first appearance in the class to finish 23rd. With many of the regular participants still away at the Kerry Youth Tour, there was a much depleted field for the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes, which was consequently cut down to six laps. Thomas Mazzone was first over the line followed by Matthew Jones, Sarah Quine and Ryan Preston. _____________________________________________ 3rd August * Considering that the holiday season is now in full swing, there was another good turn out of 241 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 14 of the Scottish Provident league. In the novices class Jonty Bregazzi led multiple winner and leading girl Charlotte Watson over the line to score a well deserved maiden victory. Saul Parry rode well to claim his first ever podium position in third place, with regular top three finisher Callum Smith having to settle for fourth this time. Yasmin Kelly led Maria Frize home for fifth and Keri Hampson came in on her own for seventh. Harry Crompton and Jake Wilson were eighth and ninth respectively, while Kelsie Sheppard took the large bunch sprint for tenth place. Charlie Gibson increased his tally of wins in the born 2002 & later age group to ten, taking the chequerd flag well clear of the rest of the field. A determined Nicholas Peniata edged out fellow chasers Angus Wheeler and Tom Cain for the runners-up spot and Matthew Black achieved his best result to date in a very good fifth place. Top girl Anna Kelly got past Aaron Lund to take sixth ahead of Aaron Dougherty, Blae Cain and Cameron Morgan, who rounded off the top ten. Impressive newcomer Braddan Faragher came out best in the six-strong sprint for eleventh. After getting away with two other riders on the opening lap, Adam Scarffe outsprinted Matthew Flint for the honours in the born 2001 event. Fellow escapee Juan Kneen lost contact in the closing stages but managed to hold on to third place. Lydia Glover took the girls' prize in fourth position and Michael Bridgens made good progress to grab fifth. Rory Donegan, who had been lying a safe fourth, recovered from a last lap crash to salvage sixth. Thomas Bostock was made to work hard for his victory victory in the born 2000 race. Four riders contested the finish with Bostock just getting the verdict from Sam Batey, Joseph Corkish and Tom Murray, who had only just returned from a three week holiday. Tom's brother Luke kept Jack Clayton at bay for fifth and Adam Long stayed ahead of chasers Adam Kelly, Ben Christian and Josh Smith for seventh. Ciara Sowerby was the first girl in 13th place. In the born 1999 category Marcus Simpson and Conor Davies got away from a leading bunch of five riders, with Simpson coming out on top in the head-to-head battle for the line. Joseph Glover put in another solid performance to grab third in front of number one girl Eleanor Davies. Daniel Scarffe was fifth and George Dalton-Brown pipped Charlotte Dougherty at the post for sixth. Born 1998 winner Matthew Draper made a spirited solo bid for glory on the first lap, but was unable to shake off a tenacious Brody Hewison, who just failed to get round Draper in the final charge for the flag. Jordan Corkish beat James Costain, Ben Cunningham and Sam Mills in the fight for third, with seventh placed Amy Kinley making a successful last-ditch effort to overtake Olivia Perry for the girls' award. Notching up his second win of the year, Aaron Peniata made a well judged effort to get clear of his four breakaway partners in the born 1997 class. Top girl Tamara Preskey put in another strong performance to secure second place ahead of Breeshey Cain and Joseph Haddock. With no one prepared to commit themselves, the born 1996-94 grouping was run at a pace that allowed most of the main protagonists to stay together for the entire race. At the finish it was Matthew Davies who was first over the line followed by Leon Mazzone, Ashley Faragher, Maria Hull, Anna Christian and Laura Kinley. Sophie Black was just off the back in seventh place. Ramsey's Leon Mazzone gained maximum points for a sixth time in the under 12's racing bikes, outgunning Matthew Davies, Matthew Bostock, Joshua Knights, Nicholas Corlett and Ryan Dean in the frantic dash for the line. Eleanor Stokoe (7th) edged out Anna Christian and Victoria Kinrade for the girls' honours, with Gareth Jones finishing ahead of Maria Hull for tenth. In the under14 / under 16 racing bikes Adam Johnson and Thomas Mazzone attacked at one third distance and opened up a sizable gap. Christopher Nicholson went off in pursuit and eventually caught the two leaders with just five laps to go. By now, Johnson and Mazzone were suffering from their earlier exploits and were unable to respond when Chris put the hammer down. In the end Nicholson took the win comfortably from Johnson and Mazzone, who was the best under 14 year old. Warwick Sanderson was fourth, Jack Wolstencroft fifth and Alex Haddock sixth. Alicia Corlett was the top girl in seventh position. _____________________________________________ 29th July * For the second week in succession, conditions were ideal for the 282 competitors who turned out for round 13 of the Tuesday night youth league. There was a close finish to the novices class, with Charlotte Watson just managing to hold off Jonty Bregazzi and Callum Smith in the final dash for the line. Keri Hampson rode strongly to take fourth from Jake Wilson and Yasmin Kelly, while Maria Frize came through to pip Aaron Pannell-Cottier for seventh. Harry Crompton trailed in on his own for ninth and Lorna Spiers got past Finbar Samson to fill the remaining place on the top ten leader board. Fourteenth placed Abby Plowman had a great ride, improving 33 places on her debut in the previous round. Charlie Gibson outsprinted Nicholas Peniata and Angus Wheeler for the honours in the born 2002 & later age group, all three taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over Tom Cain, Robert Kissack, Aaron Lund and Patrick McCord, who finished individually in 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th places respectively. Relative newcomer Charlie Moss led a group of twelve riders home to grab the girls' prize in an impressive eighth spot. Matthew Black came off when contesting a top fifteen finish, but quickly remounted to salvage 24th position. After swapping the lead several times, Adam Scarffe eventually got the better of leading girl Amelia Sharpe In the born 2001 category. The ever consistent Lydia Glover was a good third and Matthew Flint fourth ahead of Max Ingham, who pulled away from Juan Kneen to grab fifth. Connor Cooke made up a lot of ground on the final lap to edge out Rory Donegan, Ethan Georgeson and Jade Lund for seventh, while Thomas Chatel headed eight chasers, including first timer Tom Bowman, over the line in eleventh spot. In the born 2000 event Thomas Bostock broke away from a nine strong leading bunch to claim his fifth victory of the series. Sam Batey beat Joseph Corkish for the runners-up spot and Jack Clayton held onto fourth ahead of Robert Webster and the fast finishing Tommasz Boruch. Ciara Sowerby was the top girl in twelfth place Marcus Simpson collected maximum points in the born 1999 race, crossing the line ahead of overall leader Conor Davies. Port Erin's Joseph Glover stayed with the frontrunners for the opening lap but eventually had to give way and settle for third. Alex Cain was fourth and Kaitlin Slack took the girls' award in fifth place. Jeremy Mitchell got the verdict over George Dalton-Brown, Michael Quayle and Harry Peake in the gallop for sixth and Daniel Scarffe won a tight sprint with Rachael Pearson for tenth. A patient Matthew Draper bided his time in the born 1998 class before unleashing a well timed sprint to prise the number one slot from arch rival Owen Dudley. Max Murray held off Brody Hewison for third, with Ben Cunningham maintaining station in fifth place. James Costain outgunned Sam Mills for sixth and Jordan Corkish ousted Dan Watterson for eighth. Alexander Bregazzi grabbed tenth just ahead of leading girl Olivia Perry. Born 1997 winner Matthew Bostock wound the pace up on the final circuit, leaving most of the field in his wake to fight over the minor placings. Aaron Peniata, however, was able to hang onto Matthew's wheel to claim a well deserved second and Breeshey Cain did well to take third from Joseph Haddock. Fifth place went to Tamara Preskey, with Kathryn Hull a close sixth. Producing one of the rides of the night, Anna Christian attacked breakaway partners Maria Hull and Juan Hunter on the penultimate lap and gradually pulled away to score a fine solo win. Maria, who has only just recovered from the nasty spill she had in the 10 league a few weeks ago, was a safe second and Ashley Faragher overtook a tiring Juan Hunter for third. Cameron Scott outsprinted Dan Hamill for fifth and Declan Paxton edged out Jamie Faragher for seventh. In the under 12's racing bikes Leon Mazzone was too fast for Joshua Knights, Nicholas Corlett and Ryan Dean in the final sprint. Mazzone and Knights had been out on their own, but a determined chase from Corlett and Dean reeled them in. Matthew Bostock and Jamie Dudley completed the top six and leading girl Eleanor Stokoe had another excellent ride in seventh spot. Mark Copparelli did well to finish 20th on his debut in the drop handlebar class. Adam Johnson went from the gun in the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes, lapping the field on his way to a fine solo victory. Jack Wolstencroft had the edge on Warwick Sanderson in the gallop for second and Matthew Jones took fourth ahead of Alex Haddock. Sixth placed Lucy Johnson beat Alexandra Christian (7th) and Sarah Quine (8th) for the girls' honours. _____________________________________________ 25th July * The weekly reports and results from the club's Tuesday night league are now being posted in full on the British Cycling and IOM Newspapers web sites. So far, grand total of 528 competitors have taken part in the 2007 series. * Over £400 was raised at the club's annual fundraiser at Tynwald Fair. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the day such a success. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson on being voted the club's rider of the month for June. Adam receives an engraved trophy and a £25 cash prize. * Bernie Quayle's video "Mark Cavendish - Where it all Began" is now showing on You Tube. Bernie produced the film for the 2005 Scottish Provident league prize presentation. * Alicia Corlett, Lucy Johnson, Adam Johnson, Jack Wolstencroft and Joshua Knights have all qualified for the national final of the GHS 10 mile time trial championship in September. * Following the continued success of the club, Scottish Provident International has increased its annual sponsorship by an extra £500. * In all the excitement created by Mark Cavendish's fantastic debut in the Tour de France, it's worth remembering Marie Noon's (formerly Purvis) outstanding performances in the women's version of the race. Marie, who is a member of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers, competed in the Tour de France Feminin several times, winning two stages and finishing as high as sixth overall. Her greatest moment came in 1993 when she rode away from everyone, including world champion Leontien Van Moorsel, on the hilly eleventh stage to take a brilliant solo victory at the top of the notorious Vaujany climb. _____________________________________________ 23rd July Another massive total of 310 competitors signed on for round 12 of Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man's youth league, staged last Tuesday night (July 17th) in near perfect conditions. There were no surprises in the novices class as Charlotte Watson notched up yet another victory. Callum Smith and Jonty Bregazzi filled second and third places for the tenth week in a row, with Yasmin Kelly beating Maria Frize to the line for fourth. Saul Parry was a very good sixth in only his fourth outing of the series and Lorna Spiers grabbed seventh ahead of Jake Wilson, Aaron Pannell-Cottier and Finbar Samson. In the born 2002 & later category Charlie Gibson had to hold off strong challenges from Angus Wheeler and Nicholas Peniata on the way to securing maximum points for an eighth time. Robert Kissack and Ben Longden finished on their own in fourth and fifth places, while Tom Cain led a chasing group of five riders home for sixth. Blae Cain pipped Anna Kelly (11th & 12th respectively) for the girls' prize. After breaking away together on the opening lap, Amelia Sharpe outsprinted Adam Scarffe for the honours in the born 2001 event. Max Ingham came from behind to edge out Matthew Flint for third and Juan Kneen rode clear of Connor Cooke and Lydia Glover to grab fifth. Relative newcomer Jacob Crook had a great ride in eighth spot and Rory Donegan did very well to finish ninth, following a long enforced lay off with a broken arm. Jade Lund completed the top ten. Thomas Bostock took advantage of the absence of main rivals Luke and Tom Murray to increase his tally of wins in the born 2000 age group to five. He didn't have it all his own way, however, as Sam Batey kept the pressure on all the way to the chequered flag . Regular top six finisher Joseph Corkish finally made it onto the podium, taking third after a close battle with Josh Smith. Castletown's Jack Clayton took fifth from Cameron Wheeler and debutant Tommasz Boruch sped round for an impressive seventh place. Olivia Sharpe was the leading girl in 11th position. In a very close finish, Marcus Simpson overcame early leader Conor Davies to pick up the spoils in the born 1999 race. Joseph Glover stayed with the two frontrunners until the final lap, but eventually had to give way and settle for third. Top girl Eleanor Davies led Alex Cain in for fourth and American Jeremy Mitchell beat Kaitlin Slack to the line for seventh. Owen Dudley made an early bid for glory in the born 1998 class and maintained his advantage to the finish. Max Murray won the gallop for second place from Brody Patience, Ben Cunningham, Jordan Corkish, James Costain and Sam Mills, with Brody Hewison just off the back in eighth spot. Amy Kinley made sure of the girls' award by finishing ahead of Matthew Kneale, Olivia Perry and Madran Hull in the dash for ninth place. Aaron Peniata ousted Joseph Haddock in the final charge for the line to clinch his first ever success in the born 1997 class. Tamara Preskey (1st girl) rode strongly to take a fine third ahead of the hard working Breeshey Cain and Kathryn Hull. Nathan Knights headed Aaron Beattie and Phoebe Ferguson for the remaining place on the top six leader board. In the born 1996-94 grouping Matthew Davies got the better of Leon Mazzone after another closely fought battle. Anna Christian, who held her own with the two leaders for most of the race, was a well deserved third and Ashley Faragher left travelling partners Juan Hunter and Laura Kinley behind to grab fourth. Matthew Davies picked up his second win of the night in the under 12's racing bike event. A breakaway group of six riders formed at the head of the race with Davies taking the final gallop from Leon Mazzone, Ryan Dean, Joshua Knights, Matthew Bostock and Nicholas Corlett. The ever improving Jamie Dudley was not far behind in seventh place and Eleanor Stokoe continued her recent run of good form to take the girls' prize in eighth spot. Aaron Peniata was an impressive ninth in only his second outing on a pukka racing bike. In a reversal of the previous week's result Adam Johnson outsprinted Christopher Nicholson and Thomas Mazzone at the end of the combined under 14 / under 16 racing bikes 25 lapper. Jack Wolstencroft was fourth, Alex Haddock fifth and Matthew Jones sixth, with Alexandra Christian the first girl in ninth spot. _____________________________________________ 20th July * A large group of club members competed in the Blackpool Youth Grand Prix last weekend. The event was part of a three-day festival of cycle racing featuring rounds of British Cycling's elite men's, youth and women's circuit race series ,as well as a round of the Premier Calendar road race series. All the circuit races were staged on the Blackpool sea front in very different weather conditions. Luckily, the very heavy rain that affected for Friday night's elite race had cleared for Saturday's youth events, although there was still a strong sea breeze to contend with. In the under 8's class sole Isle of Man representative Eleanor Davies was the fourth girl home in a creditable eighth place. Continuing the good form he has been showing in the Tuesday night league at the NSC, Matthew Bostock was an excellent fourth in the under 10's, a result that moves him up to second place in the overall standings. Victoria Kinrade was a very good tenth (2nd girl), with team mates Kathryn Hull and Breeshey Cain 16th and 17th respectively. Matthew Davies and Joshua Knights also put in a good performance in the under 12's age group, finishing well in the points in fine fifth and ninth positions. Leon Mazzone was a good 12th, followed by Ryan Dean and Nicholas Corlett in 17th and 18th places. In the under 14's boys Thomas Mazzone was the best of the Manx contingent in 11th spot. Jack Wolstencroft was 19th, Alexander Haddock about 26th and Matthew Jones 33rd. Christopher Nicholson, who had been in all the major moves of the day, was 15th in the under 16 boys and Adam Johnson (TSPIOM), whose first lap attack had split the field, was 30th. _____________________________________________ 17th July part b * There was another large entry of 270 competitors for round 11 of Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man's youth league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in overcast but dry conditions. Charlotte Watson powered to her ninth victory in the novices class, with Callum Smith a distant second. Jonty Bregazzi beat Cara Yule to the line for third and Yasmin Kelly took the bunch sprint for fifth ahead of Milly Duggua, Keri Hampson, Issac Kirk, Sam Keig, Saul Parry, Lorna Spiers and Aaron Pannell-Cottier. A late surge from Maria Frize elevated her into thirteenth place. In the born 2002 & later age group Charlie Gibson held off a strong challenge from Angus Wheeler to claim the number one spot for seventh time. Nicholas Peniata, Robert Kissack and Tom Cain finished on their own in fourth, fifth and sixth places respectively, with James Harrison outgunning Alastair Flint and Joshua Crichton for the final place on the top six leader board. Relative newcomer Charlie Moss was the first girl home in a eleventh position. A determined Amelia Sharpe went from the gun in the born 2001 category and was never headed. Adam Sharpe, the winner of the previous four rounds, was the runner-up and Lydia Glover broke away from Max Ingham and Juan Kneen on the last lap to claim third. Connor Cooke, Jade Lund, Ethan Georgeson, Thomas Chatel and Jacob Phair completed the top ten. Thomas Bostock made the most of the absence of main rivals Tom and Luke Murray to pick up maximum points in the born 2000 event and keep himself in the hunt for the overall honours. Robert Webster and Sam Batey were second and third, with Cameron Wheeler grabbing fourth from Josh Smith. Sixth spot went to Joseph Corkish and Ben Christian led leading girl Olivia Sharpe home for seventh. After a relatively sedate opening lap, Conor Davies put the hammer down in the born 1999 event and rode everyone off his wheel. Marcus Simpson was the last to stay in contact, but eventually had to give way and settle for second. Joseph Glover held off top girl Eleanor Davies and Liam McCann for third, while American visitor Jeremy Mitchell produced one of rides of the night to finish a very good sixth. In the born 1998 race Owen Dudley just managed to hold off Matthew Draper in the final dash for the line. Max Murray got the better of Brody Hewison and Ben Cunningham for third and Rory McCann overtook Jacob Callow in the closing stages for sixth. Amy Kinley (13th) came out on top in a four-way battle for the girls' honours. Time trialling away from the field, Matthew Bostock cruised to another impressive solo victory in the born 1997 class. Aaron Peniata dropped Joseph Haddock on the last lap to grab second and fourth placed Tamara Preskey rode strongly to take the girls' prize from Kathryn Hull. Ramsey's Leon Mazzone led from start to finish in the born 1996-94 grouping. Runner-up Anna Christian never gave up the chase but found the gap to the leader just too far to bridge. Ashley Faragher rode clear of Juan Hunter for third. Outsprinting his four breakaway companions, Mazzone scored his second success of the night in the very competitive under 12's racing bikes. The ever improving Nicholas Corlett was second followed by Matthew Bostock, Joshua Knights and Ryan Dean. Ten year old Jamie Dudley was an excellent sixth and Matthew Draper rode well for seventh. Eleanor Stokoe was the best of the girls in eighth spot. Christopher Nicholson got the verdict over Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson in the gallop at the end of the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes, with Warwick Sanderson and Jack Wolstencroft the best of the rest in fourth and fifth places. Alex Haddock was sixth one place ahead of top girl Alicia Corlett. _____________________________________________ 17th July part a * Frequent showers at the NSC last Tuesday night failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 296 competitors who turned out for round 10 of the club's Scottish Provident league. Despite a determined effort in the closing stages, Callum Smith was unable to stop Charlotte Watson from notching up yet another win in the novices class. Jonty Bregazzi finished ahead of Cara Yule to claim the final place on the podium and Keri Hampson outsprinted Maria Frize, Sam Keig and Lorna Spiers for fourth. Relative newcomer came through the field to grab ninth and Abigail Groom held off Rebecca Cooke for tenth. Charlie Gibson was the winner of the born 2002 & later age group, taking the chequered flag by a clear margin over Angus Wheeler. Third place went to Robert Kissack and Patrick McCord led Tom Cain. Nicholas Peniata, Aaron Lund, Ben Longden and Alex Macmillan over the line for fourth. Blae Cain took the girls' prize in 13th spot. Adam Scarffe got away from leading girl Amelia Sharpe to claim his fourth victory in the born 2001 category, with Lydia Glover not far behind in third place. Connor Cooke got the better of Dylan Groom, Jake Linden, Thomas Chatel, Jody Thompson and Jade Lund in the dash for fourth and Elle Cain pipped Juan Kneen for tenth. In the born 2000 event Tom Murray put in a great effort to overtake Thomas Bostock on the finishing straight, picking up maximum points for the second time in the series. Overall leader Luke Murray was third and Sam Batey edged out Josh Smith in the battle for fourth. Will Draper led Robert Webster home for sixth and Olivia Sharpe was the top girl in 13th position. Marcus Simpson made an early bid for glory in the born 1999 race, but was gradually reeled in by Conor Davies who went on to take the sprint for first place. Joseph Glover trailed in for third just ahead of Eleanor Davies in a safe fourth, with Liam McCann outgunning Harry Peake and Kaitlin Slack for fifth. Further down the field Sean Ledwidge got the verdict over Joseph Kissack in a very close finish for sixteenth place. Owen Dudley got an early gap in the born 1998 class and was never headed. The hard chasing Matthew Draper was the runner-up and Brody Hewison was an excellent third, his best result to date. Brody Patience beat Jordan Corkish, Rory McCann and Ben Cunningham in the gallop for fourth and Madran Hull did well to pick up the girls' award in eleventh spot. Glen Vine's Matthew Bostock left nothing to chance in the born 1997 class, going from the gun and powering away from the rest of the field for another impressive solo victory. Aaron Peniata got past Joseph Haddock, Breeshey Cain and Kathryn Hull for a well deserved second and Nathan Knights finished on his own in sixth position. Matthew Davies got the better of Leon Mazzone in the born 1996-94 grouping, with Juan Hunter a very good third ahead of Ashley Faragher. Sophie Black was the top girl in fifth place. Davies scored his second success of the night in the under 12's racing bikes, once again at the expense of arch rival Mazzone. Matthew Bostock and Ryan Dean were third and fourth respectively, with Joshua Knights and Nicholas Corlett completing the top six. Eighth placed Victoria Kinrade was the top girl. The under 14 / under 16 racing bikes was run in the worst of the weather. Adam Johnson attacked breakaway partner Christopher Nicholson on the final lap to take the honours by several lengths. It was only a few years ago that Tour de France rider Mark Cavendish was competing in the series, honing his skills in similar fashion. Thomas Mazzone outsprinted fellow under 14 riders Jack Wolstencroft and Warwick Sanderson for third, while Alex Haddock rode away from Alicia Corlett for fourth. _____________________________________________ 2nd July Part b * A total of 303 youngsters braved the wintry conditions at the NSC last Tuesday night to compete in round 9 of the Scottish Provident league. Charlotte Watson headed the novices class for the seventh week in a row, crossing the line just ahead of the hard chasing Callum Smith in second place. Jonty Bregazzi held off Cara Yule in the sprint for the final podium position, with Yasmin Kelly ousting Keri Hampson, Lorna Spiers and Aaron Pannell-Cottier for fifth. Rebecca Cooke got the verdict over Milly Duggua in the six strong gallop for ninth spot and newcomer Finbar Samson did well to finish 24th on his first appearance in the league. In the born 2002 & later category Charlie Gibson strengthened his challenge for the overall honours with his fifth win of the series. Round three and five winner Angus Wheeler was the runner-up for the third week in succession, taking the chequered flag in front of Robert Kissack and Tom Cain in third and fourth places. James Harrison led a group of seven riders home for fifth, with Blae Cain taking the girls' prize in tenth spot. Adam Scarffe filled the top spot in the born 2001 age group ahead of leading girl Amelia Sharpe. Matthew Flint was a safe third and Max Ingham returned after a week's break to claim a good fourth from the fast finishing Lydia Glover. Connor Cooke completed the top six, while Dylan Groom and Ethan Leivers just managed to stay clear of the main chasing group to grab seventh and eighth. Thomas Bostock returned to the top of the pile in the born 2000, recording his third success of the year and at the same time ending the recent dominance of twin brothers Tom and Luke Murray, who had to settle for second and third respectively. Sam Batey edged out Cameron Wheeler for fourth and Josh Smith came in on his own to grab sixth. Olivia Sharpe was the best girl in eleventh position. Increasing his tally of wins to seven, Conor Davies caught early leader Marcus Simpson on the penultimate lap of the born 1999 race and then had enough left in the tank to take the final sprint. Joseph Glover, Alex Cain and Eleanor Davies broke away from the main bunch to secure third, fourth and fifth places, with Liam McCann leading Kaitlin Slack in for sixth. Harry Peake, George Dalton-Brown and Daniel Scarffe filled the remaining places on the top ten leader board. Owen Dudley maintained his 100% record in the born 1998 class, but had to work hard to fend off a determined challenge from breakaway partner Matthew Draper. Ramsey's Max Murray was a lonely third and Brody Hewison got the better of Ben Cunningham, Dan Watterson and Rory McCann in the dash for fourth. French exchange student Victoire Blein was the first girl in a very good eighth, with her friend and compatriot Juliette Genoulaz six places further back in fourteenth spot. In the born 1997 category a group of nine riders circulated together for the opening two laps. On the final lap Matthew Bostock, Aaron Peniata and Joseph Haddock powered away and took the chequered flag in that order. Breeshey Cain was an aggressive fourth and Nathan Knights beat Kathryn Hull to the line for fifth. Tamara Preskey, Phoebe Ferguson and Aaron Beattie lost contact with the leaders in the closing stages, but hung on for seventh, eighth and ninth places. Consolidating his lead in the overall standings, Matthew Davies had the edge on Leon Mazzone, Maria Hull and Anna Christian at the end of the born 1996-94 grouping. Laura Kinley was a close fifth and Juan Hunter sixth. However, in the following under 12's racing bike event the result was reversed with Mazzone edging out Davies for the number one spot. Nicholas Corlett was an impressive third followed by Joshua Knights, Matthew Bostock and Ryan Dean, who were all part of the winning move. Not afraid of mixing it with the boys, Maria Hull, Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe were the first three girls in seventh, eleventh and twelfth places respectively. After gaining a full lap on the rest of the field, Christopher Nicholson pipped Adam Johnson on the line in the under 14 / under 16 racing bike twenty five lapper. Thomas Mazzone was the top under 14 rider in third spot and Jack Wolstencroft grabbed fourth from the ever improving Matthew Jones. _____________________________________________ 2nd July Part a *Weather permitting, the club's popular Thursday night training / coaching sessions leave the Braaid Hall at 6.30pm. * The club recently received a very generous cheque for £1,366.68p from the Royal Bank of Scotland International. The money is part of the total raised by the staff during 2006 for charities of the bank's choice, of which TSP was one. This sum is in addition to the bank's £1,000 donation that was included in the £2,525.50p that Sarah Berry and her friend Liz Boothman raised for the club in last year's Parish Walk. Sarah and Liz took part in the gruelling event in memory of Sarah's son James, the very talented young TSP member who was tragically killed in 2005 while out on a training ride. * With TT fever still in the air, don't forget that two of the coveted silver Mercury TT replicas are incorporated in the magnificent James Berry trophies awarded annually to the winners of the under 16's classes in the Scottish Provident League and the Manx Telecom 10 league. Mark Christian was the inaugural recipient of both trophies. * The club is taking a large squad of 25 members to this coming Saturday's Liverpool Century criteriums in Litherland. On the same day, a smaller group of nine riders will be competing in the Liverpool District final of the GHS 10 mile time trial championship. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson and Chris Nicholson who finished first and second respectively in last Sunday's round of the Future Stars road race series. * Matthew Bostock is the club's rider of the month for May. In only his first full season on a pukka racing bike, Matthew has already proved that he is a force to be reckoned with, winning both the under 10's category in this year's IOM Youth Tour and the North West Region youth circuit race championship in Southport. _____________________________________________ 22nd June *Despite the windy and overcast conditions, there was another excellent turnout of 285 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round eight of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Luckily the rain that had been forecast held off long enough for the race programme to be completed in full. In the novices class Charlotte Watson filled the number one slot for the sixth week running. Callum Smith was a close second and Jonty Bregazzi third. Cara Yule had her best ride to date, finishing a very good fourth ahead of Cameron Morgan and Yasmin Kelly in fifth and sixth places respectively. Newcomer Isaac Kirk made a great debut in ninth spot. Charlie Gibson edged out Angus Wheeler to take the honours in the born 2002 age group, levelling the number of wins to four apiece. Robert Kissack, Nicholas Peniata and Tom Cain crossed the line separately in third, fourth and fifth places, with James Harrison outsprinting Ben Longden for sixth. Blae Cain was the first girl home in eighth spot. For the second week in succession, Adam Scarffe got the better of six time winner Amelia Sharpe in the born 2001 category. The rapidly improving Lydia Glover made the top three for the first time, edging out Matthew Flint in the final dash for the line. Dylan Groom kept Connor Cooke and Juan Kneen at bay to claim fifth and Jake Lindon overtook Elliott Callow in the final few metres for eighth. Harry Walters completed the top ten. Luke Murray picked up maximum points again in the born 2000 event, with Thomas Bostock pipping Tom Murray for the runners-up spot. Sam Batey managed to stay with the three frontrunners in the early stages but eventually had to give way and settle for fourth. Ninth placed Olivia Sharpe was the top girl. Continuing his run of good form, Marcus Simpson scored his second victory in as many weeks in the born 1999 race. Marcus went from the gun and was never challenged, taking the chequered flag with a clear margin over Joseph Glover in second place. Liam McCann squeezed out leading girl Eleanor Davies for the final position on the podium. In the born 1998 class Owen Dudley came out on top again in his weekly battle with arch rival Matthew Draper, who was unable to sustain the slight advantage he held exiting the final corner. Max Murray had a lonely ride in third place as did fourth and fifth finishers Brody Patience and Brody Hewison. A determined Ben Cunningham kept out Rory McCann, Dan Watterson and James Costain in the sprint for sixth and Amy Kinley took the girls' award in thirteenth place. With overall leader Matthew Bostock sidelined by the cuts and bruises he suffered in a mountain bike tumble the day before, the born1997 event was wide open. On the last of the three laps Aaron Peniata and Joseph Haddock escaped from a leading group of seven riders, with Peniata taking the sprint to record his maiden victory. Birthday girl Breeshey Cain outgunned Nathan Knights, Kathryn Hull and Aaron Beattie for third. Matthew Davies held off Leon Mazzone, Maria Hull and Anna Christian in the gallop at the end of the born 1996-94 race. Ashley Faragher snatched fifth from Laura Kinley and Nicholas Corlett got past Juan Hendy on the finishing straight to claim seventh. The under 12 racing bikes was run at a very fast pace with plenty of attacks. In a very tight finish Matthew Davies just got the verdict by a tyre's width from Joshua Knights, with Leon Mazzone not far behind in third place. Nicholas Corlett was a very good fourth ahead of Ryan Dean and Jamie Dudley. The girls' prize went to Eleanor Stokoe, who rode strongly to grab seventh position ahead of Maria Hull, Anna Christian, Laura Kinley and Victoria Kinrade.. In the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes Christopher Nicholson blitzed the opposition for a fine solo win. With around eight laps remaining Nicholson put in a sustained effort and rode breakaway partner Adam Johnson off his wheel. Johnson tried to respond but could not bridge the ever increasing gap and in the end had to settle for second place. Thomas Mazzone was third followed by Jack Wolstencroft, Warwick Sanderson and best girl Alicia Corlett. _____________________________________________ 14th June * Following a two-week break for the TT, the Scottish Provident league resumed at the NSC last Tuesday night in overcast but dry conditions. A total of 304 competitors turned out for the event, which was the seventh round of the series. In the very well supported novices class Charlotte Watson increased her tally of wins to five, crossing the line just ahead of the hard chasing duo of Callum Smith and Jonty Bregazzi, who were second and third respectively. First round winner Lorna Spiers was a lonely fourth, with Maria Frize outsprinting Cameron Morgan and Yasmin Kelly for fifth. Keri Hampson was eighth and the fast improving Milly Duggua a very good ninth. Scott Macduffie led the rest home to complete the top ten leader board. First timer Cameron Ashcroft did very well on his debut to finish 25th. Charlie Gibson came out on top in a four way battle for the honours in the born 2002 & later age group, pipping Robert Kissack, Nicholas Peniata and Angus Wheeler in the final gallop for the chequered flag. Tom Cain and Patrick McCord finished on their own for a safe fifth and sixth, while James Harrison held off Joe Walker for seventh. Ninth placed Blae Cain got the better of Anna Kelly for the girls' prize. A last lap surge enabled Adam Scarffe to catch and overtake Amelia Sharpe for the number one slot in the Born 2001 category, ending the latter's 100% record in the process. Max Ingham took third ahead of Connor Cooke and Dylan Groom, with Juan Kneen getting the verdict in the ten strong bunch sprint for sixth place. After breaking away together in the early stages, Luke Murray edged out twin brother Tom for his third victory in the very competitive born 2000 event. Reigning champion Thomas Bostock kept his overall ambitions alive with a good third and Sam Batey repelled a strong challenge from Josh Smith for fourth. Joseph Corkish, Jack Clayton and Adam Long were sixth, seventh and eighth, followed by newcomer Thomas Longden who produced one of the rides of the night to grab an excellent ninth place. Ciara Sowerby was the leading girl in thirteenth position.
2005 and 2006 champion Marcus Simpson made a welcome return to form to overcome the previously unbeaten Conor Davies in the dash for the line at the end of the born 1999 race. Joseph Glover grabbed the final place on the podium and Alex Cain kept leading girl Eleanor Davies at bay for fourth. Kaitlin Slack completed the top six and Sophie Alton-Heath led Harry Peake, Benjamin Raven and George Dalton-Brown across the line for seventh. Owen Dudley and Matthew Draper renewed their rivalry in the born 1998 class, with Owen eventually riding clear to notch up his seventh success in a row. Dan Watterson had another consistent ride in third place and Max Murray came through the field to secure fourth ahead of Brody Patience. The girls' honours went to Amy Kinley in eleventh position. French exchange students Victoire Blein, Juliette Genoulaz and Guillaume Buttignel added a continental flavour to the proceedings, riding impressively for twelfth, fourteenth and seventeenth places. Attacking from the gun, Matthew Bostock scored another fine solo victory in the born 1997 race. Joseph Haddock won the battle for the runners-up spot ahead of fellow chasing group members Breeshey Cain, Aaron Peniata, Nathan Knights and Kathryn Hull. The born 1996-94 grouping turned into a game of cat and mouse with none of the frontrunners prepared to show their hand until the final sprint, which Matthew Davies won from Maria Hull, Anna Christian, Leon Mazzone, Ashley Faragher and Laura Kinley. Relative newcomer Juan Hunter was the best of the rest in a respectable seventh place. Leading home a break of eight riders, Davies went on to complete the double in the hotly contested under 12's racing bikes. Leon Mazzone snatched second from round six winner Joshua Knights and Ryan Dean ousted Nicholas Corlett, Matthew Bostock and Jamie Dudley for fourth. Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe, who had been mixing it with the boys, were the top girls in eighth and ninth respectively. In under 14/ under 16 racing bikes Christopher Nicholson attacked breakaway partners Robin Garry and Thomas Mazzone with three laps to go and stayed clear to record his second success of the series. Garry outsprinted Mazzone for second, with Adam Johnson and Jack Wolstencroft trailing in for fourth and fifth. Alicia Corlett collected the girls' award in sixth spot. _____________________________________________ 29th May * Greenlight Television and students from the IOM College have been regular visitors to the club's Tuesday night league at the NSC filming a promotional video for the Commonwealth Youth Games, which are being staged on the island in 2012. * Club patron and former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson has also been down at the NSC supporting his daughter Hollie in the novices class. * The club's ever increasing pool of loan bikes (22 at the last count) has been very successful in helping riders to progress from mountain bikes to racing bikes. Indeed, over 50 TSP members now hold British Cycling racing licences. * To celebrate the centenary of the TT, all 300 plus competitors in round 5 of the Tuesday night league were presented with free TT t-shirts. The shirts were generously donated by a local company, which prefers to stay anonymous. * The club's distinctive racing caps were in great demand with souvenir hunters at the recent IOM Youth Tour. * Nicholas Corlett, Matthew Davies, Joshua Knights, Leon Mazzone, Lucy Johnson, Thomas Mazzone, Jack Wolstencroft, Alicia Corlett, Robin Garry, Adam Johnson and Christopher Nicholson will be representing the club at the British National Youth Circuit Race Championships in Staffordshire on Saturday, 16th June. * Robin Garry has made a very impressive start to the season, winning two rounds of the very competitive Under 14/under 16 racing bike class in the Scottish Provident league and taking the honours in the opening round of the Bikestyle handicap road race series. _____________________________________________ 26th May * There was another massive turn out of 309 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round six of the club's children's cycling league. Before the proceedings got underway Lillian Boyle and Steve Wright from Scottish Provident handed over a sponsorship cheque for £3,500 to league organiser Dot Tilbury. In near perfect racing conditions, Charlotte Watson stormed to her fourth win in the novices class. Callum Smith and Jonty Bregazzi chased hard but in the end had to settle for second and third places respectively. Lorna Spiers finished on her own to claim fourth and Yasmin Kelly got the better of Keri Hampson, Aaron Pannell-Cottiers and Matthew Black for fifth, her best result to date. Maria Frize and Rebecca Cooke were ninth and tenth, with Cameron Morgan leading the main bunch home in eleventh spot. Alex Craine completed the top twelve leader board. Charlie Gibson edged out Robert Kissack for his second success of the series in the born 2002 and later age group. Nicholas Peniata was not far behind in third place and Tom Cain finished just ahead of James Harrison, Patrick McCord and Blae Cain, the leading girl, for fourth. Angus Wheeler overtook Aaron Dougherty on the line for eighth spot and Joe Walker pipped Ben Grainger for tenth. Amelia Sharpe continued her domination of the born 2001 category, maintaining her unbeaten record with a comfortable win over chasers Adam Scarffe, Matthew Flint and Connor Cooke. Relative newcomer Max Ingham took the sprint for fifth from Dylan Groom, Jade Lund, Thomas Chatel, Ethan Georgeson, Harry Walters and Tara Mitchell. Twin brothers Luke and Tom Murray made an early break in the born 2000 event and were never caught, with Luke going on to take the chequered flag for his third victory. Robert Webster grabbed the final place on the podium ahead of Thomas Bostock, the reigning champion, and Josh Smith. Sixth place went to the ever improving Joseph Corkish and Olivia Sharpe was the first girl in tenth position. Overall leader Conor Davies outgunned breakaway partners Marcus Simpson and Joseph Glover for the honours in the born 1999 class. Alex Cain was fourth followed by Liam McCann and Kaitlin Slack, who took the girls' prize one place ahead of leading rival Sophie Alton-Heath. In the born 1998 race Owen Dudley pulled away from Matthew Draper for a clear win. Dan Watterson got the better of Brody Patience in the battle for third, with the hard chasing Ben Cunningham having to settle for fifth just in front of Rory McCann and James Costain. Eighth placed Amy Kinley fought off a strong challenge from Madran Hull to secure the girls award and the fast finishing Jake Henry overtook Lewis Kelly for tenth. Attacking from the gun, Matthew Bostock time-trialled to another fine solo victory in the born 1997 category. Aaron Peniata came out on top in the four -up gallop for second, with Joseph Haddock claiming third and top girl Breeshey Cain ousting Kathryn Hull Jade Lund completed the tong> After a leisurely opening lap, seven riders eventually broke free to contest the finish of the born 1996-94 grouping. Matthew Davies was first across the line followed by Leon Mazzone, Maria Hull, Anna Christian, Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley and Nicholas Corlett. Juan Hunter and Matthew Nicholson, who had both been active in the early stages, trailed in for eighth and ninth. Joshua Knights scored his maiden win of the series in the under 12 racing bikes. Josh put the hammer down with two laps to go, keeping the pace high all the way to the finish. Matthew Davies was a close second and Ryan Dean a very good third. Maria Hull (7th) led Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe home for the girls' honours. Saving the best to last, Adam Johnson produced the ride of the night in winning the under 14 /under 16 racing bikes 25 lapper. At around half distance Johnson attacked fellow leading group members Christopher Nicholson, Robin Garry and Thomas Mazzone and, making the most of the indecision behind him, went on to lap the entire field for a memorable victory. The consistent Garry grabbed the runners-up spot from Mazzone, the best under 14 rider, and Nicholson. Port Erin's Jack Wolstencroft edged out travelling companion Warwick Sanderson for fifth and the much improved Matthew Jones took eighth ahead of Alicia Corlett. Don't forget that the league is taking a two-week break for TT practice and race weeks. The next round will take place on Tuesday, 12th June. _____________________________________________ 20th May * Well done to John de Weert for completing his John O'Groats to Lands End ride in April. John's efforts raised a fantastic £400 for club funds. * Christopher Nicholson, Thomas Mazzone, Joshua Knights, Leon Mazzone and Matthew Bostock will be representing the club in the Preston Youth Races on Saturday, 9th June. The event is the third round of British Cycling's circuit racing series. * Congratulations to Thomas Mazzone on being voted Team Scottish Provident's rider of the month for April. In recognition of his achievement Thomas receives an engraved trophy and £25 in cash. * In last Sunday's Northern Area round of the British National Youth Omnium series, staged at the Manchester velodrome, Christopher Nicholson, Robin Garry and Adam Johnson were 6th, 21st and 24th respectively in the under 16 category, with Lucy Johnson finishing 12th in the under 14's girls. * Due to popular demand, the club's Thursday night training and coaching sessions will continue throughout the summer. For safety reasons there will be no sessions during TT practice and race weeks. * To date, a total of 429 competitors have taken part in this year's Scottish Provident Youth League at the NSC, with a massive 321 riders turning out for round 5 on May 15th. * There were some outstanding performances from club members in the recent IOM Youth Tour, topped by Matthew Bostock's overall victory in the under 10's category. _____________________________________________ 19th May * Conditions were perfect for the 321 youngsters who competed in round 5 of the club's youth league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night (May 15th). Charlotte Watson completed a hat trick of wins in the novices class, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over Callum Smith, who outsprinted Jonty Bregazzi for the runners-up spot. Round one winner Lorna Spiers got the better of Matthew Black for fourth, with Keri Hampson leading the chasers home for the final place on the top six leader board. Coming from behind, Angus Wheeler pipped Charlie Gibson and Nicholas Peniata to grab the honours for a fourth time in the born 2002 & later age group. Robert Kissack was a lonely fourth and Blae Cain the top girl in fifth position. In the born 2001 event Amelia Sharpe outgunned breakaway partner Adam Scarffe in the closing stages to maintain her 100% record for another week. Relative newcomer Max Ingham got the better of Connor Cooke for third and Dylan Groom beat Jade Lund, Tara Mitchell, Thomas Chatel and Ethan Georgeson to the line for fifth. Tom Murray picked up his first victory in the born 2000 event after a race long battle with Thomas Bostock and twin brother Luke, the winner of the two previous rounds. Robert Webster trailed in for fourth, with Sam Batey overcoming Josh Smith for fifth. Joseph Corkish finished on his own in seventh place and Cameron Wheeler grabbed eighth ahead of leading girl Olivia Sharpe. Maximum points in the born 1999 category went to the still unbeaten Conor Davies for the fifth week running. Conor attacked on the penultimate lap and was never seen again. Joseph Glover had to hold off a strong challenge from Eleanor Davies before securing second place and Jacob Hempsall produced his best ride of the year to take fourth ahead of 2006 champion Marcus Simpson. Owen Dudley filled the number one spot in the born 1998 class, with Matthew Draper having to settle for second again. Dan Watterson broke away from Ben Cunningham for a good third, while Rory McCann edged out Brody Hewison for fifth. Amy Kinley got the girls' prize in seventh spot. Matthew Bostock powered to another impressive solo victory in the born 1997 category. Aaron Peniata overtook Joseph Haddock and Breeshey Cain on the finishing straight to slot into second and Kathryn Hull managed to stay in front of the fast closing chasing bunch for fifth. In one of the closest finishes of the night Matthew Davies got the verdict over Leon Mazzone, Maria Hull and Anna Christian in the sprint to decide the outcome of the born 1996-94 three lapper. Davies and Mazzone had been out on their own, but were reeled in after a determined chase from the two girls. However, the positions were reversed in the under 12's racing bikes event with Mazzone heading Davies in the sprint. Matthew Bostock completed the top three ahead of Joshua Knights, Nicholas Corlett and Ryan Dean. Eighth placed Maria Hull was the top girl. The much improved Robin Garry showed a fine turn of speed in ousting Christopher Nicholson and Adam Johnson in the dash for the line at the end of the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes. Thomas Mazzone was the best under 14 rider in fourth place and Alicia Corlett the top girl in ninth spot. _____________________________________________ 13th May A total of 185 hardy youngsters braved last Tuesday night's showery weather to compete in round four of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. A heavy downpour just before the proceedings were due to get underway made the conditions at the NSC very tricky. In the novices class Charlotte Watson got the better of Callum Smith to record her second win in succession. Jonty Bregazzi recovered from a start line spin to take third ahead of Matthew Black, whose fourth place was his best result to date. Alex Craine and Keri Hampson completed the top six. Charlie Gibson took the honours in the born 2002 & Later age group, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over the previously unbeaten Angus Wheeler. The hard chasing Nicholas Peniata was third and James Harrison pipped Robert Kissack for fourth. Jamie McCann led Blae Cain, the leading girl, and Tom Cain home for sixth, while Joe Walker outsprinted impressive newcomer Aiden Forsythe to claim ninth. Maintaining her 100% record, Amelia Sharpe was victorious again in the born 2001 category. Matthew Flint and Adam Scarffe were second and third, with first timer Max Ingham producing one of the rides of the night to finish fourth ahead of seasoned campaigners Connor Cooke and Juan Kneen. In a close battle for ninth Thomas Chatel just got the verdict over Tara Mitchell. Luke Murray overtook twin brother Tom and 2006 champion Thomas Bostock on the last lap to notch up his second win in the born 2000 event. Josh Smith and Joseph Corkish finished on their own in fourth and fifth places respectively, with Cameron Wheeler taking the gallop for sixth from Lucas Mudie, Olivia Sharpe (top Girl) and Ben Christian. For the fourth week running Conor Davies scored maximum points in the born 1999 race. First lap leader Joseph Glover took the runners-up spot and Kaitlin Slack finished strongly to claim the girls' prize in third place. Marcus Simpson was fourth, Alex Cain fifth and Sophie Alton-Heath a good sixth. Owen Dudley had to hold off a strong challenge from arch rival Matthew Draper before claiming victory in the born 1998 class. Brody Patience edged out James Costain for the final place on the podium and leading girl Amy Kinley did well to beat Ben Cunningham and Rory McCann to the line for fifth place. Recently crowned North West Region and IOM Youth Tour champion Matthew Bostock went from the gun in the born 1997 class and gradually pulled away from the field for a decisive victory. The much improved Joseph Haddock outgunned Breeshey Cain for second and Aaron Peniata headed Nathan Knights and Kathryn Hull in the dash for fourth. In the born 1996-94 grouping Matthew Davies, Leon Mazzone and Maria Hull broke away together. At the finish Davies crossed the line half a bike's length in front of Mazzone, with Hull just off the back in third place. Ashley Faragher grabbed fourth ahead of Anna Christian and Laura Kinley. The racing bike events were cancelled for safety reasons, although the riders were allowed on the track for a training session. _____________________________________________ 6th May There was another fantastic turn out of 296 competitors for round 3 of the Scottish Provident league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night (1st May) in ideal conditions. In the very well supported novices class Charlotte Watson stormed to her first, crossing the line with a clear advantage over round two winner Callum Smith, who outsprinted Jonty Bregazzi and leading girl Lorna Spiers for the runners-up spot. Matthew Black led Keri Hampson and Alex Craine home for fifth place. Angus Wheeler came out on top in the born 2002 & later category for the third week running, with Nicholas Peniata doing well to take second in his first outing of the season. Charlie Gibson was a close third ahead of Tom Cain and Blae Cain, who was the first girl. James Harrison completed the top six. Maintaining her unbeaten record, Amelia Sharpe got the better of breakaway partners Adam Scarffe and Matthew Flint to take the spoils again in the born 2001 age group. Conor Cooke and Nathan Teare led the chasers home in 4th and 5th places respectively. Luke Murray pipped his twin brother Tom for the honours in the born 2000 event. Sam Batey was third and Thomas Bostock, the winner of the opening two rounds, fourth. Olivia Sharpe was the top girl in eleventh spot. Conor Davies held off a determined challenge from the fast improving Joseph Glover to complete a hat trick of successes in the born 1999 three lapper. Eleanor Davies was the first girl across the line in third place, with Liam McCann fourth and Kaitlin Slack just holding off the fast closing Marcus Simpson and Alex Cain for fifth. In the born 1998 event Owen Dudley gradually pulled away from main rival Matthew Draper for a comfortable win. Newcomer Dan Watterson did well to beat seasoned campaigners Brody Patience, Max Murray and James Costain in the gallop for third, while tenth placed Amy Kinley took the girls' prize. Matthew Bostock cruised to a fine solo victory in the born 1997 class. Joseph Haddock, who had been at the front with Bostock for the opening lap, kept Breeshey Cain at bay for second, with Aaron Peniata not far behind in fourth. In a very close finish Nathan Knights got past Kathryn Hull in the final few metres for fifth. Five riders got away at the start of the born 1996-94 group. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone broke clear on the final lap, with Davies getting the verdict in the final dash for the line. Ashley Faragher was third followed by an impressive Juan Hunter and best girl Laura Kinley. Sixth place went to Ben Millard and Rhys Quayle just got the better of Sophie Black for seventh. In the under 12's racing bikes Matthew Davies outsprinted Leon Mazzone again for his second win of the night. Joshua Knights grabbed third and Matthew Bostock was a good fourth. The ever improving Ryan Dean was fifth and Nicholas Corlett sixth, one place in front of Maria Hull. Riding in the "droppies" class for the first time, Matthew Draper, Juan Hunter and Tamara Preskey were all trying out the club's new Public Lottery Trust funded Terry Dolan bikes and did well to come 11th, 12th and 15th respectively Finally, in the fast and furious under 14 / under 16 racing bikes Robin Garry outsprinted breakaway companions Christopher Nicholson, Adam Johnson, Sam Looker and Thomas Mazzone to record his first ever win. Jack Wolstencroft edged out Warwick Sanderson for sixth and Alicia Corlett took the girls' award in eighth spot. _____________________________________________ 3rd May A total of 23 club members made a very successful visit to last Saturday's (Apil 28th) North West Region Youth Circuit Race Championships at Victoria Park in Southport. Matthew Bostock, Breeshey Cain and Thomas Mazzone took the honours in the under 10 boys, under 10 girls and under 14 boys respectively, while Maria Hull picked up a silver medal in the under 12 girls andJoshua Knights, Christopher Nicholson and Alcia Corlett took bronze in the under 12 boys, under 16 boys and under 16 girls. Sam Looker and Lucy Johnson just missed out on podium placings, both finishing fourth in their respective classes. The under 10's boys and girls raced together. After a slow start, Matthew Bostock made a huge effort to catch early leaders Robert Armstrong (Ribble Valley Juniors) and Alex Braybrooke (Eastlands Velo) and went on to beat Armstrong on the final run in to the line for a great victory. Owen Dudley, in his first off-island race, rode well for fifth and a delighted Breeshey Cain was the clear winner of the girls event, crossing the line well ahead of Jessica Wilkinson (BC Private Member) and Nicola Miller (Southport CC). In the combined under 12 boys and girls Eastland Velo's Jacob Ragan was in a class of his own and rode away from the field to claim the gold medal. Joshua Knights and Andrew Dixon (Red Rose Olympic) broke away from the chasing group to contest the remaining places on ther podium, with Dixon grabbing second and Joshua a well earned third. A little further back Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone were fifth and sixth followed by club mates Ryan Dean (11th), Nicholas Corlett (12th), Jamie Dudley (14th) and Daniel de Weert (16th). In the battle for the girls' honours Maria Hull stayed with eventual gold medalist Zoe Armstrong (Ribble Valley Juniors) for a good half of the race, but was unable to respond to Armstrong's winning attack and had to settle for silver. Anna Christian was a distant fourth. Ramsey's Thomas Mazzone provided one of the most exciting rides of the day in the under 14 boys 25lap event. With three laps to go Thomas put in a blistering attack and succeeded in opening up a sizable gap. On the final lap, however, the young Manxman was caught by Jack Bowyer (Eastlands Velo), but still had enough left after all his exertions to take the sprint for gold. Matthew Jones, Alex Haddock and Lucas Croydon were 13th, 14th and 17th. The under 16 and under 14 girls also competed over 25 laps, with Alicia Corlett third in the under 16's and Lucy Johnson and Alex Christian 4th and 7th in the under 14's. An aggressive Christopher Whorrall Manx Road Club) lapped the field for an impressive win in the under 16's 45km race. The much fancied Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors) and Thomas Walker (Border City Wheelers) eventually gave chase, but were unable to make any inroads into Whorrall's ever growing lead. Balyckyi eventually drpopped back leaving Walker and Christopher Nicholson to contest the sprint for silver, which Walker won. Sam Looker pipped Balyckyi for fourth, with Robin Garry just behind in sixth and Adam Johnson 11th. _____________________________________________ 28th April * Despite the very misty and sometimes wet conditions, there was another massive turn out of 247 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 2 of the club's Scottish Provident Youth League. In the novices class Callum Smith took the honours ahead of round 1 winner and leading girl Lorna Spiers. Third place went to Charlotte Watson, with Jonty Bregazzi, Keri Hampson and Matthew Black completing the top six leader board. Newcomer Aaron Pannell-Cottier was an impressive tenth. Angus Wheeler took the top spot for the second week running in the born 2002 & later age group, taking the chequered flag well clear of Charlie Gibson. Top girl Blae Cain was third and Robert Kissack passed Tom Cain on the finishing straight to claim fourth. Jamie McCann won the bunch sprint for sixth. Attacking from the gun, Amelia Sharpe was never headed in the born 2002 category. Matthew Flint was a safe second and Adam Scarffe edged out Connor Cooke for the final place on the podium. Juan Kneen led the chasing pack home in a distant fifth place. Thomas Bostock notched up his second success in the born 2000 event, while Sam Batey held off twin brothers Luke and Tom Murray for the runners-up spot. Olivia Sharpe grabbed the girls' prize in twelfth place. In the born 1999 class Conor Davies overhauled early leader Eleanor Davies (no relation) on the final lap to bag maximum points again. Joseph Glover got the better of Kaitlin Slack in the sprint for third and Liam McCann clipped off the front of the chasing bunch to claim fifth. Owen Dudley proved to be too strong for breakaway partner Matthew Draper in the closing stages of the born 1998 race. Rory McCann was a good third and Max Murray made his usual late charge to snatch fourth from James Costain. The ever improving Amy Kinley took the girls' award in sixth position. Matthew Bostock time trialled away from Breeshey Cain and Joseph Haddock for a comfortable win in the born 1997 event, while Matthew Davies outsprinted Leon Mazzone for the born 1996-94 honours. Laura Kinley slid off in the latter race, but recovered well to finish fifth and first girl. Breaking away on the last lap, Leon Mazzone got the verdict in the very competitive under 12's racing bikes. Joshua Knights was next across the line followed by Matthew Davies, Matthew Bostock and Nicholas Corlett. Sixth placed Eleanor Stokoe rode strongly to beat Maria Hull for the girls' prize. In the final race of the night, the under14/under16 racing bikes, Christopher Nicholson attacked as soon as the flag dropped and quickly gained a sizable gap. Robin Garry and Adam Johnson went off in pursuit and eventually reeled him in. Before the two chasers had time to catch their breath Nicholson went again and this time stayed clear to the finish. Garry and Johnson were second and third respectively, with top under 14 rider Thomas Mazzone taking the gallop for fourth. Alicia Corlett was the best girl in seventh spot. _____________________________________________ 23rd April * There was a huge turn out of 290 competitors for the opening round of the club's 2007 Scottish Provident Youth League, staged in overcast conditions at the NSC on Tuesday, 17th April. In the novices class Lorna Spiers led the large field home ahead of Charlotte Watson, with Callum Smith the first boy home in third place. Angus Wheeler edged out Tom Cain and leading girl Blae Cain to win the born 2002 class, while Amelia Sharpe held off Adam Scarffe and Matthew Flint to give the girls another overall victory in the born 2001 category. Glen Vine's Thomas Bostock got the better of Luke Murray to score maximum points in the born 2000 age group. Sam Batey grabbed the final place on the podium and Olivia Sharpe took the girls' prize in fourteenth position. In the born 1999 event Conor Davies got away on the last of three laps, crossing the line with a clear advantage over early breakaway partner Eleanor Davies. Third spot went to a fast finishing Kaitlin Slack. Owen Dudley outsprinted Matthew Draper for the top spot in the born 1998 class, with Max Murray coming through strongly in the final stages to secure third. A determined Amy Kinley (eighth overall) was the best girl, one place in front of Emma Nicholson. Leading from start to finish, Matthew Bostock won the born 1997 race from Breeshey Cain and Nathan Knights. In what proved to be a good night for the girls, Kathryn Hull, Tamara Preskey and Rebecca Hempsell completed the top six. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone finished first and second respectively in both the born 1996-94 and under 12 racing bike events, with Laura Kinley, third in the former and Eleanor Stokoe, seventh in the latter, picking up the girls' awards. The ride of the night came from Adam Johnson in the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes. Adam attacked with eight laps to go and stayed clear for an impressive solo win. Robin Garry took the sprint for second from Christopher Nicholson, Sam Looker and leading under 14 rider Thomas Mazzone. The much improved Lucy Johnson, Adam's sister, was the top girl in a very good ninth place. _____________________________________________ 28th March * Joshua Knights has been competing with great success in the under 12's category of the Terry Dolan School Circuit Race series at Victoria Park in Southport. In the opening round on March 17th he was an excellent 2nd in the scratch race and 6th in the handicap, leaving him fourth overall just three points behind the joint leaders. In last Saturday's second round he finished 5th in the scratch race and won the handicap, moving him up to second overall. The third and final round takes place this coming Saturday.
* The club is taking a squad of seventeen riders to the Hetton Hawks Classic circuit races at Sunderland on Sunday. The event is the first round of British Cycling's National Youth Series and is also one of three qualifiers for the European Youth Olympics in July. The riders are Eleanor and Matthew Davies, Emma and Christopher Nicholson, Kathryn and Maria Hull, Matthew Bostock, Thomas and Leon Mazzone, Joshua Knights, Adam and Lucy Johnson, Lucas Croydon, Jack Wolstencroft, Alicia Corlett, Warwick Sanderson and Robin Garry. _____________________________________________ 11th March * What others have said about us - part 19 .........." There are quite a lot of things we miss about the Isle of Man. We often reminisce about the things we miss most. My eldest son Richard misses the Tuesday night Scottish Provident cycling" ..........(John Prescott, Letter from America, Manx Tails - March 2007). * The club's 2006 year book is ready to be distributed to all our sponsors and the IOM Sports Council. This year's hefty publication contains a total of 80 pages. * Fourteen year old Christopher Nicholson was the top TSP rider in the juvenile section of the recent Fletcher Trophy sporting time trial, staged over one lap of the testing 11.5 mile circuit around Peel, Glen Helen and Kirk Michael. Overcoming the atrocious weather conditions, strong winds and heavy rain, Chris clocked 33 mins 43 secs for third place. Adam Johnson was fourth some 4 mins 18 secs behind his team mate, with Thomas Mazzone a good fifth just 14 seconds further down. Jack Wolstencroft was 6th in 40.42 and Alicia Corlett 7th in 46.12. _____________________________________________ 3rd March * Three TSPIOM teams competed with great success in the recent Shoprite Relay Challenge over one lap of the TT course. The 'A' squad of Colum O'Shea, Sam Looker, Ken Berry, Alex Kinvig, Julian Corlett, Thomas Mazzone and Peter O'Shea covered the distance in an impressive 1hr 50mins 23secs to finish runners-up a narrow 77 seconds behind the winners Bikestyle Bandits. The 'B' team's Tom Black, Robin Garry, Matthew Berry, Jack Wolstencroft, Adam Johnson, Gary Mazzone and Brian Johnson clocked 1.58.12 for a very good fifth overall, with the 'C' team's Joshua Knights, Sarah Quine, Warwick Sanderson, Alexandra Christian, John de Weert, Alicia Corlett and Lucy Johnson recording 2.17.10 for a respectable tenth overall and fourth mixed team. Many thanks to Peter Christian and Phil Knights for getting the teams together. * Sponsorship forms are now available for John de Weert's John O' Groats to Lands End ride in April. Contact John on 612904 / 493100 or Dot on 851691 if you would like one. John is kindly donating all the money raised to TSP club funds. * TSP's first off-island racing trip in 2007 will be to the Hetton Hawks Classic in Sunderland on April 1st. Approximately twenty club members will be competing in the event, which is the opening round of British Cycling's prestigious National Youth Circuit Race Series. Last year there were top six finishes for Leon Mazzone, Matthew Davies, Alex Haddock, Joshua Knights, Lucy Johnson and Mark Christian. * Don't forget that the club's turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall will continue until the end of March. After that the popular Thursday night training/coaching activities will take place outside on the nearby roads, including the IOM Youth Tour course. _____________________________________________ 27th February * Team Scottish Provident is one of just five nominations short listed by the IOM Sports Council for their Team of the Year award 2006. The winners will be announced at the awards night in the Villa Marina on April 12. * Congratulations to club patron Neil Hodgson on his superb sixth place in the first mountain bike Island Games selection race, staged recently at the Cringle Plantation. * The club has already entered over 30 riders for next May's IOM Youth Tour, with strong representation in all the juvenile classes. Scottish Provident has paid all the entry fees, totalling in excess of £600. _____________________________________________ 18th February * Club members who still haven't put their entries in for this year's IOM Youth Tour had better hurry up as the classes are filling up fast. Please send your forms to Dot as Team Scottish Provident is paying the entry fees. * As soon as the light nights arrive, the club's Thursday training/coaching sessions will be held on the IOM Youth Tour course around Ellerslie, the Garth and the Braaid. * Improvements are being made at the NSC in preparation for the start of the Scottish Provident Youth League on April 10th. The opening rounds of the league are to be filmed by the IOM Sports Council as part of its promotion for the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011. * As reported previously, our sponsors Scottish Provident International were recently awarded Investors in People Champions status. A plague marking the achievement was presented to Managing Director Lillian Boyle in a ceremony at the company's headquarters in Ballacottier Business Park. DTI Minister David Cretney and his immediate predecessor Alex Downie were among the distinguished guests. The company's submission for the award cited their longtime sponsorship of the youth cycling league at the NSC, with a special mention being given to the success of the event in producing World Champions like Mark Cavendish. _____________________________________________ 12th February * Christopher Nicholson was on brilliant form again in last Friday night's round of the Manchester Track League, scoring excellent victories in the points race and course des primes and finishing a very good second in the scratch event. * Shoprite employee John de Weert will be starting his epic John O Groats to Lands End fundraising ride for the club on Friday, 13th April. Sponsorship forms will be available shortly. * The eagerly awaited start of the 2007 Scottish Provident circuit race league will be on Tuesday, April 10th. As usual, the opening session will be in the form of a "come and try it" night, with the first points scoring round taking place on the following Tuesday (April 17th). Over 400 competitors took part in last year's series, making it the biggest and most successful youth event of its kind in the British Isles and beyond. * A total of 23 club members have taken advantage of the weekly turbo training nights in the Braaid Hall. After last Thursday's session the team's 2007 off-island race programme was disclosed. The comprehensive list of over 20 events includes all the major youth events of the season. Last year the club's thirteen trips to England, Wales and Ireland cost in excess of £21,000. _____________________________________________ 5th February * John de Weert - the father of club member Daniel - is planning to ride from Lands End to John O'Groats in April. John will be using the trip, which is being sponsored by Shoprite, to raise money for TSP. More details to follow. * The provisional date for this year's Scottish Provident League gala prize presentation in the Villa Marina is Sunday, 23rd September. * Club members aged 12 and over are eligible to compete in the Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league. Entry forms for the season long competition are available from Bikestyle and Eurocycles in Douglas, Pedal Power in Peel, Erin News in Port Erin and Looneys of Ramsey. * The club will have at least seven new racing bikes available for members wishing to have a go in the "droppies" class in this summer's Scottish Provident circuit racing league at the NSC. * Around twenty team members have already put their entries in for the 2007 IOM Youth Tour. Give or send your forms to Dot so that the club can pay the entry fees and sort the various team out. * Don't forget that the club's 2007 off-island race programme will be revealed after next Thursday night's (Feb 8th) turbo training session in the Braaid Hall. _____________________________________________ 27th January * Our best wishes go to ten year old Matthew Davies who is recovering from a bad bout of pneumonia. * Amazingly, the Scottish Provident League team for the 2000 Manchester Youth Tour contained ten past and present members of British Cycling's Talent and Olympic Development squads. How many do you recognise? Photo here. * The club's extensive off-island race programme for 2007 will be revealed after the weekly spin session on Thursday, 8th February. * Christopher Nicholson's success in the First Division of the Manchester track racing league continues. In last Friday's round (January 26th) he won the points race and was runner-up in the scratch event. * With inaugural winner Mark Christian now competing in the junior ranks, rivalry for the magnificent James Berry under 16 Scottish Provident and 10 league champions' trophies will be intense in 2007. Photo here. _____________________________________________ 24th January * Christopher Nicholson was in fine form at the Manchester Regional Track League last Friday night (19th Jan). Riding in very competitive Group 3, he won the Course des Primes, was runner-up in the devil and came fourth in the 1km dash. Robin Garry (Group 2), Adam Johnson and Jack Wolstencroft ( both Group 1) also performed well on the night, gaining valuable experience for future events, while Colum O'Shea from our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers was a superb third in Group 4's unknown distance race. Relative novice Joshua Knights competed in the following Monday night's league and was pleased with his mid field finish in the points race. * The club has made a £250 donation to the British Red Cross in appreciation of the excellent first aid coverage the organisation provides for the Scottish Provident Tuesday night league at the NSC. A proportion of the money was collected at last September's gala prize presentation night in the Villa Marina. * Thanks to the generosity of the Manx branch of the Public Lottery Trust, the club will shortly be taking delivery of six more top quality road racing bikes for members to use. _____________________________________________ 21st January * Mark Christian just lost out to Andrew Fenn (agiskoviner.com) in the final round of the DHL Future Stars series at the Manchester velodrome last Saturday night. Mark held onto a narrow overall lead going into the event but was overtaken by Fenn, who scored two wins on the night to leapfrog into first place. * Last Thursday's extreme weather conditions failed to deter members from travelling to the Braaid for the club's weekly spin/coaching sessions. * Congratulations to our longtime sponsors Scottish Provident International on being one of just nine accredited organisations to gain the Investors in People Champion award for 2006. * Don't forget to give or send your IOM Youth Tour entry forms to Dot so that the club can pay the entry fees and sort out the various teams. * Christopher Nicholson is the latest TSPIOM member to gain a place on British Cycling's Olympic Talent Programme. _____________________________________________ 16th January * Now firmly established as one of the Manx social highlights of the year, Dot Tilbury and friends' annual concert at Marown School last Saturday night raised over £1,500 for club funds. The show, which was a complete sell-out, was generously supported by Shoprite, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and Ramsey Bakery. _____________________________________________ 7th January * With the start of the 2007 racing season fast approaching, the number of members taking advantage of the club's weekly spin sessions is on the increase. The indoor sessions will continue until the end of March, after which there will be outdoor training rides on the Youth Tour course around Ellerslie. * Sarah Berry and her friend Liz Boothman recently presented Dot Tilbury with a cheque for £2,505.50p, the money they raised for the club when competing in last June's Parish Walk. See the picture here * Once again the club will be paying members' entry fees for the 2007 Isle of Man Youth Tour. Please send your entry forms to Dot so they can all be forwarded to the organisers together. _____________________________________________ 7th January * There are only a handful of tickets left for the club's annual fundraising concert in Marown School on Saturday, 13th January. Contact Dot immediately (tel no. 851691) if you still haven't booked. This year's show has received very generous support from Shoprite and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. * What others have said about us - part 18 .......... "But they (the Isle of Man's World and European cycling champions) are in no way the end of the production line. Fresh new talent is being churned out with the regularity of Brazilian footballers, many the product of the popular Scottish Provident International children's cycling league." .......... (John Watterson, Isle of Man Newspapers' "Opportunities in the Isle of Man" supplement, December 2006). * The Thursday night spin sessions in the Braaid Hall are now back in full swing. Two more turbo trainers have been acquired by the club to accommodate the ever increasing number of members wishing to take part. The action starts at 6.30pm. * The club will have a large representation competing in the January 19th round of the Manchester Regional Track League (Division 1). _____________________________________________ 1st January * Despite the inclement weather conditions, there was an excellent turn out of around 60 cyclists for last Sunday morning's ride-out in memory of James Berry. The riders cycled out to the scene of James' tragic accident in Greeba where they stopped for a moment's reflection before heading out west and returning home via the Tynwald Mills cafe. A collection on the day raised £200, which will be donated to a charity of Ken, Sarah and Matthew Berry's choice. * The cast of the Robinson Crusoe pantomime held another bucket collection in aid of TSPIOM at the end of last Saturday evening's performance, raising a further £467.25p for club funds. The daily collections raised over £5,000 for local charities and nearly £800 for TSP in particular. _____________________________________________ 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. |
