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Latest News From 2008 23rd December * Please note that there will be no spin sessions in the Braaid hall next Thursday (Christmas Day) or the following Thursday (New Year's Day). The sessions will resume on Thursday, 8th January. * Tickets are now available for the club's annual fundraising concert "Marown School Musical" on Saturday, 17th January 2009. Tickets at £7 each, including supper, are available from Dot on 851691. The event is always a sell out so book early to avoid disappointment. Sam Barks of "I'll Do Anything" fame and talented singer / songwriter Anna Goldsmith are just two of the top acts that have performed in previous years. * There was another large turnout of TSP riders for round two of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter handicap series at Archallagan on Sunday 7th December. In the juvenile event Jacob Glover took the honours from Owen Dudley and Brody Hewison, with Thomas Mazzone pipping brother Leon and Joe Kelly for maximum points in the junior class. The next round of the competition is scheduled for Sunday, 11th January '09. * Representatives from the Manx Lottery Trust will be attending one of the Thursday night spin sessions early in the New Year to hand over the cheque for the six Terry Dolan racing bikes that the club recently purchased for members to use. More details to follow. * Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from everyone at TSP. _____________________________________________ 30th November * Numbers attending the Thursday night spin sessions in the Braaid Hall are increasing week by week. Please note that the club's own turbo trainers are issued on a first come first served basis, so if you wish to borrow one get there early. The sessions start at 6.30pm. * Scottish Provident has agreed to sponsor TSP again in 2009. The company has now invested over £42,000 in youth cycling on the Island. * The club's 2009 circuit racing league at the NSC begins with a "come and try it" night on Tuesday, 7th April and ends on Tuesday, 25th August. The provisional date for the prize presentation in the Villa Marina is Sunday, 6th September. * A big thank you to Wampum Investments and Ellan Vannin CC for the very generous donations they recently made to the club. * Round 2 of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's popular winter handicap series for juniors is being staged at Archallagan plantation on Sunday, 7th December. Signing-on from 9.00am. * Next year's IOM Youth Tour is on May 1st - 3rd. The event is a round of British Cycling's national series. * The Kerry Youth Tour, which has been successfully staged by the Killorglin CC for the past decade, has unfortunately come to an end. This major international event was one of the most prestigious youth stage races in Europe and its loss is a big blow to the young cyclists' racing calendar. Fortunately, several other Irish clubs have shown a keen interest in promoting this enormous event and talks are currently taking place with Irish Cycling to sort out a new promoter and venue. _____________________________________________ 16th November * TSP's annual report and statement of accounts reveal that 2008 was another very successful year for the club. An all-time record total of 647 competitors took part in this year's circuit racing league at the NSC, with massive fields of over 300 riders turning out for ten of the seventeen rounds staged. Thanks to the very generous financial assistance of various charitable organisations the club was able to invest £25,000 in its off-island racing programme and increase its pool of racing and track bikes to 34. * TSP riders dominated the opening round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior race at the Archallagan plantation last Sunday (Nov. 16th). Joe Kelly, Thomas Mazzone and Jake Kelly were first, second and third respectively, with Nicholas Corlett, Matthew Davies and Joshua Knights filling the remaining three places on the top six leader board. Jamie Dudley was 7th, Leon Mazzone 8th, Matthew Bostock 9th and Sophie Black 11th. * The club has a small quantity of Mark Cavendish water bottles left over from the prize presentation and is offering them to club members at the ridiculously low price of just £2 each. Contact Dot if you would like to purchase some - they would make ideal Christmas stocking fillers. * The popular winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall are now back in full swing. The sessions are held every Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm, and will continue right through to the end of April '09. * Next year's North West youth championships are being staged on Saturday, 9th May. _____________________________________________ 6th November * The club's 2008/09 indoor training season gets underway in the Braaid Hall this coming Thursday (6th Nov.), starting at 6.30pm. Please bring your own turbo trainers if you have them. * Due to a clash with Remembrance Sunday, the opening round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior championship at Archallagan plantation has been switched to Sunday, November 16th. * Saturday, 17th January 2009 is the date for the club's annual fundraising concert in Marown school. More details nearer the time. Last year's event raised over £1,500. * The club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome will be on 21st / 22nd March 2009. * There were some outstanding performances from the four teams that the club entered for the recent Shoprite Challenge relay around the TT course. The "A" team (Alex Haddock, Joe Kelly, Jack Wolstencroft, George Doyle, Thomas Mazzone, Joshua Knights and Adam Johnson) finished an excellent second overall in a rapid time of 1hr 50mins 35secs, with the dads' team (Andrew Haddock, John Wolstencroft, Andy Bostock, Peter Christian, Julian Corlett, Gary Mazzone and Brian Johnson) posting a very good 2,00.40 for sixth spot. The "B" team (Jake Kelly, Matthew Davies, Anna Christian, Alex Christian, Alicia Corlett, Nicholas Corlett and Lucy Johnson) were tenth in a respectable 2.09.17, while the mums (Sharon Cain, Barbara Doyle, Sharon Nicholson, Sue Everitt, Tanya Sanderson, Justine Bowen and Glenda Marshall) got round in 2.33.36 for 18th position. _____________________________________________ 27th October * A sportive event is being staged this Saturday, Nov 1st. There is no entry fee but donations to the James Berry fund will be gratefully accepted. Riders can start anytime between 9 and 10am. The event, which is not competitive, will be run over a testing route covering up to 70 miles. The ride is split into three sections with two cafe checks on route to the finish at Mount Murray. More details from Gary on 492666. * Peter O'Shea and Christine Barwell will be taking part in next year's 611 mile Tour of Ireland Challenge to raise funds for the Red Cross. Every week in the summer Peter and his Red Cross colleagues attend the club's Tuesday night youth league at the NSC and without their presence the event would not go ahead. Please help them reach their £2,000 target here. * Bikestyle kindly donated a superb Terry Dolan racing bike for the raffle at the club's prize presentation. Neill Dudley was the lucky winner. * The club's turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall start on Thursday, 6th November. The sessions begin at 6.30pm and last for approximately one hour. * Last weekend's coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome had to be aborted due to the cancellation of the Saturday morning boat to Heysham. However, all was not lost as Adam & Lucy Johnson and George Doyle had travelled over to Manchester the day before and were able to make use of the track time booked. The club's next visit to the velodrome will be in March 2009. * Club members scored four top six placings overall in the 2008 British Cycling youth circuit race series. In the under 10's Matthew Draper was 4th and Owen Dudley 6th, with Matthew Davies and Matthew Bostock 3rd and 4th respectively in the under 12's. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson and Thomas Mazzone for finishing first and third overall in the season long HSBC "future stars" competition. Also, well done to Jack Wolstencroft on taking the runners-up spot in the Bikestyle handicap road race series. _____________________________________________ 23rd October * The Royal Hall in the Villa Marina was packed at the recent prize presentation for the 2008 Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Guests of honour Steve Wright and Karen Wilson from Scottish Provident presented the hundreds of competitors with their medals and prizes. The league's final overall positions were revealed on the night, with the much prized yellow winners jerseys going to Thomas Halliwell, Shellan Leeming, Percy Hampton, Madison Nicol, Charlie Gibson, Charlotte Watson, Adam Scarffe, Amelia Sharpe, Luke Murray. Olivia Sharpe, Conor Davies, Marcus Simpson, Eleanor Davies, Matthew Draper, Amy Kinley, Matthew Davies, Anna Christian, Owen Dudley, Amy Kinley, Victoria Kinrade, Alex Haddock, Lucy Johnson, Thomas Mazzone and Alicia Corlett. One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of seven special awards for the most meritorious performances on and off the Island. North West Region youth circuit race champion Matthew Draper picked up the Peter Buckley trophy for the best young prospect and Matthew Davies was presented with the £100 George Wilson bursary for his silver medal winning performance in the British national youth championships. Alex Haddock's aggressive riding throughout the season earned him the Steve Hislop memorial cup, while the Marie Noon award for the most outstanding girl went to Anna Christian. Thomas Mazzone received the prestigious James Berry trophy as the league's under 16 champion and Adam Johnson was awarded the coveted Alex Forrest memorial trophy. Adam was also the inaugural recipient of a £500 bursary donated by the family of the late Stuart Quayle, who was a long-time member of TSP's sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers. The money will presented annually to a deserving rider serious about furthering their career. An all-time record total of 647 competitors took part in the 2008 league, with over 350 turning out for six of the seventeen rounds staged. Many thanks to Scottish Provident, Shoprite and Ramsey Bakery for their help in making the night such an outstanding success. Final overall results here
_____________________________________________ 20th September * Anyone still requiring tickets for the club's gala prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 12th October should contact Dot (tel. 851691) immediately. It's one of the Island's biggest sporting occasions - so don't miss it ! * Sixteen year old Alicia Corlett had a great ride in the recent End to End mountain bike race, finishing 8th overall and first under 23 in the women's race. Thomas Mazzone also rode well to win the Half End to End by over 18 minutes. Ben Bailey-Conlon was fourth. * Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish has signed some of the club's "Cav" T-shirts for auction at the prize presentation on October 12th. * TSP members had a great time at the finish of the Tour of Britain in Liverpool, getting autographs and having their photo taken with all the big stars. The club also got plenty of mentions from the race commentators during the event. * Don't forget that the club's winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall start again on Thursday, 6th November. _____________________________________________ 17th September * There were some outstanding performances from the twenty club members who travelled to Liverpool last Sunday to compete in the youth support races at the finish of the Tour of Britain. The short but challenging circuit around famous Liverpool landmarks such as the Liver and Cunard buildings included a long cobbled section and used the same finish line as the professionals in the Tour of Britain. In the under 16's event the in form Adam Johnson outsprinted breakaway partners Jack Penrice and Robert Crampton (both Sport City Velo) to score an impressive victory. The three riders made the race winning move early on in the race and worked hard to maintain their advantage over the rest of the field. Johnson led out the sprint and powered down the finishing straight to take the chequered flag a clear wheel ahead of British Cycling Talent Team member Penrice. Port Erin's Jack Wolstencroft missed the initial break but rode strongly in the main chasing group, eventually crossing the line in tenth place. In the under 14's race five riders got away at the start and were never caught. Alex Haddock tried his best to get across to them but in the end had to settle for eleventh place some 27 seconds behind the winner Matthew Rotherham (Sport City Velo). TSP team mates Jake Kelly and Joshua Knights circulated together for fourteenth and fifteenth respectively, with Lucy Johnson (19th overall) the third girl home ahead of compatriots Anna Christian, Alex Christian and Maria Hull. A group of four riders, including Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone, went from the gun in the under 12's class and quickly built up what proved to be the race winning lead. At the finish it was Sam Turton (Ribble Valley Juniors) who took the closely fought sprint from Bostock, Christian Braybrooke (Sport City Velo) and Mazzone. After a slow start Callum Donnell made a spirited bid to get across to the leaders on his own but ran out of time and had to settle for fifth place. Jamie Dudley finished just off the back of the main bunch in thirteenth position and Victoria Kinrade rode very well to finish seventeenth overall and claim the prize for third girl. Nathan Knights pipped Joseph Haddock for twentieth and Sophie Black headed Breeshey Cain and Kathryn Hull in for twenty-second place, The unluckiest rider of the day was Matthew Davies who was taken out in a crash on the way to the start of the under 12's race and was unable to continue. _____________________________________________ 10th September * Phil Knights has put together four TSP teams for the ever popular Shoprite Cycle for Life relay around the TT course on Sunday, 21st September. * The club is taking a large squad of 20 riders to Liverpool this Sunday (September 14th) to compete in the youth support races at the finish of the Tour of Britain stage race. The races are being held on a short but challenging circuit in the shadow of the city's world famous 'Three Graces' - The Liver Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and the Cunard Building, and will use the same finish line as the Tour of Britain. * Alicia Corlett is the club's "rider of the month" for August. This season Alicia has dominated the battle for the girls' honours in the under 16's racing bike class and, competing on equal terms with the boys, has enlivened many a race with her attacking style. She has also demonstrated her versatility with some excellent performances in the local mountain bike events and 10 mile time trial series, in which she finished 6th overall and first girl in the junior category. Off-island Alicia took the overall girls' honours in the prestigious Kerry International Youth Tour staged over three days on the south west coast of Ireland. In recognition of her achievements Alicia receives an engraved gold cup and £25 in cash. * Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson finished an impressive 4th and 5th overall in the under 16's class of the season long Cycling Development North West youth league. Lucy Johnson also did well to come 4th in the under 14 girls, with Leon Mazzone and Daniel De Weert claiming 4th and 17th positions in the very competitive under 12's. * Adam Johnson's end of season run of good form continued with excellent wins in the John Hamer B race and the final round of the Bikestyle handicap series. Meanwhile, the ever improving Jack Wolstencroft just missed out on the overall honours in the Bikestyle event, losing the title by a narrow two points * Don't forget to order your tickets for the Scottish Provident league's prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday 12th October. Judging by the number of bookings already received, the event looks like being the best yet. Don't miss it - ring Dot now on 851691. _____________________________________________ 5th September * A total of 182 competitors turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for the seventeenth and final round of the 2008 Scottish Provident children's cycling league. A short but torrential downpour just before the start had put the event in jeopardy. Fortunately, the rain cleared away in time for the racing to get underway, although the track was still a little damp from the thorough soaking it had received . Port Erin's Harry Kneen picked up his maiden in the novices class, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over runner-up Alex Butterworth, who headed third placed Ross Cameron by a similar margin. Cian Gell was a safe fourth and Jayden Stewart outsprinted Ellie Jackson and Sam Cunningham for fifth. Harry Mitchell got the verdict over Chloe Comaish, Emma Cunningham and Kyle Crellin in the dash for eighth, with Bethan Cubbon edging out Abby Jackson to complete the top twelve. In the born 2003 & later age group Matthew Black led top girl Madison Nicol home for his fourth win of the series. Jonty Bregazzi rode clear of Owen Dooley to snatch the final place on the podium and Zac Walker beat Darcy Cain to the line for fifth. Jack Christian got the better of Jake Wilson, Dillon Dowson and Matthew Cooil for seventh, while Aaron Kirk won the gallop for eleventh from Nathan Slack, Maeve Quaye and David De Weert. Twin brothers Joshua and Cameron Dudley got past Cameron Hawes in the closing stages to grab fifteenth and sixteenth places respectively. Aaron Lund got away from breakaway partners Jamie McCann and Oliver Dean to pick up maximum points in the born 2002 category for the second week running. McCann outsprinted Dean for second and Orry Quaye took fourth ahead of fellow chasers Archie Walter, Jon Bateman and Joshua Mills. The girls' honours went to Blae Cain in eighth spot. Max Walker led from start to finish in the born 2001 category. Adam Scarffe went off in pursuit but was unable to bridge the gap and had to settle for second. Cullen Gell and Juan Kneen slipped away from the chasing pack to claim third and fourth ahead of Rory Donegan, Dean Rea and Finlo Neale. The fast finishing Riane Moffitt-Khan came from behind to take eighth from Jake Vance and Amelia Sharpe, who was the best girl in tenth place. Thomas Chatel was a lonely eleventh and Reuben Harris had the upper hand over William Ashmole and George Ratcliffe in the sprint for twelfth. In the born 2000 event Thomas Bostock broke away from fellow frontrunners Joseph Corkish, Adam Kelly and Josh Smith to score a fine solo victory. Ben Christian, who spent the whole race in no-man's-land, was just behind in fifth place and Adam Long led a fragmented chasing group in to complete the top six. A well timed attack on the last lap secured first place for Conor Davies in the born 1999 class. Marcus Simpson, who is Conor's main rival for the overall honours, ousted Liam McCann and Daniel Scarffe for second, while fifth placed Kaitlin Slack outgunned Eleanor Davies for the girls award. Due to the fading light and the ever present threat of more rain, the born 1998 and born 1997-95 races were run together to save time. Overall winner Anna Christian went from the gun and never looked like being caught. Ashley Faragher pipped Matthew Draper, the top born 1998 rider, for second and Jordan Corkish put in a fast last lap to pick up fourth ahead of Rory McCann and Ben Cunningham. Matthew Bostock beat Matthew Davies in the closely fought sprint finish at the end of the under 10 / under 12 racing bikes event. Jamie Dudley pipped his brother Owen for third and Callum Donnell did well to take fourth ahead of Matthew Draper and Victoria Kinrade. In the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes relative newcomers Joe Kelly and George Doyle rode very well in the damp conditions to finish first and second respectively. Alicia Corlett was an impressive third and Jack Wolstencroft recovered from a second lap tumble to grab a well deserved fourth. Alex Haddock, Joshua Knights and Nicholas Corlett were the top three under 14's in fifth, sixth and seventh places, with second girl Alex Christian leading Lucy Johnson, Anna Christian and Maria Hull home for eighth. Don't forget that all the league's final overall positions and special award winners will be revealed at the gala prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 12th October. Reserve your tickets with Dot on 851691. Full results here _____________________________________________ 1st September * Don't forget that there will be an extra round of the Scottish Provident league this Tuesday (September 2nd), starting at the usual time of 6.45pm. Weather permitting, Greenlight Television will be coming down to the NSC to film the event. * The prize presentation for the Scottish Provident league is being held in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 12th October. Tickets can be ordered from Dot on 851691. * Jean Slack's sponsorship from the 2008 Parish Walk raised a fantastic £220 for club funds. * Phil Knights is organising the club's team entries for this year's Shoprite "Cycle for Life" TT course relay on September 21st. * The club has booked the Manchester Velodrome for two days of intensive track coaching on October 25th / 26th. * The club's popular winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall restart on Thursday, 6th November. * Matthew Davies was voted Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man's rider of the month for July. He picked up the coveted award - an engraved gold cup and £25 in cash - for his outstanding performances on and off the Island. During the month Matthew won the silver medal at the British national youth circuit race championships in Preston and claimed a brace of top three placings in the Blackpool and Hillingdon rounds of British Cycling's prestigious circuit race series. At home Matthew has been a regular winner in the Tuesday night league at the NSC. * The club has recently received a total of £4,259 from the Manx Lottery Trust towards the cost of six new loan bikes and new equipment to upgrade the PA system. _____________________________________________ 29th August * Persistent rain failed to deter the 102 hardy competitors who turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 16 of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. In the novices class Cameron Dudley left the rest of the field in his wake to score an impressive maiden victory. Harry Kneen got the better of Emily Kinley in the sprint for second, with Cian Gell holding off Chloe Comaish and Sam Cunningham for fourth. Lauren Batty edged out Emma Cunningham for seventh and Ellie Jackson was too quick for Kyle Crellin in the dash for ninth. Harry Mitchell and Harvey Cooil led in Joseph Humphrey to complete the top twelve. Callum Smith went from the gun in the born 2003 and later age group and was never caught. Leading girl Madison Nicol was a secure second and Matthew Black did well to pip Jonty Bregazzi, Zac Walker and Owen Dooley for third. Nathan Slack finished on his own for seventh and Matthew Cooil outsprinted Dillon Dowson, David De Weert and Finnian Gelder for eighth. Cameron Hawes was a good twelfth, his best result of the series by far, and Maeve Quaye overtook Darcy Cain and Seth Coole in the closing stages to grab thirteenth place. After finishing in the runners-up spot on no fewer than ten occasions, Aaron Lund finally made it to the number one slot in the born 2002 category. Robert Kissack beat Charlotte Watson in the battle for second and Jon Bateman had the edge over Orry Quaye, Erin Whaley and Matthew Humphrey in the gallop for fourth. Nathan Thorpe came out on top in a race-long tussle with Scarlett Clague for eighth. Max Walker outsprinted Adam Scarffe, Juan Kneen and Cullen Gell to take the born 2001 honours for the second week running. Jake Vance was a solitary fifth and the fast finishing Rory Donegan came through to snatch sixth from Finlo Neale, Jade Lund and Riane Moffit-Khan. Tromode's Thomas Chatel headed Reuben Harris, Cameron Skehan and Adam Lane over the line for tenth. In the highly competitive born 2000 class Sam Batey scored maximum points for the fourth time in the series, pipping arch rival Thomas Bostock in the sprint for the line. Josh Smith and Rachel Kelly were third and fourth, with Lucas Mudie overcoming Daniel Costain and Harry Cain for fifth. Jamie Comaish, Jake Flowers and Jake Lund filled the remaining three places on the top ten leader board. Marcus Simpson broke away early in the born 1999 event and time trialed to victory. Kaitlin Slack got past Eleanor Davies in the final few metres to claim second place and Daniel Scarffe, who was the only other competitor in the depleted line-up, took fourth. Scoring his second success in as many weeks, Jordan Corkish outsprinted top girl Amy Kinley to win the born 1998 class. James Costain led Ben Cunningham in for third and fifth placed Cameron Mallinson took advantage of the reduced field to improve his overall points tally. Only three riders started the shortened born 1997-95 race. Anna Christian led out the sprint and held onto her advantage all the way to the line, taking the win by a comfortable margin over Laura Kinley and Jamie Everitt. Because of the wet conditions the two racing bike events were cancelled for safety reasons. Please note that the club will be staging an extra round of the league next Tuesday (2nd September) to compensate for the rounds that were lost due to the wet weather. Full results here _____________________________________________ 25th August (Round 15 Report, Round 14 Report below.) * A total of 202 competitors made it down to the NSC last Tuesday night for the fifteenth and penultimate round of the 2008 Scottish Provident children's cycling league. In the novices class Corrin Leeming led his twin sister Shellan across the line for his fifth win of the series. Cameron Dudley was a distant third and Harry Kneen overcame Alex Butterworth to grab fourth place. Annabel Kneale edged out Emily Kinley for sixth and Ross Cameron beat Luke Walker in the battle for eighth. Cian Gell outsprinted Jack Sowerby for tenth and Kyle Crellin led the main bunch home for twelfth. Continuing his recent run of good form, Matthew Black gained maximum points for the second week running in the born 2003 and later category . Callum Smith was a close second and top girl Madison Nicol came in on her own for third. Jonty Bregazzi held off Thomas Skillicorn for fourth and Zac Walker stayed clear of the fast finishing Owen Dooley for sixth. Relative newcomer Matthew Cooil was a good eighth ahead of Darcy Cain and Nathan Slack. Foxdale's Robert Kissack ousted Charlotte Watson in the dash at the end of the born 2002 event. Blae Cain was a lonely third and Jon Bateman squeezed out Alastair Flint in the gallop for fifth. Archie Walter took sixth, while Ben Strodder and Thomas Kermode broke away from the chasing pack to claim seventh and eighth respectively. Erin Whaley and Giles Beaumont completed the top ten. Max Walker returned from a long break to score his sixth success in the born 2001 age group, crossing the line well clear of Adam Scarffe in second place. Juan Kneen was a safe third and Cullen Gell surged ahead of Jake Vance and Matthew Flint for fourth. Finlo Neale headed Rory Donegan and Dean Rea home for seventh, with leading girl Jade Lund getting the better of George Ratcliffe, Michael Bridgens, Chloe Crellin and Daniel Sowerby in the sprint for tenth place. Luke Murray attacked fellow frontrunners Sam Batey, Tom Murray and Joseph Corkish on the last lap to secure victory in the born 2000 race. Josh Smith took fifth and Lucas Mudie got the verdict over Harry Cain, Ciara Sowerby and Daniel Costain in the tussle for sixth. Reining champion Thomas Bostock salvaged eleventh after sliding off while well placed in the leading group. In the born 1999 class a delighted Joseph Glover outsprinted Eleanor Davies and Conor Davies (no relation) to record his first win of the series, Fourth placed Kaitlin Slack just failed to hang onto the three leaders and Daniel Scarffe overtook Tara Ferguson in the closing stages to take fifth. Alex Cain was seventh and Jessica Lloyd beat Alaia Nicholson, Sophie Alton-Heath and Rachael Pearson.in the all girl battle for eighth. Jordan Corkish rode clear of the field to score an impressive maiden win in the born 1998 three lapper. Amy Kinley led the chase for the runners-up spot and James Costain was too strong for Madran Hull in the sprint for third. Amy Whorrall led Megan Comaish and Adam Callow in for fifth, with newcomers George Bakourakis and Adele Harris doing well to complete the distance in eighth and ninth positions. Matthew Davies held the advantage over Ashley Faragher and Eleanor Stokoe in a very close finish to the born 1997-95 grouping. Jamie Everitt pipped Laura Kinley for fifth and Elizabeth Holden outdid Phoebe Ferguson for seventh. There was another excellent turnout for the under 10 / under 12 racing bikes. Matthew Bostock outgunned Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone in the final sprint to bring his tally of wins to six. Callum Donnell returned from holiday to grab a good fourth ahead of Jamie Dudley and Aaron Peniata, with seventh placed Owen Dudley shading Matthew Draper for the under 10's prize. Laura Kinley was the top girl in ninth spot. Thomas Mazzone won the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes from Adam Johnson and Joe Kelly. Top girl Alicia Corlett was an excellent fourth ahead of Jack Wolstencroft, Jake Kelly, who was the leading U/14. and Joshua Knights. During the race Corlett, Knights, the Kelly brothers and Wolstencroft all made spirited but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to get away. Weather permitting, the final round of the league takes place next Tuesday, 26th Aug. The prize presentation is in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 12th October. Tickets from Dot on 851691. Full results here _____________________________________________ 25th August (Round 14 Report) * Despite the heavy rain earlier in the day, conditions were reasonably good last Tuesday night for round 14 of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Luckily, the showers that were forecast for the afternoon and evening never materialised and the perimeter track at the NSC remained dry for the 226 enthusiastic competitors who participated in the ten race programme. For the second week in succession Corrin and Shellan Leeming filled the top two places in the novices class. Cameron Dudley outsprinted Harry Kneen for third and Seth Coole got past Alex Butterworth on the finishing straight to claim fifth. Emily Kinley was a lonely seventh and Molly Cromwell led the large chasing group in for eighth. Newcomer Freya Johnson did well to finish 29th on her debut. In the born 2003 & later age group Matthew Black stormed to his second win of the series, taking the chequered flag well clear of Oliver Williams, who pipped top girl Madison Nicol for the runners-up spot. Jonty Bregazzi edged out Owen Dooley for fourth and Darcy Cain got the better of Jake Wilson, Matthew Cooil and Maeve Quaye for sixth. Nathan Slack led Aaron Kirk, Jack Christian and Dillon Dowson home to complete the top ten. Attacking from the gun, Charlie Gibson scored another fine solo victory in the born 2002 category. Aaron Lund was a solid second and Robert Kissack took the sprint for third from Charlie Moss, Charlotte Watson and Elliot Lawrence. Blae Cain finished on her own for seventh and Thomas Kermode grabbed eighth from Finbar Samson, Aaron Dougherty, Tom Cain and Alastair Flint. Adam Scarffe dropped breakaway partner Juan Kneen on the final lap to complete a hat-trick of wins in the born 2001 event. Cullen Gell came from behind to take third from Matthew Flint and Rory Donegan squeezed out Michael Bridgens and Dean Rea for fifth. The fast finishing Keisha Hewison beat Ruby Turner and Jade Lund to the line to take the girls' prize in eighth place. Four riders battled it out for the honours in the born 2000 race, with Thomas Bostock eventually getting the verdict over Tom Murray, Sam Batey and Luke Murray. Port Erin's Joseph Corkish lost contact with the leading quartet on the penultimate lap, but managed to stay ahead of chasers Jed Etchells and Adam Long to claim fifth. Ben Christian won the dash for eighth from Lucas Mudie and top girl Ciara Sowerby. Conor Davies got the better of Joseph Glover to score maximum points for the seventh time in the born 1999 class. Third placed Eleanor Davies pipped Kaitlin Slack for the girls' honours, while Alex Cain and Tara Ferguson trailed in separately for fifth and sixth respectively. Amy Smith headed Jessica Lloyd and Rachael Pearson in the tussle for seventh. A last lap injection of speed gave Owen Dudley the advantage over Brody Hewison and Jordan Corkish in the born 1998 category. Amy Kinley rode clear of James Costain to claim fourth and Cameron Mallinson overtook Emma Nicholson in the closing stages to fill the final place on the top six leader board. Matthew Davies had to work hard to fend off determined challenges from Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe in the gallop at the end of the born 1997-95 three lapper. Jamie Everitt and Laura Kinley were a close fourth and fifth, with Elizabeth Holden and Phoebe Ferguson tying for sixth ahead of Matthew Naylor. In the very well supported under 10/ under 12 racing bikes Matthew Bostock had the edge over Matthew Davies in the final sprint. The hard working Leon Mazzone was third followed by Jamie Dudley and Laura Kinley, who was the best girl in fifth spot. Owen Dudley was the first of the under 10's in sixth place and the much improved Sophie Black had her best ride of the series so far to finish seventh ahead of Joseph Haddock. Thomas Mazzone had the upper hand over Adam Johnson in the finale to the under 14/ under 16's racing bikes. Joe Kelly returned from holiday to take third and Jack Wolstencroft squeezed out Alex Haddock and Jake Kelly for fourth. Haddock made a blistering attack with five laps to go and, cheered on by the crowd, stayed clear until the final corner on the final lap. Sixth placed Alicia Corlett also made a couple of valiant attempts to get away but was reeled in on each occasion. Impressive newcomer Ben Bailey-Conlon was eighth and Lucy Johnson outsprinted Alex and Anna Christian for ninth. Full results here _____________________________________________ 12th August * Wet weather forced the cancellation of the August 5th round of the Scottish Provident league. Weather permitting, the final three rounds of the series will be on August 12th, 19th and 26th. * There were some excellent performances from the twelve team members who travelled to Ireland last weekend for the Kerry International Youth Tour. In category 3 for under 12's Matthew Davies finished the three day event in a superb second place overall. He also came 2nd in the points competition and 3rd in the King of the Mountains. Kerry first timer Matthew Bostock was 6th overall (2nd under 11) followed by Lucy Johnson in 8th spot (2nd girl), Anna Christian 9th (3rd girl) and Eleanor Stokoe 21st (4th girl). Alex Haddock rode impressively in all four stages to claim an excellent 8th overall in category 2 for under 14's. Joshua Knights was a very good 21st overall (4th under 13) on his Irish debut and Alicia Corlett was the first girl in 22nd place. Nicholas Corlett ended the tour in a respectable 28th overall (9th under 13) and Alex Christian was the third girl in 36th position. In category 1 for under 16's Adam Johnson was in the thick of the action throughout and looked set for a top eight finish until a puncture on stage 2 ruined his chances, dropping him down to 29th overall. However, a very attacking final stage put Adam in 6th place in the King of the Mountains standings. Jack Wolstencroft also rode well for 35th place (14th under 15). * A new supply of club kit has arrived and is available at heavily subsidised prices. If you need anything contact Dot (tel 851691) immediately as some of the items have already sold out. * Congratulations to Thomas Mazzone on his win in the juvenile class at the recent TLI national championships in Wales. * The club has been invited to enter a team in the youth support races at the finish of the Tour of Britain in Liverpool on Sunday, 14th September. The races, which will be held on a short but challenging circuit in the city centre, will use the same finish line as the Tour. The youth races are for A, B and C category riders. Full details from Dot. _____________________________________________ 24th July * Despite the unsettled weather forecast, the NSC was bathed in sunshine last Tuesday night for round thirteen of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Before the racing got underway all 243 competitors were presented with a free Mark Cavendish / Jonny Bellis Olympic souvenir poster produced by Team Scottish Provident and Kall Kwik Printing, who also provided a large good luck card for the youngsters to sign. Twin brother and sister Corrin and Shellan Leeming were first and second respectively in the novices class. Isaac Kirk grabbed third ahead of Thomas Halliwell and Cameron Dudley, with Harry Kneen edging out Seth Coole for sixth. Annabel Kneale, Ross Cameron and Milly Duggua completed the top ten. Regular top three finisher Oliver Williams outsprinted Callum Smith for his maiden win in the born 2003 & later age group. Owen Dooley headed Jonty Bregazzi, Ben Grainger and Thomas Skillicorn over the line for third, while Hayden Waddington trailed in for seventh. Top girl Darcy Cain came from behind to snatch eighth from Jake Wilson and newcomer George Curtis did very well to post a top ten finish on his debut. Charlie Gibson led from start to finish in the born 2002 category. Aaron Lund was a distant second and Elliot Lawrence a safe third ahead of Joshua Mills, who worked his way through the field to beat leading girl Charlotte Watson in the sprint for fourth. Jamie McCann ousted Alastair Flint for sixth and Thomas Kermode clipped off the front of the main bunch to seize eighth from Tom Cain. In the born 2001 event Adam Scarffe got the better of Matthew Flint in the final dash for the line. Juan Kneen took third from Cullen Gell, Amelia Sharpe and Finlo Neale, with Dean Rea pipping Michael Bridgens for seventh. Thomas Chatel led eight chasers home for ninth. Luke Murray and Thomas Bostock broke away from a leading group of four riders to finish first and second respectively in the born 2000 class. Josh Smith won the tussle for third from Joseph Corkish, with Thomas Longden, Adam Kelly and Adam Long coming in separately for fifth, sixth and seventh. First girl Amelia Sharpe held off Ciara Sowerby in the dash for eighth. Strengthening his late challenge for the overall honours, Marcus Simpson got the better of main rival Conor Davies for his seventh success in the born 1999 race. Joseph Glover overtook Eleanor Davies on the home run to take third and Liam McCann managed to stay clear of the hard chasing Danial Scarffe and Alex Cain for fifth. The all-girl trio of Charlotte Dougherty, Sophie Alton-Heath and Alaia Nicholson filled the remaining places on the top ten leader board. Owen Dudley attacked breakaway companions Brody Hewison and Rory McCann on the last lap to secure an impressive solo victory in the born 1998 group. Amy Kinley had the edge over Ben Cunningham and Sam Mills in the battle for fourth and Madran Hull got away from Adam Callow and Megan Comaish to claim seventh. Glen Vine's Matthew Davies came out on top in the four-up sprint at the end of the born 1997-95 three lapper. Ashley Faragher, the winner of the two previous rounds, was second closely followed by Jamie Everitt and Laura Kinley, who took the girls' prize. Jamie Faragher led a chasing trio in for fifth. Davies picked up his second win of the night In the under 10 / under 12 racing bikes class, taking the chequered flag by the narrowest of margins from Matthew Bostock, Jamie Dudley and Leon Mazzone. Fifth placed Laura Kinley rode strongly to stay with the boys and earn the girls' award ahead of Victoria Kinrade, who was sixth. Aaron Peniata did well to finish seventh in front of Owen Dudley and Brody Hewison, while Mark Copparelli had his best result of the series in tenth spot. Adam Johnson outsprinted Thomas Mazzone in the very close finish to the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes. Jack Wolstencroft grabbed third ahead of John and Warwick Sanderson, with Alicia Corlett a good sixth. Alex Haddock was the best of the under 14's in seventh position. _____________________________________________ 24th July * There was another good entry of 282 competitors for round twelve of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league, staged at a windy but dry NSC last Tuesday night. Department of Tourism and Leisure's Quintin Gill MHK was on hand to flag away the first two races. In the novices class Isaac Kirk clocked his fourth success of the series, taking the chequered flag several bike lengths clear of Cameron Dudley. The ever improving Harry Kneen edged out Seth Coole for third and top girl Annabel Kneale got the verdict over Matthew O'Neill, Jack Elliott, Emily Kinley and Milly Duggua in the sprint for fifth. Ross Cameron beat Alex Butterworth to the line for tenth and Jack Sowerby led the main chasing pack home for twelfth place. Further down the field newcomer Megan Gelling did well to finish 29th on her debut. Percy Hampton took the lead at the start of the born 2003 & later event and was never headed. Matthew Black pipped Callum Smith for the runners-up spot and Oliver Williams grabbed fourth ahead of leading girl Madison Nicol. The consistent Owen Dooley snatched sixth from Jonty Bregazzi and Ben Grainger held off chasers Matthew Lane, Darcy Cain and Aaron Kirk for eighth. Charlie Gibson dropped breakaway partner Aaron Lund on the final lap to clinch his eleventh victory in the born 2002 category. Elliot Lawrence got away from Robert Kissack in the closing stages for third and Alastair Flint claimed a lonely fifth in front of Finbar Samson, who ousted Ben Haworth for sixth. Charlotte Watson was the first girl in eighth spot. In the born 2001 age group Adam Scarffe emerged from an eight strong leading group to bag maximum points for a second time. Juan Kneen came from behind to squeeze out Matthew Flint for second and relative newcomer Cullen Gell got the better of best girl Amelia Sharpe for fourth place. Dean Rea completed the top six and Rory Donegan took the sprint for seventh from Emily Coleman, Michael Bridgens and Finlo Neale. Sam Batey outsprinted Thomas Bostock and Luke Murray for the honours in the hotly contested finish to the born 2000 race. Tom Murray came through the field to grab fourth and Thomas Longden was too fast for Jed Etchells and Joseph Corkish in the dash for fifth. Adam Kelly was a lonely eighth and Josh Smith led Adam Long home for ninth. Ciara Sowerby got past Olivia Sharpe on the final run in to secure the girls' award in eleventh place. A last lap injection of speed gave Marcus Simpson the advantage over breakaway partner Conor Davies in the born 1999 three lapper. Joseph Glover won the dash for third from Eleanor Davies and Kaitlin Slack, while Daniel Scarffe came in on his own to fill the remaining slot on the top six leader board. After getting away from a leading group of five riders on the penultimate lap, Matthew Draper time trialled to victory in the born 1998 class. Owen Dudley surged ahead of fellow chasers Brody Hewison and Jordan Corkish to grab second, with first lap leader Rory McCann trailing in for fifth. Dan Watterson was too strong for Ben Cunningham and Amy Kinley in the gallop for sixth. Leading out the sprint, a committed Ashley Faragher powered his way to his second successive win in the born 1997-95 group. Jamie Everitt and Laura Kinley were unable to match Faragher's speed and had to settle for second and third places respectively. Jamie Faragher was fourth followed by Phoebe Ferguson, Oliver Chambers. Matthew Naylor and Darryl Hill. A fast pace kept the attacks to a minimum in the under 10 / under 12 racing bikes. All the usual suspects were there at the finish, with Matthew Davies just getting the verdict from Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone. The under 10's prize went to Matthew Draper in seventh spot and Victoria Kinrade was the top girl in eighth place. In the under 14 / under 16 racing bikes TLI juvenile champion Thomas Mazzone sprinted to victory ahead of Jack Wolstencroft and Alex Haddock, who was the top under 14. Alicia Corlett rode well to finish fourth ahead of George Doyle and John Sanderson, both of whom made gallant attempts to stay with the leading trio. _____________________________________________ 20th July * In last Saturday's (19th July) fifth round of Cycling Development North West's youth league at Litherland Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson were 11th and 13th respectively in the under 16's age group. Lucy Johnson was 16th overall and 4th girl in the under 14's, with Leon Mazzone 2nd and Daniel De Weert 27th in the under 12's. * The TSP team was honoured with the company of TT hero Guy Martin on the recent boat journey over to the British national youth championships in Preston. Guy, who was returning home from the Southern 100 races, kept everyone entertained with his own special brand of humour and was very interested in the downhill mountain bike scene on the Island - a sport he regularly competes in. * With five rounds completed, Jack Wolstencroft is leading the Bikestyle handicap road race series. * Following Mark Cavendish's fantastic achievements in the Tour de France, the club's Mark Cavendish T- shirts have been selling like hot cakes. There are a few left, however, and they can be purchased down at the NSC on a Tuesday night. Mark's success has also resulted in renewed interest in Bernie Quayle's excellent DVD of the Scottish Provident league. The video, entitled "Mark Cavendish Started Here", has now received over 2,300 hits on You Tube! * It's good to see top senior riders Marty Warren, Steve Williams and Laura Wasley from our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers marshalling and encouraging the youngsters in the Tuesday night league at the NSC. Laura came up through the ranks in the Scottish Provident league and was the first Manx rider to win the prestigious Manchester International Youth Tour. * Manx Sport & Recreation's popular Bikestyle Cycle day for 8-11 year olds is being staged at the NSC on September 4th. * The club is taking a team of twelve riders to this coming weekend's (26/27 July) two-day North East Youth Tour in Co. Durham. The event is the seventh round of British Cycling's national circuit race series. _____________________________________________ 19th July * Conditions were near perfect for the 306 competitors who turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round eleven of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Corrin Leeming edged out Thomas Halliwell and Isaac Kirk for his second successive victory in the novices class. Corrin's twin sister Shellan took the girls' prize in fourth slot and Cameron Dudley led Seth Coole and Harry Kneen over the line for fifth. Jack Elliott came in ahead of Emily Kinley, Matthew O'Neill and Milly Duggua for eighth, with Abby Jackson leading the main chasing group home for the remaining place on the top twelve leader board. In the born 2003 & later category Percy Hampton notched up his ninth win of the series, taking the chequered flag by a clear margin from the hard chasing Matthew Black. A delighted Owen Dooley outsprinted Zac Walker for third - his best result to date - and Madison Nicol was the top girl in a safe fifth position. Thomas Skillicorn held off pursuers Jake Wilson, Aaron Kirk and Joshua Dudley for sixth, while Joshua Glover overtook William Cawte on the home straight for tenth. Recording his first ever success in the series, Robert Kissack got the verdict over Elliot Lawrence in the dash for the honours in the born 2002 race. Tom Cain lost ground to the leaders on the final lap but was able to hang onto third place ahead of an eight-strong chasing group spearheaded by Thomas Kermode, who took fourth. Charlotte Watson was the leading girl in seventh place. Max Walker came out on top in the born 2001 event for the fifth week running. Adam Scarffe beat Cullen Gell for second, with Matthew Flint just behind in fourth place. Juan Kneen overcame a strong challenge from top girl Amelia Sharpe to secure sixth and Dean Rea had the advantage over impressive newcomer Emily Coleman for seventh. Finlo Neale and Jake Vance completed the top ten. Luke Murray got the better of Sam Batey to claim maximum points again in the born 2000 class. Third placed Thomas Bostock finished just behind the two frontrunners and Joseph Corkish held off Tom Murray for fourth. Josh Smith put in a late surge to pip Adam Kelly for sixth and Jed Etchells maintained station in eighth spot. Harry Cain squeezed out Adam Long for ninth and Olivia Sharpe pipped Ciara Sowerby for the girls' award in eleventh position. In the born 1999 age group Conor Davies broke away on the penultimate lap and time trialled to a fine solo victory. Early leader Marcus Simpson outsprinted Joseph Glover, Kaitlin Slack, Eleanor Davies and Daniel Scarffe for the runners-up spot and Alex Cain beat Matthew Wilkinson in the dash for seventh. The stylish Tara Ferguson was ninth and Sophie Alton-Heath won her private tussle with Ceri Maddox for tenth. Matthew Draper attacked on the second lap of the born 1998 race, leaving the field in his wake to fight over the minor placings. Brody Hewison got past the hard working Jordan Corkish in the closing stages to claim second, while Dan Watterson and Sam Mills finished separately for fourth and fifth respectively. Madran Hull was the first girl in a very good sixth place. Recording his maiden win of the season, Ashley Faragher led out the sprint at the end of the born 1997-95 grouping and held his advantage all the way to the line. Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe were a close second and third, with Laura Kinley ousting Jamie Everitt for fourth. First timers Toby Cross and Connor Murray did well to finish ninth and tenth on their debuts. Recently crowned British national silver medallist Matthew Davies was the winner of the very competitive under 10 / under 12's racing bikes. Matthew Bostock was second and Callum Donnell third. Owen Dudley, who made a big effort to get away on the fourth of the six laps, was the first under 10 in fourth spot and Laura Kinley the best girl in seventh place. Conor Davies was an excellent thirteenth in his first competitive outing on a "droppies" bike. Thomas Mazzone, Adam Johnson and Jack Wolstencroft filled the top three places in the sprint at the end of the under 14 / under 16's racing bikes event. Under 14's rider Alex Haddock set the race alight when he made a blistering attack with just four laps to go. A surprise victory seemed to be on the cards, but the bunch, driven along by Adam Johnson, eventually reeled him in on the last lap and his bid for glory was over. He did, however, salvage sixth place and keep his lead in the under 14's overall standings. _____________________________________________ 16th July * A superb silver medal winning performance from Matthew Davies crowned a successful weekend for the club at last Saturday's British national youth circuit race championships in Preston. Coming within a whisker of striking gold, Matthew finished a close second to Charlie Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers) in the bunch sprint that decided the outcome of the under 12's race, with Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone not far behind in fifth and seventh places respectively. Jamie Dudley was a respectable sixteenth and Callum Donnell, who unfortunately crashed when riding comfortably with the leading group, trailled in for a hard earned 21st - a good ride considering that it was his very first off-island outing.Tamara Preskey was the only Manx representative in the under 12 girls and she did well to finish with ninth. In the under 14 boys Alex Haddock rode his heart out to stay with the bunch fighting for the silver and bronze medals behind runaway winner Jonathan Dibben (I-Team CC). Alex held on to the end and his persistence was rewarded with a respectable 17th position in the same time as runner-up Harry Tanfield (Cleveland Whs). Relative newcomer George Doyle just failed to hang onto the pursuers and dropped back to the following group of six riders, crossing the line in 22nd slot. The under 16's race had a large field of over seventy riders. Lewis Balyckyi (Ribble Valley Juniors) took the three-up sprint for gold from breakaway partners Simon Yates (Sportscity Velo) and Mark Baxter (Beyond Mountain Bikes). Thomas Mazzone came home in 42nd spot after being badly baulked by a last lap crash while vying for a top position. Finally, in the supporting under 10's race, which was not a championship event, Owen Dudley was a good 5th in the bunch sprint. _____________________________________________ 12th July * The team's annual fundraising effort at Tynwald Fair made a fantastic £650 for club funds. The winner of the "guess where the bike is hidden" competition was Mrs Jauncey of Andreas. Her prize was a brand new mountain bike kindly donated by Bikestyle. The bike was "hidden" at Ballachristory in the north west of the Island. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the day such a success. * The club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome will be on 25th/26th October. More details to follow nearer the time. * Living up to its growing reputation as probably the biggest event of its kind in the world, this year's Scottish Provident youth league at the NSC has already attracted an all-time record total of 614 competitors. * Several club members travelled across to England again last weekend (5th/6th July) for round five and six of British Cycling's national youth circuit race series. On the Saturday the team was in the North West area for the Tour of Blackpool Youth GP circuit race. In the under 10's race Owen Dudley was third and Matthew Draper fifth, with Matthew Davies an excellent second and Matthew Bostock fifth in the under 12's.Thomas Bostock showed that he had recovered from his crash in the previous round by finishing fifth in the under 8's class. In the older age groups Alex Haddock was 11th and Joshua Knights 16th in the under 14's. On Sunday five of the riders made the long journey down to London for the Hillingdon Slipstreamers circuit races. Owen Dudley and Matthew Draper were fourth and fifth respectively in the under 10's and Matthew Davies and Matthew Bostock a close third and fourth in the under 12's, with Thomas Bostock grabbing eighth in the under 8's. In the overall standings Matthew Draper and Owen Dudley are third and fifth in the under 10's and Matthew Davies and Matthew Bostock third and fourth in the under 12's. _____________________________________________ 10th July Following an enforced two week delay due to wet weather, round ten of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league finally got underway at the NSC last Tuesday night. A total of 302 competitors took part in the twelve race programme, which was run in unexpectedly good conditions. Greeba's Corrin Leeming held off six times winner Thomas Halliwell to record his maiden victory in the novices class. Issac Kirk, who won the first three rounds of the series, took third place ahead of leading girl Shellan Leeming and Cameron Dudley, with the ever improving Seth Coole a good sixth. In the born 2003 & later class Percy Hampton beat Callum Smith and Matthew Black to the line for his seventh success in a row. Zac Walker pipped impressive newcomer Thomas Skillicorn for fourth and top girl Madison Nicol edged out Hayden Waddington and Nathan Slack for sixth. Jake Wilson and Aaron Kirk completed the top ten. Charlie Gibson went from the gun in the born 2002 event and maintained his advantage all the way to the chequered flag. Aaron Lund was a solid second and Joshua Mills put in a fast last lap to snatch third from Elliot Lawrence, Tom Cain, Alastair Flint and Charlotte Watson, who was the best girl in seventh place. Thomas Kermode and Finbar Samson made good progress in the closing stages to grab eighth and ninth. Increasing his tally of wins to four, Max Walker scored a fine solo victory in the born 2001 category. Adam Scarffe got away from fellow chasers Matthew Flint and Juan Kneen to claim the runners-up spot, with Dean Rea coming in on his own for fifth. Thomas Chatel outsprinted Rory Donegan, Finlo Neale, Amelia Sharpe and Daniel Sowerby for the final place on the top six leader board. Luke Murray controlled the born 2000 race from the front, crossing the line with a healthy lead over Sam Batey who ousted Thomas Bostock for second place. Adam Kelly gained the upper hand over Josh Smith and Joseph Corkish for fourth and Olivia Sharpe kept Harry Cain, Adam Long and Ciara Sowerby at bay for seventh place. In the born 1999 age group Marcus Simpson outsprinted arch rival Conor Davies to bag maximum points for a fifth time. Joseph Glover took the gallop for third from Daniel Scarffe, with Kaitlin Slack pipping Eleanor Davies for the girls' honours in fifth position. Tara Ferguson was a lonely seventh and Charlotte Dougherty won her battle with Matthew Wilkinson for eighth. Matthew Draper led from start to finish in the born 1998 class, notching up his eighth win and further strengthening his bid for the overall honours. Brody Hewison tried hard to chase the leader down but was unable to close the gap and had to be content with second place. Dan Watterson took third and Ben Cunningham led first girl Amy Kinley home for fourth. In two close finishes Sam Mills squeezed out James Costain for sixth and Emma Nicholson got the verdict over Cameron Mallinson in the dash for eighth. A group of six riders were in contention at the end of the born 1997-95 event, with Eleanor Stokoe coming through to grab her first win of the season. Ashley Faragher seized second ahead of Anna Christian, Jamie Everitt, Laura Kinley and Juan Hunter, while Elizabeth Holden led the chasers in for seventh spot. The under 12's racing bike class was run at a fast pace with plenty of attacks from the leaders. At the finish it was Matthew Davies who picked up the win from fellow Glen Vine resident Matthew Bostock. Relative newcomer Callum Donnell was a very good third ahead of the more experienced Leon Mazzone and Victoria Kinrade picked up the girls' prize in ninth slot. In the under 16 racing bike twenty five lapper Thomas Mazzone won the final sprint from Adam Johnson, who was having his first competitive outing since injuring his calf muscle. Joe Kelly was a very good third in front of Jack Wolstencroft, Alex Haddock and George Doyle. First timer Ben Bailey-Condon did well to complete the distance in a very respectable eleventh place. _____________________________________________ 4th July * Nine year old Owen Dudley is the club's rider of the month for June. Owen picks up the award for his superb overall win in the under 10's class at the inaugural North West Youth Tour on 13th-15th June. The Manx youngster dominated the event, sealing the overall victory with two stage wins and a third place. At home Owen is also performing well in the Tuesday night Scottish Provident league at the NSC. He currently tops the overall standings in the under 10's racing bike class and is holding onto second place in the born 1998 mountain bike category. To commemorate his achievements Owen receives an engraved gold cup and £25 in cash. * There was more off-island success for the team at the CC Giro youth circuit races at Curborough in Staffordshire last weekend. The event was the fourth round of British Cycling's prestigious national circuit race series. Matthew Bostock outsprinted overall leader Charlie Tanfield (Cleveland Wheelers) and TSP team mate Matthew Davies for a very impressive victory in the under 12's class, while Matthew Draper and Owen Dudley recovered from a crash and recurring mechanical problems to grab fourth and fifth places respectively in the under 10's. Jake Kelly also rode well to finish with the main bunch in the under 14's (official placing still to be confirmed). Unfortunately, Thomas (Jimmy) Bostock slid off in the under 8's race and needed first aid treatment for some nasty looking abrasions to his face. * Team members Jack Wolstencroft, Warwick Sanderson and Alex Haddock finished a brilliant second, third and fourth in round 3 of the Bikestyle handicap road race series. _____________________________________________ 29th June * Unfortunately, last Tuesday night's (June 24th) round of the Scottish Provident league had to be cancelled due to the wet weather conditions. * Congratulations to Jack Wolstencroft and Warwick Sanderson on their excellent first and second places in the recent handicap road race staged by the Manx Viking Wheelers in the north of the island. Alicia Corlett also continues to perform well in the Manx Mountain Bike Club's events, finishing second in round three of the summer handicap competition and second female (19th overall) in round one of the arduous 3-2-1 enduro series. * The team's busy off-island racing programme continues this weekend with the CC Giro circuit races in Curborough. On July 5th and 6th club members will be competing in the Tour of Blackpool Youth Grand Prix and the Hillingdon Slipstreamers youth races, followed by the British national championships on July 12th and the inaugural North East Youth Tour on July 26th - 27th. * On senior TT race day John McGuinness, the fastest ever rider around the TT course, presented Mark Cavendish, the fastest sprinter in the world, with a framed set of the IOM Post Office's Beijing Olympic stamps. One of the stamps features Mark, who will be representing Great Britain at the Games. Marie Noon (formerly Purvis) of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers was a member of the GB Olympic team at the Barcelona Games in 1992 and the Atlanta Games in 1996. Marie was also depicted on the stamps the IOM Post Office issued in 1994 to commemorate the centenary of the International Olympic Committee. _____________________________________________ 24th June * A total of twelve Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man riders competed in three separate off-island events last weekend On Saturday six of the riders travelled to Bickerstaffe near Skelmersdale for the Liverpool District heat of the GHS British juvenile time trial championship, with five of them qualifying for the national final in September. The event was staged by the Prescot-Eagle Road Club over 2.5 laps of a 3.27 circuit, a total of eight miles. Alicia Corlett produced the second best time of the day, clocking a speedy 22 minutes 33 seconds, which was 38 secs down on the winner and pre-race favourite Laura Allen (New Brighton CC). Joshua Kinghts and Nicholas Corlett were 3rd and 4th quickest in 22,53 and 23.25 respectively, with Lucy Johnson a good 5th just eight seconds further back. Matthew Davies got round in 24.12 for 7th and Maria Hull was 8th in 25.50. Alicia automatically goes through to the national final as the first girl in her age category and as a member of the winning team with Joshua and Nicholas, who were the best 15 and 12 year olds. Lucy booked her place in the final as the third fastest girl overall and Maria qualifies as the top 13 year old. Earlier in the day the rest of the TSP squad were at a very wet Preston Arena for round four of Cycling Development North West's youth series. In the under 8's Thomas Bostock was 3rd in race one and 4th in race two to put him in an excellent 3rd place overall on his off-island racing debut. In the under 12's Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone were 3rd and 4th overall and Daniel De Weert 21st, while Thomas Mazzone scored an 8th and a 6th for 5th overall in the under 16's. Unluckiest rider of the day was Adam Johnson who crashed heavily in the sprint finish at the end of the first of the under 16's races, tearing a calf muscle. Fortunately, his helmet, which split in two on impact, saved him from a more serious injury. With four of the seven rounds completed, Thomas Mazzone is leading the under 16's by two points. with Adam Johnson still in touch in 5th position. Lucy Johnson and Leon Mazzone are both holding onto 4th places in their respective classes and Thomas Bostock is lying 6th in the under 8's. On Sunday the team was scheduled to take part in the Horwich Carnival town centre races, but decided to come home early to avoid the extreme weather conditions forecast for the Irish Sea and predicted fast ferry cancellations. The Bostocks, however, stayed over for the event, with Thomas winning the under 8's and Matthew picking up a 3rd in the under 12's. _____________________________________________ 21st June Eighteen team members competed with great success in last weekend's inaugural North West Youth Tour. Over 200 competitors, including a large contingent from Ireland, took part in the event, which was the fourth round of British Cycling's prestigious national circuit race series. The tour consisted of a prologue time trial at Southport and two closed circuit races at the Preston Arena and the recently completed Litherland Sports Park. The star performance came from nine year old Owen Dudley who won the under 10's age group overall. There were also top ten finishes in the same category for Matthew Draper and Brody Hewison, who were 4th and 8th respectively. The Manx riders dominated the class, with Owen winning the first two stages and Matthew taking the third. TSP members were also well to the fore in the under 12's. Matthew Davies was an excellent 3rd, Matthew Bostock 4th and Leon Mazzone 5th overall . A little further down the field Jamie Dudley was 14th, Joseph Haddock,17th and Nathan Knights 18th. In the under 14's, which boasted a large field of over 40 riders, Alex Haddock ended the three-day event in a respectable 14th place. George Doyle, who was making his off-island debut with the team, was a good 15th, Joshua Knights 20th, Jake Kelly 26th and Nicholas Corlett 37th. Jake would have finished higher up the order if he hadn't been taken out by another rider during the last stage. In the very competitive under 16's Thomas Mazzone was 19th, while in the girls' categories Alicia Corlett was 7th in the under 16's and Eleanor Davies 9th in the under 10's. Unfortunately, Joe Kelly was forced to pull out of the under 16's event on the final day due to a painful knee problem. _____________________________________________ 19th June * Despite the overcast conditions and occasional light shower of rain, there was another good turnout of 302 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round nine of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. Thomas Halliwell won the novices class by a clear margin from Corrin Leeming, who in turn finished some distance ahead of his sister and first girl Shellan. Tromode's Emily Kinley held off the fast finishing Rebecca Hull for fourth and Jack Elliott managed to keep Seth Coole and Alex Butterworth at bay for sixth. Joshua Dudley and Harry Kneen were ninth and tenth respectively and Milly Duggua led the main chasing bunch across the line for eleventh. In the born 2003 & later age group Percy Hampton strengthened his challenge for the overall honours with his seventh success of the series. Callum Smith was a close second and Oliver Williams pipped Matthew Black for third. Madison Nicol took the girls' prize in fifth place and Owen Dooley edged out five other riders in the sprint for sixth. Charlie Gibson went from the gun in the born 2002 category and was never caught. Aaron Lund chased hard but in the end had to settle for second place, with Robert Kissack edging out Thomas Kermode, Joshua Mills, Tom Cain and Jamie McCann for third. Leading girl Charlie Moss overtook Alastair Flint in the closing stages to grab eighth. Scoring his third win in as many weeks, Max Walker made an early bid for glory in the born 2001 event and stayed clear to the finish. Adam Scarffe outsprinted top girl Amelia Sharpe for second and Juan Kneen got the better of Matthew Flint for fourth. Cullen Gell took sixth ahead of Jake Vance and Rory Donegan made good progress on the final lap to grab eighth from Riane Moffitt-Khan and Thomas Chatel. Thomas Bostock led breakaway partners Luke Murray and Sam Batey home for his second victory in the born 2000 race. Josh Smith beat Joseph Corkish to the line for fourth and Adam Kelly ousted Thomas Longden to secure sixth. Tom Murray was eighth and Olivia Sharpe the best girl in ninth spot. In the born 1999 class Marcus Simpson powered ahead of a leading group of five riders to claim his fourth win. Conor Davies took second ahead of Joseph Glover, Eleanor Davies and Kaitlin Slack, with Liam McCann just off the back in sixth place. Matthew Draper left nothing to chance in the born 1998 race, attacking from the gun and increasing his lead all the way to the finish. Owen Dudley dropped Rory McCann on the final lap to grab second and Dan Watterson trailed in for a lonely fourth. James Costain won the dash for fifth from Amy Kinley, who got the verdict over French exchange students Juliette Genoulaz and Victoire Blein for the girls' prize. Sam Mills outgunned Rory Neale and Ben Cunningham for ninth, while Emma Nicholson held off Madran Hull and Cameron Mallinson for the final place on the top twelve leader board. Anna Christian outsprinted Ashley Faragher and Eleanor Stokoe for victory in the born 1997-95 group. Jamie Everitt edged out Laura Kinley in the battle for fourth and Jamie Faragher forged ahead of Phoebe Ferguson and Harvey Neale to grab sixth. The well supported U10 / U12 racing bikes event was run at a fast pace. At the finish it was Matthew Davies who took the chequered flag from fellow frontrunners Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone. Relative newcomer Callum Donnell had another good ride to take fourth ahead of brothers Jamie and Owen Dudley, with Laxey's Joseph Haddock doing well to pip Matthew Draper for seventh. Victoria Kinrade was the first girl in ninth position. In the U14 / U16 racing bikes Thomas Mazzone headed Adam Johnson over the line to increase his tally of wins to four. The hard working Jack Wolstencroft was third followed by fellow chasing group members Warwick & John Sanderson, George Doyle, who was the first U14, and Alex Haddock. The race was enlivened by an impressive solo bid for glory from Joe Kelly, who attacked at mid distance and was building up a healthy lead when he was forced to pull out with a sore knee. Jamie McCanney was also looking good for a top six placing until a puncture scuppered his chances. _____________________________________________ 13th June Despite the continual threat of rain, which fortunately never materialised, there was another good turnout of 306 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round eight of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league. In the novices class series leader Thomas Halliwell took the honours for a fifth time. Leading girl Shellan Leeming was an excellent second and three times winner Isaac Kirk third. Corrin Leeming was fourth and Joshua Dudley a safe fifth, with Jack Elliot holding off Lauren Doyle and Jonathan Corlett for sixth. Harry Kneen came home alone for ninth place and Rebecca Hull edged out Milly Duggua for tenth. Seth Coole completed the top twelve leader board ahead of Matthew O'Neill, who clipped off the front of the main bunch to grab thirteenth place. Percy Hampton continued his recent run of good form in the born 2003& later age group, notching up his sixth victory of the series. Oliver Williams was a very good second, his best result to date, and Matthew Black beat top girl Madison Nicol for the final place on the rostrum. Zac Walker was a fine fifth ahead of Hayden Waddington, Nathan Slack, Jake Wilson, Ben Grainger, Ryan Quirk and Owen Dooley. Leading from start to finish, the impressive Charlie Gibson was the clear winner of the born 2002 category. Aaron Lund was the runner-up for the fifth week running and Robert Kissack got the better of Thomas Kermode, Tom Cain and Joshua Mills for third. Charlotte Watson took the girls' prize in seventh position. Proving that his maiden win in the previous round was no fluke, Max Walker scored his second successive victory in the born 2001 event. Adam Scarffe got away from Matthew Flint to claim second and Jake Vance put in a fast last lap to grab fourth from Juan Kneen and best girl Amelia Sharpe. Ramsey's Cullen Gell outsprinted Rory Donegan and Finlo Neale for seventh, with Thomas Chatel getting the verdict over Morgan Harrison for tenth. Luke Murray came out on top in a three-way battle for the number one slot in the born 2000 race. Thomas Bostock pipped Sam Batey for second, while Tom Murray, Thomas Longden, Josh Smith and Jed Etchells trailed in separately for fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Joseph Corkish ousted Adam Kelly for eighth and Olivia Sharpe was the first girl in tenth spot. Conor Davies triumphed over Marcus Simpson in a close finish to the born 1999 class. The fast finishing Daniel Scarffe made up four places in the closing stages to secure a well earned third and a rejuvenated Eleanor Davies took the girls' prize in fourth place. Joseph Glover beat Kaitlin Slack, Tara Ferguson and Liam McCann to the line for fifth, while a little further down the field Alaia Nicholson did well to hold off four other riders in the sprint for twelfth position. In the born 1998 a determined Owen Dudley squeezed ahead of Matthew Draper in the final dash for the line to record his second success in as many weeks. Brody Hewison took third from Rory McCann and Jordan Corkish led a group of four home for fifth. French visitor Victoire Blein was the first girl in ninth place. Matthew Davies came out on top in a four-way battle for the born 1997-95 honours. Ashley Faragher was second followed by Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe, with Juan Hunter and Jamie Everitt just off the back in fifth and sixth places. There was some fast and furious action in the two racing bike classes. In the U10 & U12's Matthew Bostock, who instigated the winning move, outsprinted breakaway companions Jamie Dudley and Leon Mazzone to bag maximum points. Matthew Davies managed to get across to the three frontrunners on the last lap, but was just too late to mount a serious challenge and had to settle for fourth. Callum Donnell was very active in the chase with Davies and only just failed to bridge the gap, finishing a good fifth. Owen Dudley was the first U10 in sixth spot and Victoria Kinrade the top girl in tenth place. In the U14 / U16's twenty five lapper Jack Wolstencroft took the gallop from Alex Haddock - the leading U14 - and George Doyle to score a well deserved win. Relative newcomer Joe Kelly was a very good fourth and Alicia Corlett, who is never afraid to mix it with the boys, was fifth. Warwick Sanderson completed the top six ahead of Thomas Mazzone and Adam Johnson, both of whom started a lap down on the rest of the field. _____________________________________________ 7th June * Thanks to more generous support from the Public Lottery Trust, the club has been able to order six more Terry Dolan racing bikes for members to use. * Callum Donnell is the latest member to complete the club's questionnaire. Go to the "team members" page to find out more about him and while you're there why not complete the form yourself. * Once again the club has been allocated a limited number of free British Cycling silver membership and racing licence forms. Anyone interested in taking up this offer should contact Dot. * Subject to the availability of the track, the club's next coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome will be next October / November time. * Next weekend's inaugural North West 3-day Youth Tour looks like being a great success. The event has attracted a large entry of over 200 riders, with over 50 coming over from Ireland. * Five club members competed in round three of Cycling Development North West's youth series, staged recently at Clayton Vale in Manchester. The two-stage event consisted of a mountain bike time trial and scratch race. In the under 16's category Thomas Mazzone scored a 4th in the time trial and a 3rd in the scratch race for an excellent 3rd place overall, with Adam Johnson picking up a 2nd and a 6th for 4th overall. In the U14's Lucy Johnson finished 12th and 13th for 13th overall (3rd girl), while in the U12's Leon Mazzone grabbed two 5ths for 5th overall and Daniel De Weert posted a 22nd and 23rd for 23rd overall. With three of the seven rounds completed, Adam and Thomas are lying 3rd and 4th respectively in the U16 overall standings, Lucy is 3rd in the U14 girls and Leon & Daniel 4th and 14th in the U12's. _____________________________________________ 5th June * Round seven of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league was held at a sun-kissed NSC last Tuesday night. Due to the annual TT exodus, there was a comparatively low turnout of 155 competitors. Thomas Halliwell continued his winning ways in the novices class, notching up his fourth straight win. Joshua Dudley pipped Finian Gelder for the runners-up spot, with Cameron Dudley not far behind in fourth place. Top girl Rebecca Hull held off Joshua Haswell for fifth and Ross Cameron broke away from Laura Nicholson and Alex Butterworth to grab seventh. Jack Sowerby filled the final place on the top ten leader board, crossing the line just ahead of the main chasing bunch led by Abby Jackson. In the born 2003 & later category Percy Hampton had to fight off a strong challenge from Callum Smith before claiming his fifth win of the series. Oliver Williams finished a very good third, his best result to date, ahead of previous winner Matthew Black and Madison Nicol, who was the leading girl. Owen Dooley outgunned Jonty Bregazzi for sixth and Braydon Roche got the better of Zac Walker for eighth. Jake Wilson completed the top ten. Maintaining his unbeaten record, Charlie Gibson scored another fine solo victory in the born 2002 age group. Early leader Aaron Lund was a safe second and Joshua Mills beat Tom Cain to the line for third. Birthday girl Blae Cain was fifth and Will Corkill sixth. In only his second race at the NSC Max Walker outsprinted reining champion Adam Scarffe for an impressive maiden victory in the born 2001 event. Amelia Sharpe got the verdict over Jake Vance in the dash for third and Riane Moffit-Khan led Thomas Chatel, George Ratcliffe, Finlo Neale and Morgan Harrison over the line for fifth place. Sam Batey scored his second win in succession in the born 2000 race, taking the chequered flag narrowly ahead of Luke Murray and the much improved Thomas Longden. Thomas Bostock was a close fourth in front of fellow first lap frontrunners Josh Smith and Tom Murray, who were fifth and sixth respectively. Ciara Sowerby did well to grab the girls' award in ninth position. Just five riders lined up for the start of the born 1999 class. All five stayed together until the final lap when Marcus Simpson attacked, leaving his companions in his wake to fight over the minor placings. Tara Ferguson bravely led out the sprint for second but was overtaken by Alex Cain and Joseph Glover in the final few metres. Owen Dudley dropped breakaway partner Brody Hewison on the last lap to pick up maximum points in the born 1998 class. Ben Cunningham came from behind to snatch a very good third from Sam Mills, with Dan Watterson working his way through the field for a well earned fifth. Madran Hull was the best girl in sixth position. An aggressive Anna Christian went from the gun in the born 1997-95 grouping and was never challenged, eventually taking the chequered flag with nearly half a lap advantage over her nearest rival Ashley Faragher. Jamie Faragher edged out Phoebe Ferguson and Matthew Naylor for third. In the U10 / U12 racing bikes Matthew Bostock came out on top in a close battle with Leon Mazzone and Jamie Dudley. Fourth placed Owen Dudley also had to work hard to fend off a determined Callum Donnell, while Victoria Kinrade took the girls' honours in sixth place. Adam Johnson won the U14 / U16 racing bikes in a sprint finish with Thomas Mazzone. Port Erin's Jack Wolstencroft was third and Alicia Corlett an excellent fourth, with Alex Haddock, Joe Kelly and Joshua Knights the first three U14's in fifth, sixth and seventh places. During the race Wolstencroft, Haddock, Joe Kelly and Alicia Corlett all enlivened the proceedings with some blistering attacks, several of which very nearly paid off. _____________________________________________ 3rd June * Congratulations to Laxey's Sam Barks on her fantastic achievement of reaching last Saturday's final of BBC 1's "I'll do anything" competition. Sam generously gave her time to perform in the club's 2007 fundraising concert in Marown school and knocked the audience dead with her version of Alicia Key's classic track Fallin'. * A large squad of eighteen riders will be representing the club at the inaugural North West youth 3-day on June 13th - 15th. * Congratulations to Conor Davies on winning the junior event in the recent Ramsey park run. On the bike, Conor is currently the overall leader of the born 1999 class in the Scottish Provident league. * Following a one week break for the TT practices, the Scottish Provident league resumes at the NSC next Tuesday (3rd June). An amazing total of 570 competitors have already taken part in the first six rounds of the series, with an average of over 350 turning out each week. * Regular Tuesday night helper Jean Slack has entered the Parish Walk to raise money for the club. Sponsorship forms will be available at the NSC in the weeks building up to the event. * Twelve year old Laura Kinley has been voted Team Scottish Provident Isle of Man's rider of the month for May. Laura receives the coveted award, an engraved gold cup and £25 in cash, for her excellent performances in the IOM Youth Tour and the Tuesday night league at the NSC. In the youth tour Laura rode very well to finish third girl and 15th overall in category C, while in the Tuesday night league she is well in contention for the overall girl's honours in the very competitive under 12 racing bikes. She is also dicing with the older girls for a podium place in the born 1997-95 mountain bike class. _____________________________________________ 22nd May * Round six of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night, attracted another large entry of 373 competitors. Thomas Halliwell took the honours in the novices class for the third week in a row. Isaac Kirk, who won the first three rounds, was a close second and Shellan Leeming escaped from the chasing bunch to claim third. Shellan's brother Corrin won the sprint for fourth, with Emily Kinley in eighth position. Ballabeg's Percy Hampton pipped main rival Callum Smith to increase his tally of wins in the born 2003 & later age group to four. Matthew Black crossed the line on his own for a safe third and Ben Grainger got the better of Owen Dooley and top girl Madison Nicol for fourth. Oliver Williams was seventh and Nathan Slack led a group of seven riders home for eighth. In the born 2002 category Charlie Gibson edged out a determined Aaron Lund by the narrowest of margins to preserve his 100% record for another week. Robert Kissack took third ahead of Curtis Grose and Tom Cain, with Oliver Dean getting the verdict in the bunch gallop for sixth. Blae Cain was the best girl in tenth spot. Adam Scarffe rode clear of a breakaway group of eight riders to secure his first win of the season in the born 2001 event. Juan Kneen beat overall leader Matthew Flint and round four winner Amelia Sharpe to the line for the runners-up spot, with newcomer Max Walker producing a great ride to finish fifth on his debut. Riane Moffitt-Khan completed the top six. Regular top three finisher Sam Batey finally made it to the top spot in the born 2000 race, taking the chequered flag in front of Luke Murray and Thomas Longden, whose third place was his best result to date. Tom Murray squeezed out Josh Smith for fourth and Jed Etchells was a lonely sixth ahead of Joseph Corkish, Matthew Thomas, Olivia Sharpe and Sean Maxwell. Continuing his recent run of good form, Marcus Simpson outsprinted reigning champion Conor Davies to bag maximum points for a second time in the born 1999 class. Joseph Glover came through the field to take third and Kaitlin Slack, who had been with the leaders for most of the race, kept Alex Cain at bay for a very good fourth. Daniel Scarffe led in Tara Ferguson for the final place on the top six leader board. Matthew Draper scored another impressive solo victory in the born 1998 group. Brody Hewison won a hard fought battle with Rory McCann for second, with early leader Jordan Corkish trailing in for fourth. Ben Cunningham got away from Nathan Hinks on the final circuit for fifth and the fast finishing Amy Kinley passed James Costain and Madran Hull on the finishing straight to secure seventh spot. In an exact repeat of the previous week's race, Matthew Davies outsprinted top girls Anna Christian and Eleanor Stokoe for his sixth success in the born 1997-95 class. Fellow breakaway members Ashley Faragher, Jamie Everitt, Laura Kinley and Juan Hunter filled the next four places, while Oliver Chambers the best of the rest in a creditable eighth position. Following a quick change of bikes, Davies scored his second win of the night in the U10 / U12 racing bikes six lapper. The Glen Vine youngster and Jamie Dudley escaped early on in the race and were never caught, although Callum Donnell did make a spirited attempt to get across to them in the closing stages. Owen Dudley ousted Donnell in the tussle for third and fifth placed Laura Kinley narrowly beat Victoria Kinrade for the girls' prize. Thomas Mazzone triumphed in the U14 / U16 racing bikes, taking the bunch sprint from Adam Johnson and Jack Wolstencroft. Brothers John and Warwick Sanderson were fourth and fifth, with Alex Haddock the first U14 across the line in sixth place. John Sanderson and tenth placed Matthew Jones both made impressive attacks during the race and, with the main protagonists too busy shadowing each other, were allowed to build up sizable gaps before being reeled back in. * Don't forget that the league is having a one week break while the TT practices are on. The next round is being held on the Tuesday of TT week (June 3rd). _____________________________________________ 20th May * There have been some outstanding performances from club members in recent road races and time trials. Thomas Mazzone won the B event in the Roy Killey road race, with Jack Wolstencroft and Alicia Corlett an excellent 8th and 9th respectively in the sprint for fourth place. Meanwhile, Adam Johnson outsprinted Thomas for an impressive victory in the opening round of the Bikestyle handicap road race series and the ever improving Alicia Corlett posted a rapid 42 mins 56 secs for 28th position and third female in last Sunday's Ramsey Bakery 15 mile time trial. Joshua Knights also had a good ride in that event, clocking a very respectable 43.44 in his first attempt at the distance. * Mark Cavendish's fantastic stage win in the Giro d'Italia occurred on a Tuesday, the same day that only a few years ago he was perfecting his sprinting skills in the Scottish Provident league at the NSC. * British Cycling and IOM Newspapers are posting the Tuesday night league results and reports on their respective websites. * The Blackpool round of British Cycling's national circuit race series has been moved to Saturday July 5th, with the CDNW youth series event originally scheduled for that date switching to July 19th. * The three stage North West Youth Tour on June 13th - !5th will consist of a time trial at Victoria Park in Southport and circuit races in Preston and Litherland. A large entry, including 30 riders from Ireland, is expected. _____________________________________________ 15th May A total of 357 youngsters competed in round five of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league, staged in tropical like conditions at the NSC last Tuesday night In the novices class Thomas Halliwell outsprinted Shellan Leeming to pick up maximum points for the second week in succession. Joshua Dudley was a solid third and Finian Gelder led in Corrin Leeming, Emily Kinley, Jack Elliott, Milly Duggua and Ross Cameron for fourth. Annabel Kneale beat Jonathan Corlett and Rebecca Hull to the line for the final place on the top ten leader board. Percy Hampton had to fight off a strong challenge from Callum Smith before securing his third victory in the born 2003 & later age group. Matthew Black grabbed third ahead of top girl Madison Nicol and Ben Grainger got the better of Owen Dooley for fifth. Pre-race favourite Charlie Gibson held onto his unbeaten record in the born 2002 category. Aaron Lund made a bold attempt to stay with the leader but eventually had to give way and settle for second place. Robert Kissack held off Tom Cain for third and Joshua Mills overtook Thomas Kermode in the final few metres to snatch fifth. Leading girl Charlotte Watson pipped Lucas Parker and Ben Haworth for seventh spot. Surby's Juan Kneen did well to edge out Adam Scarffe and Jake Vance for his maiden win in the born 2001 event. Round four winner Amelia Sharpe took fourth ahead of Matthew Flint, Cullen Gell, Rory Donegan and Daniel Lane. Relative newcomer Dean Rea was a good ninth and Connor Cooke tenth. Taking the honours in a four-up sprint finish, Luke Murray ended twin brother Tom's three week winning run in the born 2000 class. Sam Batey was third and Thomas Bostock fourth, with Thomas Longden and Josh Smith just off the back in fifth and sixth places respectively. Joseph Corkish headed the main chasing group home for seventh. In the born 1999 race Marcus Simpson made an early solo bid for glory. He opened a small gap but was eventually reeled in by Conor Davies, who went on to win by a clear margin. Eleanor Davies, Joseph Glover and Kaitlin Slack contested the sprint for third, with the judges unable to separate Davies and Glover as they crossed the line. Liam McCann was a lonely sixth and Tara Ferguson ousted Charlotte Dougherty for seventh. Matthew Draper rode clear of breakaway companions Owen Dudley, Brody Hewison and Rory McCann on the last lap to notch up his fifth straight success in the born 1998 class. Jordan Corkish was fifth and Ben Cunningham won the battle for sixth from Joshua Sharpe, Dan Watterson and Nathan Hinks. The girls' prize went to Amy Kinley in tenth position. A leading group of seven riders fought it out at the end of the born 1997-95 three lapper, with Matthew Davies just having the edge over Anna Christian. Eleanor Stokoe was third followed by Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley, Jamie Everitt and Juan Hunter. The ever improving Oliver Chambers was a very creditable eighth. After instigating the race winning move on the third lap of the U10 / U12 racing bikes, Matthew Bostock was too fast for breakaway partners Matthew Davies, Leon Mazzone and Jamie Dudley in the final gallop for the line. Owen Dudley was the first of the under 10's in an excellent fifth place and Laura Kinley the best girl in eighth spot. The U14 / U16 racing bikes event was run at a fast and furious pace with plenty of attacks. Jack Wolstencroft, Alex Haddock, Adam Johnson, Thomas Mazzone and Joshua Knights were particularly active during the race, but ultimately unable to get that all-important break. The outcome was eventually decided in a sprint finish which Johnson won from Mazzone and Wolstencroft. Top Manx motocrosser Jamie McCanney was a very impressive fourth on his comeback to cycle racing at the NSC and newcomer Joe Kelly rode well to finish eighth in his first outing. Lucy Johnson was the first girl home in fourteenth place. _____________________________________________ 10th May * This year's Manx Mountain Bike Club's End to End race incorporates a junior event to St Johns (half distance). The event is open to riders aged 14 and over. You can enter by going on the MMBC's website and clicking on to E2E. * The club paid a very successful visit to the recent North West Region Youth Championships at Victoria Park in Southport. Matthew Draper won the gold medal in under-10 boys age group, with Emma Nicholson beating team mate Eleanor Davies for the yellow jersey in the under-10 girls. Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone picked up silver and bronze in the under-12 boys, while Alicia Corlett and Blae Cain finished in the bronze medal positions in the U/16 and U/8 girls. Owen Dudley and Alex Cain were 4th and 11th in the U/10's boys; Breeshey Cain was 5th in the U/12 girls and Matthew Bostock, Jamie Dudley and Joseph Haddock 4th, 10th and 13th in the U/12 boys. Lucy Johnson, Anna Christian and Maria Hull were 6th, 8th and 9th in the U/14 girls and Alex Haddock, Joshua Knights, Nicholas Corlett and Ryan Dean 7th, 10th, 13th and 15th respectively in the U/14 boys. Alex Christian was 5th in the U/16 girls and Adam Johnson, Thomas Mazzone, Jack Wolstencroft and Warwick Sanderson 12th, 14th, 16th and 17th in the U/16 boys. * While they were away at the North West champs, nearly 30 club members spent a total of seven hours training at the Manchester velodrome. Top British Cycling coach Paul Evans gave the riders a good grounding in all the skills required for racing "on the boards", with 17 of the older riders reaching a high enough standard to be issued with the official accreditation needed to race in the weekly youth league at the velodrome. * The club's next off-island trip will be to the North West youth tour on June 13/15. The event is the fourth round of British Cycling's national youth circuit race series. * Matthew Draper has been voted the club's "rider of the month" for April. During the month Matthew won the Terry Dolan series, the North West youth championship and the second round of British Cycling's national youth series. He also remains unbeaten in the born 1998 class of the Scottish Provident league. Matthew receives a gold cup and £25 in cash. * Congratulations to Thomas Mazzone, Nicholas Corlett, and Owen Dudley on their overall class victories in the Manx Mountain Bike Club's 2008 junior series. * Also well done to Matthew Davies, Matthew Bostock and Jamie Dudley who won the under-12's team prize for TSPIOM in the Isle of Man Youth Tour. Individually, Davies was an excellent 6th overall, Bostock 7th and Dudley 12th. Laura Kinley also had a good ride to finish 3rd girl and 15th overall in the same class. _____________________________________________ 8th May Conditions were perfect for the 368 competitors who took part in round four of the club's Scottish Provident league held at a sunny NSC last Tuesday night. Thomas Halliwell took the honours in the novices class, ending the 100% record of Isaac Kirk, who had to settle for second place. Corrin Leeming produced his best ride of the season so far to grab a fine third, with Matthew O'Neill also showing great improvement in fourth spot. Joshua Dudley was fifth and Ross Cameron put in a late surge to grab sixth ahead of Rebecca Hull, who pipped Emily Kinley for the girls' prize. Harry Kneen and Annabel Kneale completed the top ten. In the born 2003 & later age group Percy Hampton secured his second success of the series, crossing the line with a clear advantage over previous winners Callum Smith and Matthew Black. Madison Nicol was the first girl home in a very good fourth place and regular top six finisher Owen Dooley was fifth. Brayden Roche led Jonty Bregazzi and Oliver Williams home to fill the final place on the top six leader board. Charlie Gibson kept his 100% record intact in the born 2002 category. Aaron Lund led in chasers Robert Kissack, Curtis Grose and Tom Cain for the runners-up spot and Joshua Mills came through the field to claim sixth. Newcomer Brandon Lindsay did well to finish eleventh ahead of Will Corkill, Anna Kelly and Charlotte Watson. Three riders contested the finish of the born 2001 event with the impressive Amelia Sharpe edging out Adam Scarffe and Cullen Gell for the number one position. Jake Vance passed Juan Kneen in the closing stages for fourth, with the previously unbeaten Matthew Flint working his way up to sixth after a poor start. Tom Murray outsprinted Sam Batey to complete a hat trick of wins in the born 2000 class. Luke Murray held off Thomas Bostock for third and Jed Etchells trailed in for fifth. Josh Smith came out on top in a close tussle with James Quirk for sixth and Olivia Sharpe was the best girl in tenth place. Marcus Simpson took the initiative in the born 1999 race and went from the gun. Reining champion Conor Davies joined him at the front but was unable to match Simpson's speed in the final dash for the line. Joseph Glover overcame Alex Cain in the battle for third and Daniel Scarffe finished ahead of Liam McCann, Kaitlin Slack and Eleanor Davies for fifth. In the born 1998 group Matthew Draper picked up his fourth straight win. A determined Rory McCann did well to stay with Draper on the opening lap but eventually had to give way to his fast moving companion and settle for a safe second. Ben Cunningham took the gallop for third from Dan Watterson, Jordan Corkish, Joshua Sharpe, James Costain and top girl Amy Kinley. With no one really prepared to commit themselves, the born 1997-95 three lapper ended in a five-up bunch sprint. Matthew Davies got the verdict by the narrowest of margins from Anna Christian, Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley and Eleanor Stokoe. Kirk Michael's Jamie Everitt beat Juan Hunter to the line for sixth. Once again, the under 10/12 racing bikes provided some of the best entertainment of the night. Jamie Dudley made a spirited attack and opened a dangerous looking gap, which the bunch had to work hard to close. The pace was kept high throughout the race and in the final burst it was Matthew Davies who took the chequered flag just ahead of Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone, The gallant Dudley was fourth and Victoria Kinrade the first girl in ninth spot. New faces Kaitlin Slack, Dillon Cowie, Phoebe Ferguson and Luke Smith all rode confidently on their debut in the "droppies" class. The under 14/16 racing bikes was less frantic and stayed together for most of the race. Adam Johnson did his best to break things up but all his attacks were quickly neutralised by a watchful Thomas Mazzone. Coming out of the final corner for the last time Johnson was the odds-on favourite for the win. However, a spectacular rear tyre blow dashed his hopes, leaving Mazzone to take the victory from the stylish John Sanderson and Jack Wolstencroft. Warwick Sanderson was fourth and Alex Haddock the leading under 14 in fifth place. _____________________________________________ 1st May A total of 363 competitors took part in round three of the Scottish Provident children's cycling league, staged in changeable conditions at the NSC last Tuesday night. In the novices class Isaac Kirk scored his third win in succession. Joshua Dudley was a lonely second and Ross Cameron edged out Jack Elliott for third. Fifth placed Emily Kinley headed Annabel Kneale over the line to take the girls' prize, with Finian Gelder and Joshua Haswell finishing on their own in seventh and eighth places respectively. Hayden Waddington held off the fast finishing Jonathan Corlett for ninth. Recording his first success of the season, Callum Smith outsprinted round two winner Percy Hampton for the honours in the born 2003 & later category. Ben Grainger got the better of Matthew Black and Owen Dooley for a very good third and Jonty Bregazzi came through to grab sixth ahead of Oliver Williams, Matthew Lane and Brayden Roche. The top girl was Madison Nicol in tenth spot. Charlie Gibson rode everyone off his wheel for another impressive solo victory in the born 2002 event. Robert Kissack edged out Aaron Lund and Tom Cain for second, with Curtis Grose coming home alone for a fine fifth. Thomas Kermode showed great improvement to take sixth ahead of leading girl Blae Cain. In the born 2001 race Matthew Flint outsprinted breakaway partners Amelia Sharpe and Juan Kneen to maintain his unbeaten record. Adam Scarffe, Rory Donegan, Jake Vance and Riane Moffitt-Khan, who had all been in the initial break with the leading trio, filled the next four places. Newcomer Dean Rea was an excellent eighth ahead of Thomas Chatel, Finlo Neale and Daniel Lane. Peel's Wilfy Kermode led the chasing group in for twelfth position. Tom Murray outsprinted twin brother Luke, Sam Batey and Thomas Bostock for his second success in the born 2000 class. Josh Smith and Jed Etchells lost contact with the four frontrunners on the final lap, settling for sixth and seventh places respectively. Regular top ten finisher Tommasz Boruch was seventh and Arthur Bankes-Jones squeezed out first girl Olivia Sharpe for eighth. Sticking to the winning formula that brought him success in the two previous rounds, Conor Davies went from the gun in the born 1999 age group and was never challenged. Joseph Glover took the runners-up spot from Daniel Scarffe and fourth placed Tara Ferguson claimed the girls' award ahead of Kaitlin Slack and Eleanor Davies, who were fifth and sixth respectively. Recently crowned North West Region champion Matthew Draper gradually pulled away from the field in the born 1998 event to secure his third victory of the series. Owen Dudley and Jordan Corkish were a safe second and third, with Rory McCann getting the better of Dan Watterson for fourth. Nathan Hinks was sixth and Ben Cunningham overtook best girl Amy Kinley in the final stages for seventh. Seven riders fought over the honours at the end of the born 1997-95 grouping, with Matthew Davies pipping Anna Christian for first place. Ashley Faragher was a close third followed by Eleanor Stokoe, Laura Kinley, Juan Hunter and Jamie Everitt. The two racing bike classes were held in the worst of the weather. Matthew Bostock outgunned Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone for his maiden win in the under 10/12's class. Newcomer Callum Donnell beat Jamie Dudley for fourth and Matthew Draper was first of the under 10's in sixth place. Laura Kinley was the best of the girls in tenth spot. Adam Johnson ousted Thomas Mazzone in the final gallop for the line to pick up maximum points for the second week running in the under 14/16's. John Sanderson came out on top in the battle with brother Warwick for the final place on the podium, with Jack Wolstencroft and Alex Haddock, who was the top under 14, completing the top six. Alicia Corlett bagged the girls' honours in eighth position. _____________________________________________ 21st April * There was another massive turnout of 380 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round two of the Scottish Provident youth league. Isaac Kirk notched up his second win in a row in the novices class, finishing well clear of Thomas Halliwell and Jack Elliott in second and third places. Joshua Dudley, Cameron Ross and Joshua Haswell completed the top six, with Annabel Kneale taking the girls' prize in eighth spot. In the born 2003 & later age group Percy Hampton outsprinted round one winner Matthew Black for his first ever victory. Callum Smith came in on his own for third and Owen Dooley held off a chasing group of six riders to claim fourth. Matthew Lane edged out Jonty Bregazzi, Ben Grainger, Oliver Williams, Bryden Roche and Jack Christian for fifth, with Madison Nicol, Rose Turner and Abbie Edwards the top three girls in 11th, 15th and 17th positions respectively. Charlie Gibson repeated his first round success in the born 2002 category, crossing the line ahead of Robert Kissack, who overtook Tom Cain on the final lap to grab second place. Aaron Lund was fourth and Joshua Corrin led leading girl Blae Cain home for fifth. Three riders battled for the honours in the born 2001 race with Matthew Flint just coming out on top ahead of Amelia Sharpe and Adam Scarffe. Surby's Juan Kneen was a good fourth and newcomer Riane Moffitt-Khan did very well to hold onto fifth place in his maiden outing at the NSC. The consistent Rory Donegan was sixth. Tom Murray broke away on the final lap to bag maximum points in the born 2000 event. Tom's twin brother Luke beat Sam Batey to the line for second place and Josh Smith got the better of Jed Etchells for fourth. Ninth placed Olivia Sharpe was the first girl. Increasing his lead on each lap, Conor Davies went from the gun in born 1999 class and left the rest of the field to fight over the minor placings. Joseph Glover and Daniel Scarffe got away from the chasing pack in the closing stages to fill the final two positions on the podium and Liam McCann pipped Alex Cain in the gallop for fourth. Marcus Simpson completed the top six leader board one place in front of leading girls Kaitlin Slack and Tara Ferguson. Matthew Draper attacked breakaway partner Owen Dudley on the last lap for a comfortable victory in the born 1998 class. Brody Hewison never gave up the chase but was unable to make any inroads into the leaders advantage and had to settle for third. Jordan Corkish took the sprint for fourth ahead of Dan Watterson, Ben Cunningham, Sam Mills and best girl Amy Kinley. In the born 1997-95 three lapper Matthew Davies had to fight off a determined challenge from Ashley Faragher to maintain his 100 % record. Eleanor Stokoe edged out Anna Christian in a close fought tussle for third and Aaron Peniata ousted Tamara Preskey for fifth. Jakob Glover was a good seventh. Newcomer Callum Donnell made a very impressive debut in the under 10/12 racing bikes. Gaining in confidence as the race went on, Donnell chased down early leaders Matthew Davies, Matthew Bostock and Leon Mazzone and, showing no respect for the more experienced trio, headed the group going into the final lap. At the finish it was Davies who crossed the line first followed by Bostock, Mazzone and Donnell, who showed great promise to come fourth in such esteemed company. Victoria Kinrade was the leading girl in seventh place. Picking up the cash prize for the most aggressive ride of the night, Adam Johnson split the field with an early attack in the under 14/16 racing bikes. Thomas Mazzone hung on for awhile but eventually had to give way. Johnson forged ahead on his own, increasing his lead lap by lap. Mazzone and five other riders made an organised chase but could make no impression on the flying Johnson, who crossed the line over 30 seconds ahead of the bunch. Mazzone took the sprint for second ahead of Jack Wolstencroft and the ever improving Alicia Corlett. Warwick and John Sanderson were fifth and sixth, with Alex Haddock the best of the under 14's in seventh. _____________________________________________ 21st April * There were some more excellent performances from the nine club members who competed in last Saturday's second round of the Cycling Development North West youth series at Salt Ayre. In the under 12's Leon Mazzone was a brilliant second overall and Daniel De Weert 24th. In the under 14's Alex Haddock was a very good 7th and Joshua Knights, who only completed one of the two stages, 32nd. Unfortunately, Lucy Johnson was brought down in a heavy crash in the circuit race and was forced to retire. In the under 16's Adam Johnson finished 12th, Thomas Mazzone 16th, Warwick Sanderson 23rd and John Sanderson 26th. * This coming weekend (April 26/27) the club is taking a large squad of 29 riders to the North West Region Championships at Southport and to the Manchester velodrome for two extended sessions of track coaching. * Adam Johnson was the fastest TSP rider in round 2 of the Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league, finishing 23rd in 24.54. Thomas Mazzone and Jack Wolstencroft were 38th and 40th in 25.56 and 26.08 respectively, with Josh Knights recording 28.29 for 67th spot overall. Alicia Corlett posted a very good 29.08 and Nicholas Corlett knocked over three minutes of his previous best for an impressive 29.31. Lucy Johnson clocked 30.21, Matthew Davies 32.44, Alex Christian 36.02 and Sophie Black 38.35. * It looks like being another record breaking year for the Tuesday night Scottish Provident League at the NSC. A grand total of 446 riders have already signed-on for the series, with a massive 389 competitors turning out for the opening round on April 15th. * The club's Thursday night coaching sessions at the Braaid are being well supported. The older members are now training on the IOM Youth Tour's Ellerslie course while the younger riders continue with their turbo training in the hall. * Laxey's Sam Barks, who has been wowing them in BBC TV's "I'll Do Anything" programme, was one of the star performers in the club's 2007 fundraising concert at Marown school. * Due to popular demand, more of the club's Mark Cavendish T-shirts will be on sale at the NSC on Tuesday nights. _____________________________________________ 17th April *An all-time record total of 389 competitors turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for the opening round of the 2008 Scottish Provident Youth Cycling League. In the novices class Issac Kirk took the honours ahead of twin brothers Joshua and Cameron Dudley, who were second and third respectively. Finian Gelder outsprinted Hayden Waddington and leading girl Lauren Duncan for fourth, with Milly Duggua leading the rest of the large field home in seventh position. Rebecca Hull, Joshua Haswell and Matthew O'Neill completed the top ten leader board. Matthew Black set the pace in the born 2003 and later age group, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over runner-up Callum Smith. Percy Hampton held off Cameron Ross for third and Ben Grainger made the long trip from Andreas worthwhile to claim fifth ahead of Owen Dooley. The girls' prize went to Rose Turner in fourteenth spot. Reigning champion Charlie Gibson led from start to finish to claim maximum points in the born 2002 category. Nicholas Peniata won a race-long battle with Tom Cain for second and Charlotte Watson was the top girl in fourth place, Blae Cain was a good fifth and Alastair Flint held off the fast finishing Joshua Mills and Aaron Lund to grab sixth. In the born 2001 race Matthew Flint got the better of breakaway partners Amelia Sharpe, Juan Kneen and Adam Scarffe for a well deserved victory. Rory Donegan trailled in for fifth and Thomas Chatel overtook newcomer Daniel Lane on the final lap for sixth. Jacob Phair was eighth and Jessica Morris the second girl in ninth place. Thomas Bostock came from behind to edge out Sam Batey and Luke Murray in the sprint finish to the born 2000 event. Tom Murray crossed the line ahead of Josh Smith for fourth and Tommasz Boruch managed to stay in front of Joseph Corkish and Amelia Sharpe, the top girl, for sixth. Arthur Bankes-Jones and Antony Coward headed the chasing bunch home in ninth and tenth positions. After riding clear on the penultimate lap, Conor Davies time trialedto a fine solo victory in the born 1999 class. Joseph Glover went off in pursuit but was unable to make any significant inroads into Conor's lead and had to settle for second place. Daniel Scarffe took the gallop for the final place on the podium from Eleanor Davies (1st girl) and Alex Cain. Recently crowned Terry Dolan Circuit Race champion Matthew Draper proved to be too strong for Owen Dudley in the closing stages of the born 1998 three lapper. Brody Hewison did well to catch Dudley on the last lap but lost out in the final dash for the line. Amy Kinley was the first girl in ninth place. Six riders, including three girls, contested the sprint at the end of the born 1997-95 grouping, with Matthew Davies getting the verdict over Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley, Anna Christian, Tamara Preskey and Jamie Everitt. Breeshey Cain beat Ben Millard and Sophie Black in the battle for seventh. The U/10 & U/12 racing bikes provided some of the best entertainment of the night. A group of five riders made an early break for glory and were never caught. At the finish it was Matthew Davies who took the flag for his second success of the meeting. Leon Mazzone was a close second followed by Jamie Dudley, Matthew Bostock and Owen Dudley, who was the best of the U/10's. Matthew Draper came in ahead of Laura Kinley and Victoria Kinrade to secure sixth position, with racing bike novice Jacob Glover an excellent ninth. Finally, Thomas Mazzone produced a powerful sprint to win the U/14 & U/16 racing bikes from Adam Johnson and the much improved Jack Wolstencroft. Brothers Warwick and John Sanderson were fourth and fifth just ahead of top girl Alicia Corlett in an impressive sixth place. Alex Haddock took the U/14's award in eighth position and newcomer George Doyle was a good eighth in his first ever race at the NSC. _____________________________________________ 14th April * The opening round of the 2008 Scottish Provident Youth League takes place this Tuesday (15th April), with the first race getting underway at 6.45pm prompt. An amazing total of 342 riders have already signed-on for the event. * Matthew Draper has won the overall honours in the under 10's category of the Terry Dolan youth series, staged over three weekends at Victoria Park in Southport. The young TSP rider outsprinted nearest rival Leighton Sharman (Liverpool Century RC) to take the honours in last Saturday's third and final round, increasing his overall winning margin to a clear seven points. For his efforts Matthew received one of the much sought after race winner's yellow jersey and a brand new Terry Dolan frame-set. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson on his excellent B race and juvenile title victory in last Sunday's IOM Road Race Championships. * Don't forget that the final round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior race series takes place on Saturday 19th April at Archallagan plantation, signing-on at 1pm for a 2pm start. The entry fee is £3 and at least one parent must be present throughout the race. Why not give it a go! Further information from Chris on 853325. * There were some brilliant performances, including many PB's, from the dozen or so TSP members who rode in the first round of the Manx Telecom 10 mile time trial league. Adam Johnson topped the list in 21st place with a rapid 24.37. Thomas Mazzone was 36th in a very good 26 minutes dead and Jack Wolstencroft 47th in 26.39. Alicia Corlett got round in an impressive 28.12 (59th) and Joshua Knights clocked 28.31 (64th) to pip 10's first timer George Doyle by just one second. * Nine club members competed in the recent Hetton Hawks Classic Youth Races in Sunderland. The event was the second round of British Cycling's prestigious national circuit race series. In the under 10's class man of the moment Matthew Draper rode away from the field to score a superb solo victory. In the under 12's Matthew Bostock did well to pick up 5th spot on his debut in the older age group and Leon Mazzone improved as the race went on, fighting his way up to 6th place. In deteriorating weather (heavy snow showers), Alex Haddock was about 12th in the under 14's, with Joshua Knights a bit further down the field. Alicia Corlett won the sprint for 12th position in the U/14 and U/16 girls race. Matthew Davies, Nicholas Corlett and Thomas Mazzone were among the many riders who retired due to punctures, crashes and cramp brought on by the extreme conditions. _____________________________________________ 7th April * The 2008 Scottish Provident Youth Cycling League gets underway this coming Tuesday (8th April) with a "come and try it" and signing-on night, starting at 6.30. * Entries for the IOM Youth Tour close on Friday, 11th April. The entry forms, which can be downloaded from youthtour.co.uk , should be sent to 33 Fairfield Avenue, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 4BG. The event is open to category A, B and C riders only. * The seventh and final round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior series takes place on Saturday, 19th April at the Archallagan Plantation, signing on at 1.00pm for a 2.00pm start. * With two of the three rounds completed, Matthew Draper is the overall leader of the under 10's category in the Terry Dolan Youth Race Series, staged at Victoria Park in Southport. In the opening round on March 29th Matthew finished 2nd in the scratch race and third in the handicap to give him the overall honours by a single point. In last Saturday's second and penultimate round he won both events to retain the yellow jersey and further increase his lead. The overall class winners of the competition will receive a brand new Terry Dolan frame set. * Don't forget the Manx Mountain Bike Club and TSP are holding a "cycling bring and buy sale" in the Millennium Hall, Crosby on Friday, 11th April. Anyone wishing to book a table should contact Chris Corlett on 853325. The hall will be open from 6.00pm for a 7.00pm start. * Thomas Mazzone had a great ride in the Fletcher Trophy time trial over one lap of the testing Tour of the West course (11.5 miles), finishing in the runner-up position just 5 seconds down on winner Chris Nicholson. In the two lap event (23 miles) Alicia Corlett was a very good 21st and second woman in an impressive time of 1.29.58. * Congratulations to regular Scottish Provident league competitor Sophie Alton-Heath on her overall victory in Dirt Diva's Girls National Motocross at Wilden Lane near Worcester last weekend (March 29th-30th). * Weather permitting, the club's Thursday night training sessions at the Braaid will move outside to the Ellerslie Youth Tour course. If wet, there will be a spin session in the hall. _____________________________________________ 30th March * TSP and the Manx Mountain Bike Club are holding a combined "Bicycle Bring and Buy Sale" in the Millennium Hall, Crosby on Friday, 11th April. Anyone wishing to book a table at £5 each should contact Chris Corlett on 853325. The hall will be available from 6.00pm for a 7.00pm start and refreshments will be available. * All TSP members intending to compete in the forthcoming IOM Youth Tour should send their entry forms and fees to Youth Tour 2008, 33 Fairfield Avenue, Onchan, Isle of Man, IM3 4BG by April 11th at the latest. * Thomas Mazzone, Alicia Corlett, Joshua Knights, Alex Haddock, Matthew Davies, Leon Mazzone and Nicholas Corlett travelled to Bradford on March 22nd for the first round of British Cycling's prestigious national youth circuit race series. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled after a heavy fall of snow had covered the track. * Congratulations to Adam Johnson on his impressive win in the B event of the Manx Viking Wheelers Tour of the Middle road race. Thomas Mazzone was not far behind in second place and Alicia Corlett was the fifth girl in 13th spot. * In round six of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior series Thomas Mazzone and Matthew Davies won their respective classes, with Matthew Draper the highest placed TSP rider (2nd) in the youngest age group. * There were some great performances from the six TSP members who travelled to Southport recently for the opening round of the Cycling Development North West Youth League. The event consisted of a time trial and a circuit race, with points gained in each discipline counting towards a rider's overall position. Competing against most of the top juveniles in the North West, Adam Johnson finished a brilliant 5th overall in the under 16's event, some 14 pts ahead of team mate Thomas Mazzone, who was a very good 12th in a large field of over forty competitors. In the under 14's Joshua Knights was a fine 12th overall and Lucy Johnson was the fourth best girl in 18th spot. Leon Mazzone scored a 5th in the time trial and a fantastic 3rd in the circuit race for 5th overall in the under 12's, while Daniel De Weert did well to claim 20th spot. * The March 6th edition of Cycling Weekly contained extensive coverage of the recent James Berry case. * Adam and Lucy Johnson competed in the Manx Viking Wheelers two-up 25 mile time trial on March 2nd. Adam teamed up with Ken Berry to finish 9th in a respectable 1hr 12mins 19secs and Lucy partnered Matthew Berry to 14th place in 1.31.06. _____________________________________________ 4th March * Despite feeling less than 100%, Adam Johnson picked up fine second and third placings in last Friday's (February 22) round of the Manchester Velodrome Regional Track League. * Several club members will be travelling to Southport next Saturday (March 8th) for the opening round of the Cycling Development North West youth series. * For the third year in succession the club will be running its prestigious "rider of the month" award from April to August. The lucky winners will receive a silver trophy and a cash prize. Don't forget that there will also be a brand new £500 bursary up for grabs. * Club members aged 12 and over are eligible to compete in the Manx Telecom 10-mile time trial league. Entry forms are now available from Erin News in Port Erin; Simpson's Hardware in Peel; Looney's of Ramsey; Eurocycles in Victoria Road, Douglas and Bikestyle in Bucks Road, Douglas.The series starts on Wednesday, 9th April. * Competing against top senior and veteran competitors, fifteen year old Thomas Mazzone was an excellent 15th overall and 2nd under-23 rider in the first round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's cross-country national points series at the Cringle Plantation on Sunday, 23 Feb. * The first round of British Cycling's National Youth Race Series takes place in Bradford on Saturday, 22nd March. _____________________________________________ 19th February * Last week's edition of Cycling Weekly carried an article on the success of the Scottish Provident League under the heading Birthplace of British Champions. * What others have said about us - part 25 .......... " How is it that the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea - 30 miles long, 12 miles wide and dominated by Snaefell mountain - continues to turn out so many world-class cyclists? Without doubt, the Scottish Provident Children's Cycling League can take credit for the last 14 years" .......... (Keith Bingham, Cycling Weekly, February 14th, 2008.) * TSP riders won all three age groups in round 5 of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior series, staged in superb conditions at South Barrule Plantation last Sunday (17th February). Matthew Bostock came out on top in the under 11's ahead of Jacob Glover and Joseph Haddock, with Owen Dudley, Brody Hewison and Matthew Draper completing the top six. Rory McCann was 9th, Breeshey Cain 10th, Liam McCann 13th, Kaitlin Slack 15th and Cameron Mallinson 16th. In the under 14's it Matthew Davies took the honours from Jake Kelly, Leon Mazzone, Nicholas Corlett, Matthew Clague, Harry Grose and Sophie Black, while Thomas Mazzone had an uncontested victory in the under 16's category. _____________________________________________ 12th February * Although stocks were greatly reduced over Christmas, club clothing is still available in most sizes. If you need any new kit for the forthcoming season contact Dot on 851691 immediately to avoid disappointment. * There are now only eight weeks to go to the start of the 2008 Scottish Provident Youth League and less than one month to the club's first off-island racing trip. * Following the club's recent television appearance on BBC North West Tonight, TSP will be receiving more international publicity in the near future. * The next round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior series takes place next Sunday (17th February) at South Barrule Plantation, signing on at 10.30 for an 11.00am start. Don't forget to bring some warm clothing, a helmet that fits and a parent with £3. _____________________________________________ 3rd February The 2008 Scottish Provident Youth League at the NSC will run from Tuesday 8th April to Tuesday, 26th August, excluding TT practice week (May 27th). As usual, the opening session on April 8th will be a "come and try it" and practice night. The prize presentation will take place in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 12th October. * Despite the wintry conditions, there was another good turnout for last Thursday night's spin session at the Braaid. Many thanks to coach Mark Redhead for standing in for a holidaying Elliott Moore. * What others have said about us - part 24 .........."Council is delighted at the (Scottish Provident) League's continued achievements and wish you every success in continuing to produce champions" .......... (Isle of Man Sports Council, 1st February 2008.) * The club is in the process of coordinating the travel and accommodation arrangements for the forthcoming season's off-Island racing campaign. Forms containing the schedule of events can be obtained from Dot on 851691. _____________________________________________ 25th January * A big thank you to Shoprite, Ramsey Bakery and all the performers and helpers who contributed to the success of the club's recent fundraising concert in Marown School. The exact total raised was £1,464.11p. * More and more team members are using the Manx Mountain Bike Club's excellent junior series to get fit for the forthcoming season. In round 4 of the competition at Ballaugh plantation Matthew Bostock took the honours in the 8-10 age group. Joseph Haddock was a very good second, Owen Dudley 4th, Liam McCann 6th, Breeshey Cain 8th, Rory McCann 10th, Emma Nicholson 11th, Megan Comaish 12th and Alex Cain 13th. In the 11-13 year old category Leon Mazzone finished runner-up to motorcrosser and former TSP member Jamie McCanny. Glen Vine's Nicholas Corlett was 3rd, with Joshua Knights 4th, Juan Hunter 11th, Jamie Dudley 13th and Sophie Black 14th. Finally, in the 14-16 class Thomas Mazzone took the victory ahead of Jack Wolstencroft. Please note that round 5 has been rescheduled for February 17th. _____________________________________________ 21st January * The club's annual fundraising concert in Marown School last Saturday (19th Jan) raised nearly £1,500. The show topped the Manx Independent's list of events of the week. * With the 2008 racing season fast approaching, there has been a significant increase in the numbers taking part in the club's weekly turbo training sessions in the Braaid hall. The sessions are held every Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm. * Please note that from 1st January 2008 any rider wishing to compete in the Friday night track league at the Manchester velodrome need to have a dispensation card. Applications to Paul West at British Cycling HQ. * A total of 26 events have been included in the club's 2008 off-island race program. Lists are available from Dot on 851691 _____________________________________________ 15th January * There are a few changes to British Cycling's NW Talent Program for 2008. The main aim is to teach young people to “Learn to Bike Race” and be the best they can be, improving the overall standard of racing in Great Britain. Regional Schools of Racing will be held at cycling facilities in the NW area, providing advice and education from British Cycling youth coaches. The sessions will provide group training opportunities for the best youths in the region. In this way BC hope to develop a progressive pathway of development and provide the right standard of session for all riders. The Talent Team will continue to run as before, providing one to one coaching and residential camps for riders BC feel have the personality traits and ability to achieve at the highest level. Selection on to the Talent Program will be through performances at races throughout the season and also at these Regional Schools of Racing, enabling BC coaches to get to know a rider before selecting them on to the program. Although there are opportunities to come on to the program in Jan, April, & July, the main intake is in October - the other months are for riders that may have appeared since the last intake or are riders that have improved since October. For this year BC have identified 4 dates to run a Regional School of Racing in the North West:- February Half Term – Manchester Velodrome – Date TBC, March 8th at Southport, April 19th Salt Ayre (Lancaster), June 21st Preston Arena and July 5th Litherland (Merseyside). The sessions in March, April, June and July will take place after the CDNW youth race, at approx 3pm. More details to follow. * Sorry, but all the tickets for the club's annual fundraising concert at Marown School this coming Saturday (19th January) have now been sold. Contact Dot on 851691 if you wish to go on the waiting list. _____________________________________________ 9th January British Cycling is organising a coaching weekend at the Preston Arena on 23rd - 24th February for all Norh West Region youth cyclists aged between 8 and 16. The sessions will run from 10am - 3pm and cost £10 for the two days. Would any TSP members thinking of going please contact Dot so that the trip can be coordinated. * Dreamstar Productions kindly nominated TSP for two of its end of performance bucket collections at the recent Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, raising a grand total of £615.06p for the club. * There was a fantastic turnout for the Manx Mountain Bike Club's annual social ride along the disused Douglas to Peel railway track. Many thanks to the MMBC for providing all the riders with tea and toast in the Creek. _____________________________________________ 4th January * A number of TSPIOM mums, several with brand new bikes, will be joining their husbands and children for this Sunday's (6th Jan) mountain bike ride from Douglas to Peel. The event will leave the Sea Terminal at 9.00am and will travel along the old railway track to the Creek Inn in Peel for tea and toast. Everyone is welcome. * The club's turbo training sessions in the Braaid Hall resume next Thursday (Jan 10th), starting at the usual time of 6.30pm. * The fourth round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's popular junior championship takes place at Ballaugh plantation on Sunday, 20th January, with classes for 8-16 year olds. Sign on at 10.00am for a 10.30am start and remember to wrap up warm as it can be very cold in the plantation at this time of the year. For further information ring 853325 after 6pm. * Mark Cavendish won four categories in Cycling Weekly's readers poll for 2007. The young Manxman came out on top in the categories for the most impressive rider of the year, the most noteworthy cycling achievement (his debut season), the most impressive newcomer and the most impressive road rider. Mark started his cycling career in the 1995 Scottish Provident League at the NSC, when he was just nine years old. Two years later he won his first domestic title, taking the born 1985/86 class overall with maximum points, and in 1998 scored his first major international success in the Manchester Youth Tour. |