Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man
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"You are in Latest News - 2009 Archive Page"
28th December * A date for your diary - the club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome is on April 17th /18th 2010. * Tickets are selling fast for the club's fundraising concert on January 30th. Numbers are strictly limited so book now if you are intending to go. Tickets at just £6 each are available from Dot on 851691. * Congratulations to Dot Tilbury on her induction into British Cycling's Hall of Fame. Dot would like to thank everyone for the many cards and e-mails she has received from both on and off the island. * A merry Christmas and happy New Year from all at Team Royal London 360 IOM. Here's to another successful season in 2010. _____________________________________________ 21st December * For Sale - XS (43cm) Giant TCR composite racing bike. Ideal and fully set up for youth rider or small adult. Has only done 2 seasons and comes equipped with Shimano 105 group set, Ultegra front shifter, 165mm Dura Ace cranks with 42/38 chain rings, brand new Mavic Aksium race wheels with new Michelin tyres, new bars and a choice of 10 or 6 stem. All cables have been renewed. The bike has always been well maintained and is only for sale because a larger size is now required. Yours for £899 ono. Call Gary on 457795. * So far,over 30 riders have participated in the club's weekly turbo training nights in the Braaid Hall. The next session is on Thursday, 7th January. * The venues for next year's three-day North West Youth Tour (29th - 31st May) are Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston. In the 2009 event the club scored four top six placings, with Charlie Gibson leading the way with an excellent second place overall in the under 8's age group. * The organisers of the forthcoming inter-club challenge in Manchester are going out of their way to make the event memorable for the competitors. _____________________________________________ 16th December * Tickets for the club's annual fund raising concert in Marown School on January 30th are selling fast. Ring 851691 to reserve your seats. * The club is hoping to increase its store of track bikes in time for the inter-club challenge it will be contesting in Manchester on February 27th. * Please note that there will no turbo training in the Braaid hall on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and New Year's eve (December 31st). The sessions resume on Thursday, 7th January 2010. * Starting with the Yarborough Circuit Races in Lincoln on March 27th and ending with the Tywyn Criteriums in Gwynedd, Wales on July 31st, there are a total of ten events so far confirmed for British Cycling's 2010 National Circuit Race Series. * Double British youth champion Matthew Bostock will be travelling to Manchester in February to pick up his trophies at British Cycling's 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Annual Awards. * Club kit has been in great demand for Christmas presents. Although stocks have just been replenished, some sizes are already starting to run low so buy now to avoid disappointment. _____________________________________________ 9th December * A group of St Ninians High School students is organising a charity cycle ride from Douglas to Peel via the old railway track. The event is taking place this Sunday (13th December), starting from Braddan School at 12 noon. The entry fee is £3 for riders aged 15 and under and £4 for those 16 and over. The tickets are available at St, Ninians upper school office or can be bought on the day. The money raised will be donated to Hospice IOM. After the ride there will be a raffle and quiz, with everyone being provided with complementary snacks. Please try and support this very worthwhile event. Contact Sumeet.Pai@student.sch.im for further information. * For sale - junior road bike to suit 11/14 year old. Small lightweight frame imported from the USA. 26" wheels. Shimano Tiagra components. Very good condition, little used. Price £300 - would make ideal Christmas present. Call 816228 evenings or 07764 159492 anytime. * Tickets for the club's fundraising concert in Marown school are now available at the ridiculously low price of just £6 each, including supper. Contact Dot on 851691 to reserve your seats - first come first served. _____________________________________________ 7th December * There was another good turn out of over 20 junior riders for the third round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter series, staged at South Barrule last Sunday (Dec.6th). Brandon Cain came out on top in the 7-11 age group, with pre race favourite Nick Corlett taking the honours in the 12-16 year old category. * The date for the club's annual fundraising concert in Marown School has been confirmed as Saturday, 30th January 2010. Tickets will be available shortly. * Jonny Bellis has received the get well cards that club members made for him on their recent trip to the Manchester velodrome. Jonny has sent a message thanking everyone for their kind thoughts. * The club has made a block booking for the Revolution meeting at the velodrome on the evening of February 27th. Earlier in the day the club will be competing in a three-way challenge with Eastlands Velo and the Newcastle Track League, the prize presentation for which will be held during the Revolution. _____________________________________________ 1st December * Don't forget that all British racing licences expire on December 31st and will have to be renewed before the start of next season. * The third round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter series at South Barrule this coming Sunday (December 6th) has an additional class for 7-11 year olds. Signing on for all juniors is at 9.00am. * The 2010 North West region track championships are being staged at the Manchester velodrome on the Friday evening of April 9th. * Excitement is building for the forthcoming inter-club challenge with Eastlands Velo and Newcastle Track League on February 27th. It is proposed to run the competition in 2010 youth categories, with first year juniors allowed to compete in the under 16's age group. The track events will consist of scratch race, a points race and an Italian pursuit. * It was good to see British Cycling Olympic Development squad member Mark Christian at last week's spin session in the Braaid Hall. The sessions are held every Thursday night, starting at 6.30pm. _____________________________________________ 26th November * A total of 32 club members travelled to the Manchester velodrome last weekend for two days of intensive track coaching. Top British Cycling coach Paul Evans ran the sessions, with newcomers Nathan Draper, Michael Moss, Marcus Simpson Rory McCann and Holly Black doing particularly well on their track racing debut. The sessions were excellent preparation for the inter-club challenge that the club will be competing in early in the New Year. * Don't forget to book your tickets for the Peter Pan pantomime at the Gaiety theatre from 19th December 2009 to 3rd January 2010. In previous years the promoters Dreamstar Productions have donated the proceeds from several of their after show charity bucket collections to the club. _____________________________________________ 21st November * Team Royal London 360 and two other clubs have put together an exciting new youth event for next season. The three-way event, which is scheduled to take place on February 27th, will be contested by the Eastlands/Sportcity club, the Newcastle Track League and Team Royal London. The competition will be decided in a series of track and criterium races at the Manchester velodrome and City of Manchester Stadium, with the prize presentation being staged during the evening's Revolution meeting. More details to follow. * Due to a clash of dates with the above event, the club's fundraising concert in Marown school will probably be brought forward one week to Saturday, 20th February. * Despite the atrocious weather conditions, there was another full house at the Braaid last Thursday night for the latest of the club's weekly turbo training sessions. There is still room for a few more if you would like to give it a go. * What others have said about us - part 26..............."(IOM Sports Council) Members congratulate you on your success and thank you and your "Team" for all the hard work and hope it continues."...............(IOM Sport, 19th Nov. 2009) _____________________________________________ 17th November * There was another excellent turn out of 34 junior riders for the second round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter cross country series, staged at Archallagan last Sunday. Team Royal London 360 members were well to the fore, with Nick Corlett and Matthew Draper topping their age groups. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, 6th September. * Due to an increase in demand, the club has had to order an extra supply of turbo trainers for the Thursday night spin sessions in the Braaid Hall. * At least ten of the 30 plus riders going on this coming weekend's coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome will be making their track racing debut. * Next year's fundraising concert in Marown school has been pencilled in for Saturday, 27th February. _____________________________________________ 12th November * The club held a prize presentation at the NSC on Tuesday night to distribute the trophies that Team Royal London 360 won at last August's Mayo Youth Tour in Ireland. Department of Tourism and Leisure member Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK presented the prizes, which included impressive gold cups for individual stage winners Owen Dudley, Anna Christian and Jake Kelly. Anna and Jake also picked up the trophies they won for their superb third and second places in the final overall standings. The other recipients on the night were George Doyle, Laura Kinley, Eleanor Stokoe, Callum Donnell and Jamie Dudley. In addition to the Youth Tour awards, a special presentation was made to Matthew Bostock to commemorate the two British national titles he won in 2009. * Please note that this Sunday's (November 15th) Manx Mountain Bike Club event is now being staged at the Archallagan plantation, signing-on at 9.00am. The change of venue is due to water logging on the South Barrule course. _____________________________________________ 9th November * The club's Thursday night winter turbo training sessions in the Braaid hall are now in full swing. The sessions start at 6.30pm and last for approximately one hour. * A total of 35 riders have put their names down for the club's track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome on November 21st/22nd. * The second round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior winter series is at the South Barrule plantation on Sunday, 15th November, signing -on at 9.00am. * The club's 2009 annual report and accounts were presented at the recent AGM of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers. It was another very successful year for the club, with nearly 600 competitors taking part in the Tuesday night youth league at the NSC. Club members also competed in 18 off-island events, with Matthew Bostock topping the honours list with two British titles. * There is a good supply of club kit in stock at the moment. Most sizes are available at generously discounted prices. Contact Dot on 851691 if you need anything. _____________________________________________ 28th October * There was a good turn out of 26 competitors at South Barrule plantation last Sunday for the opening round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior winter series. RL360 rider Matthew Draper took the overall honours from Brandon Cain and Marcus Simpson. The next round is being staged at the same venue on Sunday, 15th November. * The 2010 North West Region Youth Championships in Southport have been penciled in for Saturday, 24th April. Club members picked up four gold , three silver and five bronze medals in the 2009 event. * Several top local acts have already been booked for the club's annual fundraising concert in Marown School next January. More details to follow nearer the time. * Don't forget that the club's winter spin training sessions in the Braaid Hall get underway on Thursday (5th November), starting at 6.30pm. Please bring your own turbo trainer if you have one. _____________________________________________ 20th October * There was a good turn out of club members for last Saturday morning's James Berry sportive ride around the north of the Island. Later in the day at the IOMCA annual dinner Phil Knights was the lucky winner of the superb Litespeed racing bike kindly donated by the Berry family to raise money for the James Berry fund. * The details of Matthew Bostock's overall victory in British Cycling's national youth circuit race series have now been released. Matthew secured the under 12s title 14 points clear of runner-up Emily Haycox (Maindy Flyers), with Reece Wood (Wakefield Junior Tri) third a further 8 points back. Nineteen RL360 riders picked up points in the season-long competition, although it was only Matthew and his brother Thomas (14th overall in the U/10's) who completed the maximum quota of eight rounds. * Don't forget that the photographs from the club's 2009 prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September can be viewed and purchased at Morrison Photos, 3 Tynwald Street, Douglas. * The club's 2010 prize presentation will be in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 5th September. * Dates for next year's off-island race programme are starting to trickle in. The 2010 British National Youth Circuit Race Championships are scheduled to take place at the Redbridge Cycling Centre (Hog Hill) in North East London on Saturday, 24th July. * The club's popular winter spin training and coaching sessions in the Braaid Hall begin on Thursday, 5th November and will run all the way through to the end of April, 2010. * The Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter series gets underway this Sunday (25th October) at South Barrule Plantation. Junior competitors (ages 8-16) sign on at 9.00am for a 9.30 start. Entry fee is £5. _____________________________________________ 30th September * Royal London 360 Isle of Man teams dominated last Sunday's Shoprite Charity Relay around the TT Course. The "A" squad consisting of Alex Haddock, Jack Wolstencroft, George Doyle, John Sanderson, Jake Kelly, Warwick Sanderson and Thomas Mazzone won the event in an impressive 1hr 50mins 16secs, which was over two minutes quicker than runners-up the Fire Service. The Police were third in 1.58.01 and the Royal London 360 "B" squad of Simon Kelly, Matthew Davies, Jamie Dudley, Jamie Everitt, Nick Corlett, Leon and Gary Mazzone an excellent fourth just 45 seconds further down. The "C" team of Eleanor Stokoe, Alex Christian, Anna Christian, Susan Everitt, Tanya Sanderson, Barbara Doyle and Lucy Johnson clocked a very respectable 2.22.51 to take the women's prize in 18th spot. * Club Members dominated their classes in this year's Bikestyle 10 mile time trial league. In the final overall standings Thomas Mazzone, George Doyle, Jake Kelly, Jack Wolstencroft, Nicholas Corlett and Leon Mazzone filled the top six places in the juvenile category, with Sophie Black taking the girls' honours in tenth spot. Former members Joe Kelly, Adam Johnson and Alicia Corlett, who have all graduated to our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers, were first, second and third respectively in the junior age group. * There are only a few weeks to go to the club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome. Numbers are restricted, so ring 851691 immediately if you still haven't confirmed your place. * The Cooil family from Peel were the lucky winners of the mountain bike (kindly donated by Bikestyle) in the club's prize presentation raffle. * Our thoughts and best wishes go to Jonny Bellis for a speedy recovery from his serious accident in Italy. Jonny spent his formative years racing in the Tuesday night youth league at the NSC and recently gave a sack full of his GB cycling kit for distribution to club members. _____________________________________________ 16th September * Matthew Bostock has won his category in British Cycling's national youth circuit race series. The Glen Vine youngster secured the overall victory by finishing a fine third in last Sunday's (Sept, 13th) 11th and final round at Thruxton in Hampshire. During the season-long competition Matthew scored seven top three finishes, including an excellent victory in the opening round at Lincoln. He adds the circuit race series title to the British National Championship he won in July. * Richard Draper's excellent photos from the prize presentation on Sunday, 6th September can now be viewed and purchased at Morrison Photos, 3 Tynwald Street, Douglas (tel. 629641). * The trophies from the Mayo International Youth Tour have now arrived and will be distributed at a special presentation in the near future. * The raffle at the club's recent prize presentation in the Villa Marina raised a brilliant £804 for club funds. Many thanks to everyone who supplied the fantastic prizes and to Phil Knights and his gang for running the event. * From October 2009, new measures will be introduced to help prevent unsuitable people from undertaking paid or volunteer work with children or vulnerable adults. This is called the "Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS)" and individuals wishing to work with young people and vulnerable adults will need to be registered. * Thomas Mazzone's excellent win the final round of the Bikestyle handicap road race series moved him up to tenth place in the final overall standings, just one place and one point ahead of club mate Jack Wolstencroft. * Shoprite would like any late entries for the 2009 Fun Cycle for Life along Douglas Promenade on Sunday, 27th September to be returned to Kim Makin, Shoprite (IOM) Ltd., Centre House, Little Switzerland, Douglas IM2 4RE as soon as possible. Alternatively, fax the forms to Kim on 683311. It's a great family fin day out, so don't miss it. * In addition to the £150 George Wilson bursary and yellow jersey etc he received at the club's prize presentation, Matthew Bostock was also presented with a special gift and cake to commemorate his win in the British national Youth Circuit Race Championship in July. _____________________________________________ 9th September * The Villa Marina's Royal Hall was packed last Sunday night for the Royal London 360 youth league's 2009 prize presentation. Steve Wright and Karen Wilson from Royal London handed out the medals and prizes to the 300 plus competitors who were present on the night. The 24 overall class winners were named as Alex Butterworth, Chloe Comaish, Zac Walker, Mia Worthington, Percy Hampton, Darcy Cain, Charlie Gibson, Blae Cain, Max Walker, Amelia Sharpe, Luke Murray, Ciara Sowerby, Conor Davies (2 classes), Eleanor Davies (2 classes), Jamie Dudley, Laura Kinley, Matthew Bostock, Victoria Kinrade, Jake Kelly, Anna Christian, Thomas Mazzone and Lucy Johnson. In addition to all the final overall league positions the recipients of the club's special annual awards were also revealed. Recently crowned British U/12 circuit race champion Matthew Bostock picked up the George Wilson £150 bursary and Conor Davies received the Peter Buckley cup as the best young prospect. For the second year in succession, Anna Christian was presented with the Marie Noon trophy for the most impressive girl and Thomas Mazzone was awarded the coveted James Berry trophy as the club's under 16 champion. Nicholas Corbett was handed the Steve Hislop cup for the most improved rider and Jake Kelly was presented with the prestigious Alex Forrest cup and the £500 Stuart Quayle memorial bursary in recognition of his outstanding season. A total of 583 competitors took part in the 2009 league, with an average of 266 riders turning out for each of the eighteen rounds completed. Full results here _____________________________________________ 2nd September * Don't forget that the club's Royal London 360 youth league prize presentation takes place in the Villa Marina this coming Sunday (September 6th). starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. The tickets for the children's buffet can be collected on the door. The league's final overall positions and special prize winners will be revealed on the night. The event is one of the Manx sporting highlights of the year, so don't miss it. Any competitors who intend to go but still haven't put their name down please contact Dot immediately on 851691. * Jamie Dudley is the club's rider of the month for August. Jamie gained the award for his impressive performance in the Mayo International Youth Tour in the west of Ireland. Competing in the very competitive under 14/13 category the Manx youngster finished an excellent runner-up to club mate Jake Kelly in the fourth and final stage, moving him up to eighth (3rd under 13) in the overall standings and helping the club claim second place in the team competition. At home Jamie has won the born 1998-96 class in the Royal London 360 league and finished fourth in the under 14 racing bikes. In recognition of his achievements Jamie receives a gold cup and £25 in cash. * Places are filling up fast for the club's next track coaching weekend to the Manchester velodrome on November 21/22. * As usual, the club will be entering several teams in the Shoprite Cycle For Life charity relay around the TT course on Sunday, 27th September. Younger members will be taking part in the Family Fun Cycle along Douglas promenade. _____________________________________________ 28th August * Conditions were near perfect at the NSC last Tuesday night for the 205 riders who competed in the 19th and final round of the 2009 Royal London 360 children's cycling league. Edward Teare continued his winning ways in the novices class, crossing the line well clear of the field to complete a hat-trick of victories. Chloe Comaish held off a strong challenge from Maddie Butterworth to grab the runners-up spot and Sophia Littlewood overtook Chloe Dillon in the final few metres to claim third. Sam Cunningham led Callum Dunn, Mia Littlewood, Ryan Blair and James Scott over the line for sixth, with Harvey Coole and Bethan Cubbon just behind in 11th and 12th places respectively. In the born 2004 & Later age group Nathan Slack returned from holiday to pick up his second win of the series, finishing well ahead of Harvey Lawrence, who outsprinted Mia Worthington and Joshua Dudley for second. Ben Boyle edged out Lucy Worthington, James Devereau and Cameron Dudley for fifth, while Harry Kneen won his battle with Mairi Harrison for ninth. Caitlin Courtie and Haydn Harris completed the top twelve leader board. A determined Matthew Black got an early gap in the born 2003 event, taking the chequered flag with an extended advantage over Jonty Bregazzi. Leading girl Darcy Cain was a close third and the ever improving Joshua Jones an impressive fourth. Aaron Ramsay got the verdict over Jack Collister, Kitty Thomas and Tom Brennan in the dash for fifth and Leah Brennan got away from James Gartshore to claim ninth. Relative newcomer Yarden Ashkenazi did well to take the bunch gallop for 11th place. James Harrison dropped breakaway partners Will Corkill and Sam Corlett on the final lap to pick up his second win in the born 2002 category. Joshua Mills and Wilfy Kermode were equal fourth ahead of fellow chasers Elliot Lawrence, Jack Whitelegg and Alastair Flint. Top girl Charlotte Watson beat Corrin Leeming, Saul Bradley, Ben Haworth and Joshua Crichton in the gallop for ninth and Anna Kelly squeezed out Shellan Leeming for 14th spot. In the born 2001 race Max Walker attacked from the gun and was never caught. Adam Scarffe led Tyler Cain home for second and Matthew Flint got past Juan Kneen in the closing stages to snatch fourth. Rory Donegan was a lonely sixth and Chloe Crellin pipped Lydia Glover for the girls' honours in a very close sprint for seventh. Twin brothers Luke and Tom Murray fought it out in the born 2000 class, with Luke eventually coming out on top. Lucas Mudie overcame Adam Kelly in the dash for third and Joseph Corkish took fifth ahead of Harry Cain and Ciara Sowerby, who took the girls' prize. Sean Maxwell, Jake Flowers and Daniel Costain rounded off the top ten. Born 1999 winner Marcus Simpson dropped Joseph Glover and Daniel Scarffe on the final lap to score his sixth success of the season. Glover outsprinted Scarffe for second and Alex Cain held off Kaitlin Slack in the tussle for fourth. Ryan Courtie was a solid sixth and Rachael Pearson came from behind to seize seventh from Cameron Honeybone. Ashley Faragher led from start to finish in the born 1998-96 grouping. Sophie Black chased on her own, but in the end had to settle for a safe second ahead of Ben Cunningham, who ousted Sam Mills for third. Making his move on the penultimate lap, Joseph Haddock attacked breakaway companions Nathan Draper and Victoria Kinrade to secure his maiden win in the under 12 racing bikes. Marcus Simpson led fellow chasers Breeshey Cain and Callum Clague over the line for fourth and William Draper got the better of Max Walker and Charlie Gibson in the battle for seventh. A group of eight riders, driven by Thomas Mazzone, lapped the field in the Under 16 racing bikes. Mazzone was first in the final sprint followed by John Sanderson, Jake Kelly, Warwick Sanderson, Alex Haddock, Jack Wolstencroft, Nicholas Corlett and Leon Mazzone. Callum Donnell was the best of the rest in ninth place and Anna Christian the top girl in 11th position. Please note that the final overall positions in the league will be revealed at the prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September. Details from Dot on 851691. Full results here _____________________________________________ 26th August * Glen Vine's Matthew Bostock has been voted Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man's rider of the month for July. Matthew receives the award - a gold cup and £25 in cash - for the outstanding off-island results he posted during the month, topped by his superb win in the British national under 12's circuit race championship at Hillingdon in West London on July 25th. He also picked up a fine fifth and third in the Tour of Blackpool and White Rose circuit races to strengthen his overall lead in British Cycling's season-long youth series, which he is now odds-on favourite to win at the final round in Thruxton, Hants on September 13th. On the home front the Manx youngster has remained unbeaten in the very competitive under 12 racing bike class of his own club's Royal London 360 Tuesday night youth league at the NSC, securing the overall honours with eight rounds to spare. * We have received a new supply of club kit. Some sizes have already sold out so if you need anything contact Dot now to avoid disappointment. Following the success of Mark Cavendish, items of club clothing have recently been sent to Manx expats in countries as far afield as Australia, Canada and Germany. * Peter Quayle and the family of the late Stuart Quayle, who was a stalwart of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers, once again be presenting the club with the annual £500 bursary they provide to help a deserving young rider of their choice to further his or her career. The winner of the award will be revealed at the club's prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September. Adam Johnson was last year's inaugural recipient. * If you intend to go to the prize presentation on September 6th but still haven't put your name down please do so now on 851691 or e-mail dot@juniorcyclingiom.co.im _____________________________________________ 21st August * A strong breeze and prolonged spell of heavy drizzle made conditions difficult for the 184 competitors who signed-on at the NSC last Tuesday night for the 18th and penultimate round of the Royal London 360 youth league. The rain started just after the racing got underway and persisted for the rest of the evening. In the novices class Edward Teare made light of the strong headwind finish to notch up another fine solo victory. Chloe Comaish was a solid second and relative newcomer Ryan Blair an excellent third. The consistent Sam Cunningham took fourth ahead of a fragmented chasing group consisting of Chloe Dillon, Harvey Coole, Francesca Avery, James Scott, Oliver Wylie and Toby Wylie, who ousted Joey Magee for the final place on the top ten leader board. Dillon Dowson rode away from the field for his fourth win in the born 2004 & later category. Cameron Dudley outsprinted brother Joshua to take the runners-up spot and Ben Boyle got the better of Cameron Hawes for fourth. Jack Sowerby headed Harry Kneen, Mia Worthington and David De Weert over the line for sixth place and William Cawte returned from a three week break to beat Mairi Harrison, Caitlin Courtie and Kiera Prentice in the gallop for tenth. Making his race winning move on the final lap, Matthew Black came from behind to snatch the born 2003 honours from Jonty Bregazzi. Top girl Darcy Cain rode strongly for third and Oliver Williams had a solitary race in fourth place. Jack Christian got away from Thomas Skillicorn to grab fifth and Kitty Thomas did well to beat Aaron Ramsay and Tom Brennan in the battle for seventh. Hayden Breed rounded off the top ten. Aaron Lund escaped from a leading group of four riders to record his sixth successive win in the born 2002 event. Will Corkill followed in Lund's wheel tracks to claim second and James Harrison pipped Sam Corlett for third. In one of the closest finishes of the night Jamie McCann edged out Wilfy Kermode in the dash for fifth, with Fin Samson leading the chasing pack in for seventh. Blae Cain took the girls' prize in tenth spot. With the top spot in the overall standings still in the balance, Max Walker attacked from the gun to bag maximum points for a ninth time in the born 2001 race. Adam Scarffe kept his title hopes alive with a solid second ahead of leading girl Emma Draper, who continues to improve with every race. Matthew Flint made up ground in the closing stages to snatch fourth from fellow chasers Cameron Skehan, Juan Kneen, Jake Vance and Chloe Crellin. Ninth placed Cullen Gell made a late surge to overtake Rory Donegan. A delighted Sam Batey finally made it to the top spot in the born 2000 class, outsprinting series leader Luke Murray for a memorable win. Tom Murray dropped Ben Christian to claim third and Joseph Corkish outgunned Adam Long and Lucas Mudie for fifth. Harry Cain led Jake Flowers and Ciara Sowerby home for eighth. After establishing an early lead, Conor Davies time trialed his way to a clear victory in the born 1999 age group. Daniel Scarffe overcame Joseph Glover and Liam McCann in the fight for second and Abby Quirk beat Alex Cain to the line for fifth. Rachael Pearson, Cameron Honeybone and Ryan Courtie completed the score sheet. For the second week in succession and the third time this season Laura Kinley filled the number one slot in the born 1998-96 event, outsprinting Ashley Faragher in the final dash for the line. Matthew Draper, Sophie Black and Jamie Faragher trailed in separately to fill the next three places and Amy Kinley got past Ben Cunningham to take sixth. In the under 12 racing bikes Owen Dudley continued his winning ways, notching up a seventh straight win in front of breakaway partner Joseph Haddock. Third place went to Conor Davies and Matthew Draper overhauled impressive "droppies" first timer Rory McCann to secure fourth. Breeshey Cain was the best girl in a very good sixth place. Revelling in the wet conditions, John Sanderson scored his maiden win in the under 16 racing bikes, taking the chequered flag ahead of fellow frontrunners Jake Kelly and Alex Haddock. Nicholas Corlett took the bunch sprint for fourth and Eleanor Stokoe was the first girl in eighth position. Full results here _____________________________________________ 19th August * The club had four teams entered in last weekend's 3-up 25 mike time trial. John Sanderson, Jake Kelly and Thomas Mazzone won the junior prize, clocking an excellent 1.06.08 for eighth place overall. Jamie Dudley, Matthew Davies and Leon Mazzone were the best juveniles in 1.16.09 (12th overall) and Lucy Johnson, Laura Kinley and Eleanor Stokoe the top girls in 1.21.29 (13th overall). Alex Haddock and Warwick Sanderson lost Jack Wolstencroft along the way but continued as a duo, covering the distance in a very respectable 1.07.57. * Matthew Bostock and Victoria Kinrade competed in the under 12 boys and under 12 girls omnium events at last Sunday's British national youth track championships in Newport, finishing seventh and tenth respectively. * With just one round of the club's Tuesday night youth league to go (Aug 25th), the overall honours in some of the classes are still in the balance. * The resurfacing of the perimeter track at the NSC is due to start immediately after the conclusion of the Royal London 360 Tuesday night youth league. The work is likely to take three or four months to complete. * Don't forget that the club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome is on 21st/ 22nd November. * The club's popular winter training and coaching sessions in the Braaid Hall are scheduled to restart on the first Thursday in November. * Mrs Roxanne Coward has generously increased the annual bursary she presents to the club in memory of her late husband George Wilson to £150. The lucky recipient of the award will be announced at the prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September. * Congratulations to Warwick Sanderson for winning the junior prize in the recent Ramsey Duathlon. Warwick completed the event in an impressive 1.09.10, which was the seventh best time overall. _____________________________________________ 18th August * Despite the changeable weather conditions, there was a good turn out of 202 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 17 of the Royal London 360 youth league. Edward Teare notched up his second success of the series in the novices class. Chloe Comaish was a safe second ahead of Harvey Coole, who outgunned Francesca Avery, Mia Littlewood, Sophia Littlewood and Chloe Dillon for the final place on the podium. Luca Moretta was a good eighth and Lisa McMullin grabbed ninth in front of a trio of chasers consisting of Callum Salisbury, Joey Magee and Ryan Edwards. In the born 2004 & later age group Dillon Dowson rode away from the field to complete a comfortable solo victory. Joshua Dudley beat brother Cameron to the line for second place and Harvey Lawrence outsprinted James Devereau for fourth. Harry Kneen led top girls Mairi Harrison and Mia Worthington home to complete the top six. After making an early break for glory, Jake Wilson held off a late charge from Jonty Bregazzi to increase his tally of wins to four. The fast finishing Darcy Cain picked up the girls' prize in third place, with Jack Christian and Matthew Black coming in separately for fourth and fifth. Relative newcomer Joshua Jones was an impressive sixth in only his third appearance and Matthew Cooil escaped from twins Tom and Leah Brennan to claim seventh. Seth Coole was a steady tenth ahead of Aaron Kirk, Megan Cannell and James Gartshore, who pipped Kitty Thomas for 13th position. Aaron Lund attacked from the gun and gradually pulled away from main rival James Harrison for an emphatic victory in the born 2002 category. Fin Samson got the better of Sam Corlett for third and Jamie McCann got past Will Corkill on the home straight to grab fifth. Blae Cain was the best girl in seventh spot and Elliot Lawrence beat Alastair Flint in the dash for eighth. Charlie Moss rounded off the top ten leader board. Leaving nothing to chance, Max Walker took an early lead in the born 2001 event and maintained it all the way to the finish. Adam Scarffe, who is Walker's main opposition for the overall honours, was a solid second and Juan Kneen eventually got the better of Tyler Cain for third. Emma Draper and Jake Vance rode clear of a six-strong chasing group to secure fifth and sixth respectively, with Matthew Flint leading the rest home in seventh spot. Thomas Bostock came off Sam Batey's wheel to snatch first place in the three-way sprint that decided the outcome of the born 2000 class. Ben Christian was third and Adam Long, who just failed to stay with the three frontrunners, a close fourth. The ever improving Lucas Mudie was fifth ahead of Harry Cain and best girl Ciara Sowerby. Late arrival Jake Flowers started almost a full lap down and did well to work his way up to tenth place. Born 1999 winner Marcus Simpson upped the pace on the final lap and split the field, crossing the line with a clear advantage over nine times winner Conor Davies. Early leader Liam McCann salvaged third and Daniel Scarffe was a secure fourth ahead of Joseph Glover and Alex Cain. The first girl home was Jessica Lloyd in seventh position. For the second time this year Laura Kinley beat all comers to bag maximum points in the born 1998-96 grouping. Laura went from the gun and time trialed to victory, building up a substantial lead on the way. Rory McCann shrugged off a strong challenge from Sophie Black to take second, while the consistent Jamie Faragher had a trouble free ride in fourth place. Kyle Casement had the edge on Madran Hull and James Costain in the tussle for fifth. Owen Dudley attacked breakaway partners Joseph Haddock and Nathan Draper on the penultimate circuit to record his sixth successive victory. Matthew Draper recovered from a crash in the previous race to beat Conor Davies and Marcus Simpson for fourth place. Breeshey Cain returned from holiday to take the girls' award in seventh spot. Alex Haddock got the verdict over John Sanderson in the gallop at the end of the under 16 racing bikes. Nicholas Corlett ousted Jack Wolstencroft, Leon Mazzone and Matthew Davies for third, with Mayo International Youth Tour stage winner Anna Christian the leading girl in seventh place. Jake Kelly, who instigated the winning move, punctured with four laps to go and was forced to retire. Full results here _____________________________________________ 11th August * Over 200 competitors have already put their names down for the club's Royal London 360 youth league's annual prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September. Application forms are available down at the NSC on a Tuesday night or from Dot on 851691. * The organisers of the inaugural Mayo International Youth Tour were delighted with the large entry they received and have promised that next year's event will be even bigger and better. * Club members continue to perform well in the Wednesday night 10 mile time trial league. In the final round on August 5th Jake Kelly posted a rapid 25mins 14secs to take the juvenile prize in 21st position overall, one place and just five seconds ahead of team mate Thomas Mazzone. Alex Haddock was the third fastest juvenile in 25.48, followed by George Doyle in 26.13. Leon Mazzone in 27.24, Nicholas Corlett in 27.57, Jamie Dudley in 28.22, Matthew Bostock in an impressive 29.26 (his first attempt at the distance), Laura Kinley in 30.32 and Nathan Draper in 33.43. * The club is trying to set up an inter-club challenge in the north west region sometime in the winter. More details to follow. * There are only a few of the club's much sought after Mark Cavendish water bottles and T-shirts left. Enquiries to 851691. _____________________________________________ 7th August * Considering that the holiday season is now in full swing, there was a good entry of 203 competitors for round 16 of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in reasonably good conditions. At one point it seemed that the event would suffer the same fate as the previous round, which fell victim to the wet weather. Luckily, the rain that had been falling for most of the day stopped in time for the racing to start on schedule. In the novices class Chloe Comaish rode clear of the field to record her first ever victory. Edward Teare chased hard but in the end had to settle for a safe second ahead of Francesca Avery, who passed Maddie Butterworth on the finish straight to claim the final place on the podium. Daniel Kirk, Sophia Littlewood and Chloe Dillon came in on their own for fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively, with Donal Hensman outsprinting Oliver Wylie and Mia Littlewood for eighth. Harvey Coole recovered from a crash to grab 11th and Luca Moretta edged out Joey Magee for 12th. After finishing second on no fewer than six occasions, Nathan Slack finally made the number one slot in the born 2004 & later category. Issac Kirk got the better of Joshua Dudley for the runners-up spot and Harvey Lawrence came home alone for fourth. Ben Boyle led chasers Niall Colquitt, Mairi Harrison (1st girl), Mia Worthington, Lucy Worthington and Bradley Kneen across the line for seventh. Jake Wilson and Jonty Bregazzi could not be split at the end of the born 2003 age group and were credited with equal first. Leading girl Darcy Cain was also in the frame for the honours but just lost out in the final sprint, finishing a well deserved third. Matthew Black got away from travelling companion Jack Christian to secure fourth and Oliver Williams was an unchallenged sixth. Joshua Jones dropped Aaron Ramsay in the closing stages to snatch seventh and Tom Brennan held off the fast finishing Matthew Coole for ninth. Seth Coole was 11th and Megan Cannell the second girl in 12th place. Notching up his fourth success in a row, Aaron Lund went from the gun in the born 2002 race and never looked like being caught. Joshua Mills broke free from the chasing pack to claim second and a tiring Fin Samson held off a closing Will Corkill for third. Jamie McCann ousted Elliot Lawrence for fifth and Caitlin Christian pipped Charlie Moss for seventh. Alastair Flint and Ben Haworth completed the top ten. Adam Scarffe took advantage of the absence of main rival Max Walker to record his eighth win in the born 2001 class. The hard chasing Tyler Cain was second just ahead of top girl Emma Draper, who continues to make great progress. Juan Kneen was too strong for Amelia Sharpe and Cullen Gell in the dash for fourth, while Thomas Chatel put in a late spurt to overhaul Matthew Flint and Chloe Crellin in the battle for seventh. Lydia Glover rounded off the top ten leader board. Glen Vine's Thomas Bostock got the verdict over Sam Batey and Ben Christian in the gallop at the end of the born 2000 event. Adam Kelly had a lonely race in fourth place after just failing to get on the back of the three leaders. Lucas Mudie left Adam Long and Harry Cain behind to take fifth, his best result of the series so far, and Jake Flowers overtook Daniel Cowin on the last lap to secure eighth. A last lap injection of speed earned Conor Davies a comfortable win in the Born 1999 category. Joseph Glover, Liam McCann and Daniel Scarffe trailed in for second, third and fourth , with Kaitlin Slack edging out Abby Quirk for fifth place. Jamie Dudley forged ahead of Matthew Draper on the final circuit to bag maximum points for the tenth time in the born 1998-96 grouping. Sophie Black was a good third ahead of Brandon Cain and Amy Kinley, who got the better of Sam Mills in the fight for fifth. In the under 12 racing bikes Owen Dudley outgunned breakaway partners Matthew Draper, Joseph Haddock, Nathan Draper and Conor Davies in the dash for the chequered flag. Sixth placed Thomas Bostock led in a five strong group of pursuers consisting of Dan Watterson, Liam McCann, Sam Batey and Callum Clague, with William Draper the best of the rest in 11th place. Amy Kinley (12th) took the girls' prize from Eleanor Davies and Kaitlin Slack. Birthday boy George Doyle scored his maiden win in the under 16's racing bikes 25 lapper. Doyle sprinted to victory ahead of Alex Haddock and Jake Kelly after a 12- strong breakaway group had been whittled down to just four riders. Warwick Sanderson was dropped by the three frontrunners in the closing stages, settling for a solid fourth in front of the main chasing bunch spearheaded by Nicholas Corlett and Leon Mazzone. The leading girl was Anna Christian in tenth place. Full results here _____________________________________________ 6th August * There were some outstanding performances, including five stage wins, from the 14 Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man members who competed in last weekend's inaugural 3-day Mayo International Youth Tour in the west of Ireland. Port Soderick's Jake Kelly was the star of the show, finishing a brilliant second overall in category 2/2a for 14 and 13 year olds. Making his racing debut in the Emerald Isle, Jake won three of the four stages to finish level on time with Ulsterman Craig Arrigan (Team Leinster). On count back, however, Arrigan was awarded the victory by virtue of his four second win in stage 2's time trial. In the same class Jamie Dudley rode very well to end the three days in an impressive 8th overall and third best category 2a rider. Jamie ended the tour on a high, grabbing second place behind team mate Kelly in the sprint at the end of stage four. A bit further down the order Matthew Davies was 29th overall (10th cat, 2a), Callum Donnell 35th (13th cat.2a) and Alex Christian 54th (11th girl). In Category 3/3a for 12 and 11 year olds Anna Christian was in the thick of the action throughout. She outsprinted the field to win stage three's road race in fine style and secure the girls' honours in an excellent third place overall. The team's success continued in the following day's final stage when Owen Dudley outgunned Jake Gray and Declan Mulholland ( both Team Ulster A) for a stage win that moved him up to sixth in the final overall standings and second cat.3a rider. Joseph Haddock, Eleanor Stokoe, Laura Kinley, who lost time in a first stage crash, and Nathan Draper also put in good performances to come 8th, 9th, 12th and 13th respectively, with Eleanor and Laura finishing second and third behind club mate Christian in the girls' competition. Laura was also a good fourth in category 3a. In the category 1/1a age group for 16 and 15 year olds consistent top 15 placings put George Doyle in a very respectable 11th spot overall. Luke Simpson, who was a guest rider for the team, was 16th and Alex Haddock, who was held up by a crash on the opening day, 19th. To round a very successful weekend Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man took the runners-up prize in the category 2/2a and category 3/3a team competitions. _____________________________________________ 2nd August * Matthew Bostock finished an excellent third in the tenth and penultimate round of British Cycling's national youth circuit race series, staged at Gwynedd in Wales today (Saturday). The 17 points he picked up for third plus the six bonus points he received for coming second in the two pre-designated sprint laps should be enough to give the Glen Vine youngster the overall victory. * There was a large contingent of RL360 and Manx Viking Wheelers members on the Champs-Elysees to see former club member Mark Cavendish win his historic sixth stage of the Tour de France. * Allan Peiper, the sports director at Mark Cavendish's Columbia HTC, was guest of honour at the Manx Viking Wheelers annual dinner in 1994. Accompanied by his wife Christine, the former cycling superstar and Tour de France rider flew in from his home in Belgium and entertained everyone at the dinner with a "down to earth" talk on his life in the professional ranks. The day after the dinner Allan and his wife were given a conducted tour of the island by Dot Tilbury and Tracey Whiteway. * Weather permitting, there are four rounds of the club's Royal London 360 youth league to be completed. The final event is scheduled for Tuesday, 25th August. * Jake Kelly won today's (Sat. Aug 1st) opening stage of the inaugural Mayo Youth Tour in the west of Ireland. _____________________________________________ 31st July * Last Tuesday night's (July 28th) round of the club's youth league was cancelled due to heavy rain and a partially flooded NSC. Weather permitting, there are still four more rounds to be staged. A total of 564 competitors have already taken part in the 2009 series. * Thirteen riders will be representing the club in this weekend's (August 1st-3rd) Mayo International Youth Tour. The four stage event has attracted a bumper field of at least 128 competitors, including the Lotto-Bodysol team from Belgium and a seven-strong all-girls outfit from Scotland. The action gets underway on Saturday afternoon. * The club's Royal London 360 youth league prize presentation is being held in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September, starting at 5.30pm for 6.00pm. Admission is free and all competitors receive a prize. If you intend to go please register by completing one of the forms that are available at the NSC on a Tuesday night. * Congratulations to Matthew Bostock on his superb win in last Saturday's British national under 12 boys youth championship. In a very close finish. Matthew outsprinted rivals Robert Armstrong (Ribble Valley Juniors) and Harry Lock (Maindy Flyers) to claim the title by less than width of a tyre. _____________________________________________ 24th July * Eleven year old Joseph Haddock has been named Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man's "rider of the month" for June. The young Laxey rider has shown great improvement in this year's Royal London 360 youth league at the NSC, with a string of top three finishes, making him an odds on favourite for a podium position in in the overall standings of the very competitive under 12's racing bike class. Joseph has also performed well in British Cycling's national youth series, posting an excellent fifth spot overall in his home leg the IOM Youth Tour. In recognition of his achievement he receives a gold cup and £25 in cash. * Jamie Dudley is the RL360 rider who features in L'Equipe's article on Mark Cavendish. Two of the magazine's journalists attended the TT week round of the club's Tuesday night league at the NSC to conduct interviews and take photographs of the place where it all started for the Manx Missile. * Application forms for the club's prize presentation in the Villa Marina on Sunday, 6th September are now available. They can be collected down at the NSC on Tuesday nights or from Dot on 851691. * The club's annual fundraising stall at the Tynwald Fair raised over £600. The Vickers family from Foxdale were the lucky winners of a brand new mountain bike in the hidden treasure competition. A big thank you to everyone who helped out on the day, especially Bikestyle who kindly donated the bike. * Thomas Mazzone finished runner-up in his age group at the recent TLI national championships in Wales. * The British Cycling website now features a selection of Andrew Haddock's excellent photos with the RL360 league reports it posts each week on the road page. * The organisers of the inaugural Mayo Youth Tour in Ireland have received more than 120 entries to date - and they are still coming in! _____________________________________________ 23rd July * A late break in last Tuesday's very wet weather allowed round 14 of the Royal London 360 youth cycling league to go ahead in surprisingly good conditions. Despite the soaking that the NSC had received during the day, the perimeter track was almost completely dry by the time the 243 competitors were ready to race. In the novices class Alex Butterworth held off the ever improving Edward Teare to claim maximum points for an eleventh time. Top girl Chloe Comaish beat Maddie Butterworth, Francesca Avery and Chloe Dillon to the line for third, with Daniel Kirk following them in for seventh. Jayden Go was a good eighth and Harvey Coole led Sam Cunningham and Sophia Littlewood in for ninth. Oliver Corkish completed the top twelve leader board. Dillon Dowson soloed to an impressive victory in the born 2004 & later age group. Nathan Slack edged out Isaac Kirk for the runners-up spot and Joshua Dudley rode away from brother Cameron to claim fourth. Mia Worthington was the first girl home in sixth place and James Devereau outsprinted Sophie Bolton and Mairi Harrison for seventh. Niall Colquitt was a solid tenth and Ralf Holden won his battle with Bradley Kneen and Thomas Ross for 11th. Scoring his second win in succession, Jake Wilson set a fast pace in the born 2003 category and left the rest of the field in his wheel tracks to fight over the minor placings. Jonty Bregazzi overtook leading girl Darcy Cain on the final lap to snatch second and Matthew Black overcame Jack Christian and impressive newcomer Joshua Jones for fourth. Tom Brennan was a lonely seventh and Matthew O'Neill headed Seth Coole and Leah Brennan home for eighth. Aaron Lund dropped breakaway companions Fin Samson and James Harrison in the closing stages to complete a hat-trick of wins in the born 2002 event. Jamie McCann was too strong for Joshua Mills, Jack Whitelegg and Blae Cain (1st girl) in the dash for fourth, while Caitlin Christian stayed clear of Ben Haworth, Charlotte Watson and Archie Walter for eighth. Charlie Moss salvaged twelfth after recovering from a crash on the finish straight. A blistering attack on the opening lap gave Max Walker a race winning advantage in the born 2001 class. Adam Scarffe and Tyler Cain made a spirited attempt to get across to the leader but in the end had to settle for second and third places respectively. Jake Vance overtook Juan Kneen to secure fourth and Matthew Flint got away from best girl Emma Draper to take sixth. Thomas Chatel, George Ratcliffe and Chloe Crellin rounded off the top ten. In the born 2000 race Luke Murray got the better of Sam Batey after the two had escaped from a breakaway group of four riders. Joseph Corkish pipped Thomas Bostock for third and Ben Christian finished a safe fifth ahead of chasers Adam Kelly, Lucas Mudie and Adam Long. The girls' prize went to Ciara Sowerby in 11th spot. Conor Davies hit his rivals with a perfectly timed last lap attack to bag his eighth win in the born 1999 age group. Marcus Simpson, the winner of the previous two rounds, was second and Joseph Glover put in a late burst to overhaul Liam McCann for fourth. Kaitlin Slack was the top girl in fifth spot and Daniel Scarffe a steady sixth ahead of Alex Cain and the fast finishing Abby Quirk. A determined Ashley Faragher was too strong for breakaway partners Laura Kinley and Matthew Draper in the gallop at the end of the born 1998-96 three lapper. Rory McCann ousted Nathan Draper for fourth and Jamie Faragher had the edge over Brandon Cain in the tussle for sixth. Amy Kinley and Samantha Crowe came in on their own to claim eighth and ninth, with Jamie Chatel doing well to grab tenth in a close fight with Breesha Quirk and Ben Cunningham. There was a large entry for the under 12 racing bike event. A group of five riders formed an early break and stayed clear to the finish where Owen Dudley outgunned Matthew Draper, Victoria Kinrade (1st girl), Joseph Haddock and Michael Moss in the final dash for the line. Dan Watterson rode well for sixth and Conor Davies was the best under 14 rider in seventh place. Sam Batey was an impressive 15th in his first outing in the "droppies" class. Jake Kelly instigated the race winning move in the under 16 racing bikes. Thomas Mazzone and George Doyle joined him at the front and together the trio built up a sizable lead. Eventually, Mazzone and Doyle broke free from Kelly and went on to contest the final sprint which Mazzone won. Kelly was third, Nicholas Corlett fourth and Leon Mazzone fifth one place in front of the first girl Anna Christian. Results here _____________________________________________ 20th July Round 12: * A strong cross wind made conditions difficult for the 271 competitors who took part in round 12 of the Royal London youth league at the NSC last Tuesday night (July 7th). In the novices class winner Alex Butterworth had to work hard to stay clear of the fast finishing Edward Teare. Top girl Chloe Comaish was a lonely third and Harvey Coole edged out Daniel Kirk, Chloe Dillon and Francesca Avery for fourth. James Scott was a safe eighth and relative newcomer Jayden Go had a great ride to take ninth ahead of Sam Cunningham and Calvin Russell-Dunn. Further down the field first timer Adam Shaw finished a promising 23rd. Cameron Dudley notched up his first ever win in the born 2004 & Later event, taking the chequered flag well clear of Nathan Slack, who outsprinted Harvey Lawrence for the runners-up spot. Joshua Dudley was a secure fourth and James Devereau led leading girl Mia Worthington in for fifth. Issac Kirk pipped Lucy Worthington for seventh and Ralf Holden got the better of Joshua Kelly in the battle for ninth. Mairi Harrison took the bunch sprint for 11th. Percy Hampton overtook early leader Jake Wilson on the last lap to record his tenth success in the born 2003 category. Oliver Williams was a comfortable third in front of birthday girl Darcy Cain, who held off Jack Christian for an impressive fourth. Aaron Ramsey ousted Paris Etchells in the dash for sixth and Thomas Skillicorn beat Haydn Waddington to the line for eighth. Matthew O'Neill completed the top ten. A determined Aaron Lund had to fight off a strong challenge from James Harrison on the way to notching up his inaugural victory in the born 2002 age group. Will Corkill was too strong for Fin Samson in the gallop for third and Joshua Mills made up a lot of ground on the final circuit to snatch fifth from Alastair Flint. Peel's Wilfy Kermode overcame Anna Kelly (1st girl), Elliot Lawrence, Caitlin Christian, Sam Corlett, Charlotte Watson and Archie Walter in the sprint for seventh. Leading from start to finish, Max Walker continued his winning ways in the born 2001 race. Adam Scarffe maintained a solid second throughout the three laps and Juan Kneen shook off Jake Vance in the dash for final place on the podium. Amelia Sharpe took the girls' prize in fourth place and Emma Draper finished strongly to take sixth ahead of Chloe Crellin. Thomas Bostock came off Sam Batey's wheel on the home straight to nab maximum points in the born 2000 class. Joseph Corkish ousted Ben Christian for third and first girl Ciara Sowerby produced one of her best performances to grab a fine fifth. Lucas Mudie was sixth, with Harry Cain getting the verdict over Jed Etchells and Sean Maxwell in the tussle for seventh. Adam Kelly (16th) was in line for a top six finish but had to push in after a pedal came loose on the final lap. Conor Davies pulled a foot out in the sprint at the end of the born 1999 event, handing a relatively easy win to main rival Marcus Simpson. Top girl Eleanor Davies, who was with the two front runners for most of the race, was a good third and Kaitlin Slack fourth ahead of fellow female competitors Abby Quirk, Emma Reeday, Rachael Pearson and Jessica Lloyd. In the born 1998-96 grouping Jamie Dudley outgunned breakaway companions Ashley Faragher and Matthew Draper in a frantic three-way sprint for the line. Laura Kinley got away from Tamara Preskey on the penultimate lap to claim second place and Juan Hunter came from behind to pip Kathryn Hull and Jamie Faragher for sixth. Ben Cunningham and Amy Kinley rounded off the top ten and in one of the closest finishes of the night Breesha Quirk beat Phoebe Ferguson for 11th. Owen Dudley picked up his second successive win in the very well supported under 12 racing bikes event. Joseph Haddock and Matthew Draper filled the remaining places on the podium and Victoria Kinrade kept the ever improving Tamara Preskey at bay for fourth. Nathan Draper was a good sixth ahead of Breeshey Cain, Conor Davies, Dan Watterson and Marcus Simpson. Attacking with 15 laps to go, an aggressive Alex Haddock powered away from the field to score a brilliant solo victory. George Doyle led Thomas Mazzone home for second and Jake Kelly headed Nicholas Corlett over the line to take the U/14 honours in fourth place. First girl Anna Christian held her own with the boys, finishing a very good ninth behind Callum Donnell. Full results here
Round 13 * A torrential downpour halfway through the ten race programme failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the 306 youngsters who competed in round 13 of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night (14th July). Enjoying the best of the conditions, Edward Teare outsprinted leading girl Maddie Butterworth to record his first win of the season in the novices class. Chloe Comaish and Daniel Kirk trailed in on their own for third and fourth respectively, with Francesca Avery edging out Harvey Coole for fifth. Chloe Dillon, Callum Dunn and Calvin Russell-Dunn stayed clear of the chasing pack to fill the next three places, while Sam Cunningham took the bunch gallop to round off the top ten. Zac Walker won a close tussle with Dillon Dowson to pick up maximum points for the eleventh time in the born 2004 & later category. Nathan Slack beat Isaac Kirk to the line for the final podium position and Joshua Dudley led twin brother Cameron in for fifth place. James Devereau was a safe seventh and Ben Boyle edged out Mairi Harrison (1st girl), Mia Worthington, Andrew Tobin, Sophie Bolton, Harry Kneen, William Cawte and Lucy Worthington in the dash for eighth. Callum Crellin led the next wave of chasers in for 16th spot. Jake Wilson fought off a strong challenge from Jonty Bregazzi to notch up his maiden victory in the born 2003 event. Matthew Black claimed third after riding away from Madison Nicol (1st girl) and Darcy Cain, who were having their own private battle for the girls' honours. Oliver Williams dropped Jack Christian and Haydn Waddington on the last lap to grab sixth, while the fast finishing Paris Etchells overtook Matthew O'Neill, Tom Brennan, Ryan Quirk and Seth Coole on the final run in to snatch a well deserved ninth. In the born 2002 age group Aaron Lund scored his second win in as many weeks, ousting round eleven winner James Harrison in the final lunge for the line. Fin Samson squeezed out Wilfy Kermode and Sam Corlett in the fight for third, with Liam Crook finishing a very good sixth in only his second appearance in the league. Joshua Mills, Jamie McCann, Alastair Flint and Ben Haworth completed the top ten and eleventh placed Caitlin Christian took the girls' prize one place in front of main rival Charlie Moss. Max Walker attacked the field on the opening lap of the born 2001 race and was never caught. Adam Scarffe was too strong for Tyler Cain, Jake Vance and Juan Kneen in the tussle for the runners-up spot and a rejuvenated Emma Draper (6th) finished strongly to pip Amelia Sharpe and Chloe Crellin for the girls' prize.Cullen Gell was a lonely ninth and Thomas Chatel managed to fend off a late charge from Charlie Sigley and Rory Donegan to secure tenth place. By the time the born 2000 riders lined up for the start of their race the heavens had opened and the rain was bouncing off the track. Undeterred by the very wet weather, Tom Murray splashed his way round to his second victory of the year. Nine-time winner and overall leader Luke Murray settled for second ahead of Thomas Bostock, Sam Batey, Adam Kelly and Ben Christian. Ninth placed Ciara Sowerby beat Olivia Sharpe for the girls' honours. In the born 1999 class Marcus Simpson made the most of the damp conditions to add another win to his tally and keep his overall aspirations alive. Conor Davies, Marcus' chief opposition for the 2009 title, was a safe second followed by Liam McCann, Joseph Glover and first girl Eleanor Davies. With the rain still pouring down, Jamie Dudley led the field home for his eighth successive win in the 1998-96 grouping. Ashley Faragher held off Laura Kinley for second and Matthew Draper kept Tamara Preskey at bay for fourth. Newcomer Brandon Cain did well to finish eighth in the not very pleasant conditions. Although the precipitation had eased off considerably for the racing bike events, the track was still very wet. Celebrating in Mark Cavendish style, Owen Dudley got the verdict over Matthew Draper and Joseph Haddock in the sprint at the end of the under 12 race. Nathan Draper and Michael Moss had great rides to gain fourth and fifth places respectively, their best results to date, with Tamara Preskey (1st girl) getting the better of Marcus Simpson for seventh spot. Thomas Mazzone took the chequered flag ahead of breakaway partner Alex Haddock to win the shortened under 16 twelve lapper. Jake Kelly was the best under 14 rider in third place and Nicholas Corlett and Jamie Dudley were rewarded for their hard work during the race with fourth and fifth. George Doyle made the most significant break of the night but overshot the bottom corner and had to take to the grass, using all his bike handling skills to stay upright. He recovered well and fought his way back up to sixth. Eleanor Stokoe was the first girl home in ninth place. Full results here _____________________________________________ 2nd July * Near tropical conditions greeted the 303 competitors who took part in round eleven of the Royal London 360 youth league at the NSC last Tuesday night. Alex Butterworth notched up his tenth successive win in the novices class. Edward Teare outsprinted top girl Chloe Comaish for the runners-up spot, with Francesca Avery leading the rest of the field in for fourth place. Maddie Butterworth and Toby Wylie rounded off the top six. In the born 2004 & later age group Zac Walker took the number one slot in a very close finish with Dillon Dowson. Third place went to Nathan Slack, who ousted Isaac Kirk in the final dash for the line. Joshua Dudley led brother Cameron in for fifth and Harvey Lawrence finished on his own to claim seventh. James Devereau squeezed out Harry Kneen, William Cawte, Sophie Bolton (1st girl), Bradley Kneen, Lucy Worthington and Aaron Christian in the bunch gallop for eighth. Percy Hampton broke away from a leading group of six riders to secure a fine solo victory in the born 2003 category. Jonty Bregazzi beat Jake Wilson to the line for second place and Oliver Williams held off Matthew Black and leading girl Darcy Cain for fourth. Madison Nicol was seventh and Haydn Waddington was too fast for Aaron Ramsay, Jack Christian and Seth Coole in the sprint for eighth. Megan Cannell got the better of Matthew O'Neill for the remaining place on the top twelve leader board. Scoring his maiden success of the series, James Harrison went from the gun in the born 2002 event and retained his lead to the finish. Will Corkill went off in pursuit but in the end had to settle for second place ahead of Fin Samson, who had the edge over Elliot Lawrence, Jamie McCann, Caitlin Christian (1st girl), Charlie Moss and Joshua Mills in the battle for third. Sam Corlett and Ben Haworth completed the top ten. An early solo bid for glory gave Max Walker his fourth victory in the born 2001 class. Overall leader Adam Scarffe was a solid second and Juan Kneen held off the fast finishing Tyler Cain for third. Matthew Flint was a lonely fifth and Jake Vance rode clear of the main chasing bunch to grab sixth. Cullen Gell forged ahead of Rory Donegan to snatch seventh and Amelia Sharpe led Lydia Glover, Chloe Crellin and Jade Lund home for the girls' prize. Six riders were in with a chance at the end of the born 2000 three lapper, with Luke Murray eventually getting the verdict over Thomas Bostock, Tom Murray, Sam Batey, Ben Christian and Adam Kelly. Regular top ten finisher Adam Long was seventh and Jed Etchells gradually progressed up the order to take eighth from Harry Cain. The best girl was Olivia Sharpe in 12th spot. Having fully recovered from the football injury that kept him out of the previous round, Conor Davies was too strong for Marcus Simpson in the sprint at the end of the born 1999 race. Early frontrunners Liam McCann and Kaitlin Slack salvaged third and fourth respectively, while Daniel Scarffe escaped from the group he was circulating with to claim fifth ahead of Joseph Glover. A last lap injection of speed was enough to give Jamie Dudley a winning advantage in the born 1998-96 grouping. Ashley Faragher was unable to match Dudley's pace and had to settle for second place ahead of Matthew Draper. The hard working Laura Kinley held off a determined Tamara Preskey to take the girls' honours in fourth spot and Juan Hunter got the better of Sophie Black for sixth. After dropping their three breakaway partners, Owen Dudley pipped Matthew Draper for the honours in the U/10, U/12 racing bikes. Victoria Kinrade did well to hang onto the fast moving duo the longest and was rewarded with a well deserved third place. Breeshey Cain was a good fourth and Conor Davies fifth, with relative newcomer Nathan Draper taking an impressive sixth ahead of Thomas Bostock. The ever improving trio of Dan Watterson (8th), Liam McCann (9th) and Michael Moss (10th) all showed excellent promise. Alex Haddock made a blistering attack in the U/14, U/16 racing bikes and quickly built up a sizable lead. Thomas Mazzone saw the danger and made a successful attempt to bridge the gap. The two riders worked together to the finish where Mazzone took the sprint. Jack Wolstencroft was third and Jake Kelly the best U/14 rider in fourth place. Twelfth placed Anna Christian beat Eleanor Stokoe for the girls prize. Full results here _____________________________________________ 1st July * The total number of competitors participating in this year's Royal London 360 Tuesday night youth league has now passed the 500 mark. * Don't forget to visit the club's fundraising stall at Tynwald Fair on Monday, 6th July. Following last year's successful formula, the main attraction will be a "find the treasure" competition for a brand new mountain bike kindly donated by Bikestyle. * Photographs from the 2009 IOM Youth Tour can be viewed on Andrew Haddock's excellent website Manxscape Photography. The site, which will be regularly updated, can be accessed through the "2009 Photos" link on the left. * There were more outstanding performances, including six top ten placings, from the 21 team members who competed in last Saturday's CC Giro Circuit Races in Lichfield. The event, which was the seventh round of British Cycling's national youth series, attracted a large field of nearly 200 of Britain's top young cyclists. Matthew Bostock maintained his challenge for the overall honours with a fine fifth place in the U/12 boys. Jake Kelly also did his overall aspirations no harm by finishing in the same position in the U/14 boys. Charlie Gibson and Blae Cain were the runners-up in the U/8 boys and U/8 girls, with Thomas Bostock a good eighth in he under 10's and Anna Christian a solid tenth in the U/14 girls. _____________________________________________ 26th June * Conditions could not have been better for the 315 competitors who turned up at a sun drenched NSC last Tuesday night for round ten of the Royal London 360 youth cycling league. The novices class got the proceedings underway with Alex Butterworth taking the honours by a clear margin from James Scott, who held off leading girl Francesca Avery for the runners-up spot. Harvey Comaish-Coole outsprinted Maddie Butterworth for fourth and Toby Wylie led relative newcomer Josh Watterson over the line for sixth. Callum Dunn got away from the main chasing bunch to grab eighth ahead of Donal Hensman, Sam Cunningham, Chloe Comaish and Chloe Dillon. In the born 2004 & later category Zac Walker took an early lead and maintained it to the finish. Dillon Dowson overcame Nathan Slack in the battle for second and Cameron Dudley rode clear of brother Joshua to claim fourth. Harvey Lawrence was a lonely sixth and William Cawte got the better of James Devereau and top girl Lucy Worthington for seventh place. A last lap attack secured an eighth win for Percy Hampton in the born 2003 event. Jonty Bregazzi snatched second from the fast finishing Matthew Black and early leader Oliver Williams kept best girl Darcy Cain at bay for fourth. The consistent Jake Wilson was sixth and Brayden Roche returned from a two week break to take seventh from Madison Nicol, Matthew O'Neill, Seth Coole and Aaron Ramsay. Born 2002 race winner Charlie Gibson made his race winning move on the opening lap, leaving the rest of the field in his wheel tracks to fight over the minor placings. Aaron Lund led the chasers home for second place, with James Harrison, Fin Samson, Tom Cain and Joshua Mills filling the remaining places on the top six leader board. Charlotte Watson was the first girl in 11th spot. Adam Scarffe and Max Walker fought over the honours in the born 2001 class, with Adam just getting the verdict in the final sprint for the line. Juan Kneen was a safe third and Matthew Flint edged out impressive newcomer and top BMX rider Tyler Cain for fourth. Amelia Sharpe took the girls' prize in sixth place and George Ratcliffe ousted Cullen Gell, Thomas Chatel, Charlie Sigley, Jade Lund and Chloe Crellin in the hotly contested gallop for seventh. Luke Murray outgunned breakaway companions Sam Batey, Tom Murray and Thomas Bostock to pick up maximum points in the born 2000 class. Joseph Corkish dropped off the back of the leading group on the final circuit, settling for fifth ahead of Adam Kelly, Ben Christian and Adam Long, who all trailed in on their own. Jed Etchells beat Harry Cain and Lucas Mudie in the dash for ninth and Antony Coward led top girl Olivia Sharpe in for 12th place. With main rival Conor Davies out of action due to a football injury, the way was left clear for Marcus Simpson to pick up his second success in the born 1999 event. Marcus took the chequered flag well clear of Joseph Glover, who got past Eleanor Davies and Liam McCann to nab second. Kaitlin Slack stayed ahead of Alex Cain, Daniel Scarffe and Abby Quirk for fifth. In the born 1998-96 age group Jamie Dudley broke free on the penultimate lap and powered to a fine solo victory. Matthew Draper dropped fellow chaser Laura Kinley in the closing stages to claim second and Tamara Preskey did well to finish fourth after spending most of the race in no-man's-land. Juan Hunter outsprinted Sophie Black, Jamie Faragher and Rory McCann for fifth position. Once again the U/10, U/12 racing bikes provided some of the most exciting racing of the night. A breakaway group of four riders stayed away to the finish, with British national series leader Matthew Bostock taking the win from Owen Dudley, Joseph Haddock and Matthew Draper. Top girl Victoria Kinrade was a good fifth and the ever improving Dan Watterson a fine sixth - his best result of the season so far. Tamara Preskey, Nathan Draper, Breeshey Cain and Thomas Bostock completed the top ten. The U/14, U/16 racing bikes 25 lapper was enlivened by a series of attacks from Jake Kelly, Alex Haddock, Callum Donnell, Warwick Sanderson and George Doyle. Eventual winner Thomas Mazzone also had a dig towards the end of the race. However, the final outcome was decided by the inevitable sprint which Mazzone convincingly won from John Sanderson, who narrowly pipped brother Warwick with a last minute lunge for the line. Anna Christian (13th) beat Laura Kinley, Lucy Johnson and Eleanor Stokoe for the girls' award. Full results here _____________________________________________ 22nd June * Returning to normal after TT fortnight, there was a large turnout of 320 competitors for round nine of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in warm but increasingly overcast conditions. Alex Butterworth scored his eighth successive victory in the novices class. Edward Teare was a close second and top girl Francesca Avery pipped James Scott for third. Harvey Comaish-Coole and Maddie Butterworth completed the top six. In the born 2004 and later category Zac Walker held off a chasing group of three riders to claim another fine solo win. Dillon Dowson outsprinted Nathan Slack and Isaac Kirk for the runners-up spot, with Cameron Dudley riding away from his brother Joshua and William Cawte to grab fifth. Harry Kneen was too fast for Ralf Holden, Mairi Harrison (1st girl), Lucy Worthington, Cameron Hawes and Sophie Bolton in the bunch gallop for eighth. A last lap attack secured a seventh win for Percy Hampton in the born 2003 event. Jonty Bregazzi got the better of Matthew Black and Jake Wilson in the dash for second and Oliver Williams led leading girl Darcy Cain over the line for fifth. Madison Nicol and Seth Coole finished separately in seventh and eighth places respectively, with Thomas Skillicorn ousting Aaron Ramsay, Ben Grainger and Jack Christian for ninth. Charlie Gibson rode clear of the field in the born 2002 age group, taking the chequered flag well ahead of chasers Aaron Lund and James Harrison. The fast finishing Alastair Flint overhauled Joshua Mills and Oliver Dean in the final few metres to snatch fourth and Will Corkill beat Blae Cain, Tom Cain, Jack Whitelegg, Charlotte Watson and Archie Walter in the battle for seventh. In the closely contested born 2001 class Max Walker surged ahead of breakaway partner Adam Scarffe on the last lap to record his third win of the season. Juan Kneen squeezed out Matthew Flint and Jake Vance for the final place on the podium and Amelia Sharpe came in on her own to take the girls' prize in sixth spot. Rory Donegan edged out Cullen Gell for seventh and Thomas Chatel managed to stay clear of the main chasing bunch to bag ninth. Twins Luke and Tom Murray had the advantage over Sam Batey and Thomas Bostock in the sprint at the end of the born 2000 three lapper. Adam Kelly found the pace at the front too hot and dropped back to finish a safe fifth ahead of Jed Etchells and Ben Christian. Port Erin's Joseph Corkish recovered from a poor start, making up eleven places to pip Harry Cain for eighth and Adam Long kept the fast finishing Sean Maxwell at bay for tenth. Ciara Sowerby was the best girl in 12th position. Conor Davies outgunned Marcus Simpson for the honours in the born 1999 class. Eleanor Davies, who only lost touch with the two frontrunners in the closing stages, was a good third and Kaitlin Slack fourth, with Daniel Scarffe leading Abby Quirk and Alex Cain home for fifth. In the born 1998-96 event Jamie Dudley just got the verdict in a very close finish with Ashley Faragher. Matthew Draper was third followed by the hard working Laura Kinley, Tamara Preskey and Sophie Black. Matthew Bostock got away with Joseph Haddock midway through the U/10, U/12 racing bike event. On the penultimate lap Matthew Draper made a successful attempt to get across to them and duly went on to finish a very good second behind Bostock. Haddock was third and the impressive Tamara Preskey did well to take fourth ahead of Conor Davies and Breeshey Cain, who rounded off the top six. Thomas Mazzone won the U/14, U/16 racing bikes from Jake Kelly and Alex Haddock. All three riders made solo bids for glory during the race, the most successful coming from Haddock who at one point had a 19 second lead on his pursuers. George Doyle was the best of the rest in fourth place and Nicholas Corlett had the upper hand on Jamie Dudley and Leon Mazzone in the dash for fifth. Lucy Johnson was the best girl in 11th spot. Full results here _____________________________________________ 15th June * The Knights family would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages they received following Joshua's golfing accident. Thanks to the prompt action taken by Nobles and Alder Hey hospitals Josh is now well on the way to a full recovery and recuperating at home.. * Connaught Youth Cycling have put together an exciting programme for the forthcoming Mayo International Youth Tour - the successor to the popular Kerry Youth Tour. Based at Kiltimagh in County East Mayo, the three-day event gets underway on Saturday, August 1st with a road race on the undulating roads of the Swinford-Bohola-Kiltimagh circuit. Stage 2 on Sunday, August 2nd consists of a 4km time trial between Bohola and Kiltimagh, followed by a road race in the rolling countryside around Kiltimagh and Knock.The tour ends on Sunday, August 3rd with a short circuit race in Kiltimagh town. * Our sponsor Royal London 360 supported the Superstock race in this year's TT races. The company's distinctive logo appeared in impressive full page ads in the official programme and race guide. * Conor Davies has been voted the club's rider of the month for May. Conor has impressed the judges with a string of excellent performances on and off the island. During the month he won the North West Region Youth Championship, was second overall in the IOM Youth Tour and fourth overall in the North West Youth Tour. He also leads the born 1999 mountain bike and under 10's racing bike classes in Royal London 360 circuit racing league at the NSC. In recognition of his achievements Conor received an engraved gold cup and £25 in cash. * The club will be taking a large squad of 21 riders to the CC Giro circuit races in Curborough on 27 June. The event is the seventh round of British Cycling's prestigious national youth series. * A journalist and photographer from the famous French sports publication L'Equipe were at the NSC on the Tuesday of TT week to report on round eight of the Royal London 360 youth league and see for themselves where it all started for Mark Cavendish. _____________________________________________ 12th June * Despite the difficulties caused by the rescheduling of the TT programme, a total of 122 competitors made it down to the NSC last Tuesday night for round eight of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league. In the novices class Alex Butterworth cruised to another fine solo victory, taking the chequered flag with a clear advantage over runner-up Callum Dunn. Ballamodha's Harvey Comaish-Coole took third ahead of James Scott and Maddie Butterworth, who pipped sixth placed Chloe Comaish for the girls' prize. Donal Hensman, Luca Moretta, Zachary Dowson and Joey Magee completed the top ten. Zac Walker increased his tally of wins in the born 2004 and later category to seven. Nathan Slack outsprinted Dillon Dowson for second and Cameron Dudley led twin brother Cameron home for fourth. Harry Kneen beat James Devereau to the line for sixth and leading girl Mairi Harrison stayed clear of Jack Sowerby and Andrew Tobin to grab eighth. Percy Hampton rode away from the field to score another impressive win in the born 2003 category. Jake Wilson fought off a strong challenge from Jonty Bregazzi to claim second, with Matthew Black clipping off the front of the chasing group to catch and overtake top girl Darcy Cain for fourth. Seth Coole was a safe sixth and Jack Christian edged out Ben Grainger for seventh. Retaining his unbeaten record, Charlie Gibson went from the gun in the born 2002 category and was never seen again. Aaron Lund and James Harrison dropped fellow chaser Oliver Dean on the final lap to grab second and third respectively, while Archie Walter managed to hold off Blae Cain and Charlie Moss for fifth. Nathan Thorpe came from behind to pip Joshua Crichton in the dash for eighth place. In the born 2001 race Adam Scarffe and Jake Vance escaped from a leading group of five riders to secure first and second places. Two time winner Max Walker was a solid third and Juan Kneen forged ahead of Amelia Sharpe to take fourth. Thomas Chatel beat Chloe Crellin, Lydia Glover and Emma Draper in the gallop for sixth spot. Brothers Tom and Luke Murray were too strong for Sam Batey and Thomas Bostock in the final sprint at the end of the born 2000 class. Fifth placed Ben Christian lost contact with the four frontrunners on the penultimate lap and Olivia Sharpe led Ciara Sowerby over the line to pick up the girls' award in her very first outing of the season. Harry Cain was just behind in eighth place and Seam Maxwell squeezed out Daniel Costain and Jamie Comaish for ninth. A determined Conor Davies had to work hard to oust Marcus Simpson in the two-way tussle for the born 1999 honours. Joseph Glover and Eleanor Davies found the pace at the front too hot and were left in the leaders' wake to salvage third and fourth respectively. Liam McCann and Kaitlin Slack filled the remaining places on the top six leader board. Jamie Dudley had the edge over breakaway partners Ashley Faragher, Matthew Draper and Laura Kinley in the gallop to decide the outcome of the born 1998-96 grouping. Sophie Black was a close fifth and Jamie Faragher a lonely sixth, with newcomer Samantha Crowe doing well to beat Amy Kinley and Jack Freeman in the fight for seventh place. British Cycling series leader Matthew Bostock came out on top again in the U/10, U/12 racing bikes. Owen Dudley was second followed by Matthew Draper, Joseph Haddock and Victoria Kinrade. Sixth place went to Breeshey Cain and Conor Davies (7th) outgunned Thomas Bostock to top the U/10's category. Charlie Gibson was the best U/8 rider in a very good tenth place. Thomas Mazzone, Jake Kelly, Alex Haddock and Jack Wolstencroft all lapped the field in the U/14, U/16 racing bikes. Mazzone attacked on the penultimate lap to take the win from Kelly ( best U/14), Haddock and Wolstencroft. Matthew Davies, who is slowly returning to form after a bout of glandular fever, was the best of the rest in fifth place. All competitors, parents and officials send their best wishes to team mate Joshua Knights who is recovering in Alder Hay hospital from surgery to a head injury he received while playing golf last Monday. Thankfully, it looks like he will make a full recovery. Full results here _____________________________________________ 31st May * There were some very good performances from the sixteen Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man members who competed in the recent North West Youth Tour. The three-day five stage event, which was the fifth round of British Cycling's prestigious national series, was held at various venues in Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston. In the under 8's Charlie Gibson was an excellent second overall; in the U/10''s Conor Davies and Thomas Bostock were fourth and tenth respectively; in the U/12's Matthew Bostock was a fine fourth, Owen Dudley 12th, Joseph Haddock 18th, Matthew Draper 24th and Nathan Knights 28th; in the U/14's Jake Kelly was an impressive 6th, Joshua Knights 17th, Leon Mazzone 21st, Nicholas Corlett 22nd and Callum Donnell 26th, while in the U/16's Thomas Mazzone was 35th and George Doyle 46th. Unfortunately, Alex Haddock was brought down in a crash on the third stage (without serious injury) and was unable to finish the race. * The club's next off-island trip is to the sixth round of British Cycling's national series - the Tudor Grange Park Youth Races in Solihull on June 14. After the first five rounds of the competition Matthew Bostock is leading the U/12's overall, Adam Scarffe and Charlie Gibson are 4th and 7th in the under 8's, Jake Kelly 6th in the u/14's and Conor Davies 7th in the under 10's. So far, a grand total of 17 club members have scored points in the series * Don't forget that there is no racing at the NSC next Tuesday (June 2nd) due to the TT evening practices. The racing resumes on the Tuesday of TT week (9th June). * November 21st and 22nd are the dates for the club's next track coaching visit to the Manchester velodrome. _____________________________________________ 28th May * A heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon failed to deter the 310 competitors who turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round seven of the Royal London 360 children's cycle racing league. Fortunately the approaching wet weather stayed away long enough for all the races to be run in dry conditions. In the novices class Alex Butterworth took the honours for the sixth week in succession. Leading girl Francesca Avery was a very good second and the fast finishing Edward Teare came from behind to pip Chloe Comaish for the final place on the podium. Chloe Dillon took the sprint for fifth from Harvey Comaish-Coole , Maddie Butterworth and Ella Crowe, with James Scott and Toby Wylie trailing in on their own to complete the top ten. Newcomers Josh Watterson and Luca Moretta made impressive debuts in 16th and 24th places respectively. Leading from start to finish, Zac Walker was the clear winner of the born 2004 & later age group. Dillon Dowson took the runners-up spot ahead of Issac Kirk, who edged out Nathan Slack for third. William Cawte was a solid fifth and James Devereau beat Cameron Dudley, Mairi Harrison (1st girl) and Harry Kneen in the dash for sixth. Ralf Holden and Joshua Dudley grabbed 10th and 11th in front of the main chasing group spearheaded by Joshua Kelly and Cameron Hawes. In the born 2003 category Matthew Black rode away from a leading group of six riders to pick up his second win of the series. Jonty Bregazzi followed suit in the closing stages to take second, his best result of the year so far, and top girl Madison Nicol ousted Jake Wilson for third. Oliver Williams got the better of Darcy Cain and Matthew Tait for fifth, while Brayden Roche and Thomas Skillicorn came home alone in eighth and ninth positions. Ben Grainger outpaced Seth Coole, Matthew O'Neill, Leah Brennan and Paris Etchells in the gallop for 11th. Fresh from his second place in the North West Youth Tour, Charlie Gibson left the field in his wake in the born 2002 event to complete his seventh victory and maintain his 100% record. Aaron Lund was a safe second and James Harrison put in a late spurt to take third from Joshua Mills and Oliver Dean. Top girl Blae Cain led Alastair Flint and Will Corkill over the line for sixth, with Tom Cain holding off Charlotte Watson and Wilfy Kermode for ninth. Bouncing back from his crash in the previous round, Max Walker went from the gun in the born 2001 race and was never challenged. Adam Scarffe, Juan Kneen and Matthew Flint maintained station throughout the three laps to take second, third and fourth ahead of Cullen Gell, who pipped Amelia Sharpe for fifth. Rory Donegan beat Thomas Chatel for seventh and Jade Lund won her battle with Chloe Crellin to complete the top ten. Luke Murray outsprinted Sam Batey and Thomas Bostock to take maximum points in the born 2000 class. Adam Kelly was too fast for Tom Murray in the dash for fourth and Joseph Corkish kept Ben Christian and Adam Long at bay for sixth. Jed Etchells was ninth and Harry Cain just managed to fend off Ciara Sowerby (1st girl) in the tussle for tenth. After splitting the field with a fast last lap, Conor Davies got the verdict over Marcus Simpson in the final gallop. Round five and six winner Joseph Glover salvaged third and Liam McCann rode clear of Eleanor Davies to claim fourth. Kaitlin Slack was sixth and Alex Cain squeezed out Daniel Scarffe for seventh. In the born 1998-96 grouping Ashley Faragher had to work hard to beat Jamie Dudley in the final lunge for the line. Matthew Draper and Laura Kinley lost contact with the two leaders in the closing stages but were never in danger of losing their third and fourth places. Tamara Preskey edged ahead of Kathryn Hull to secure fifth and Juan Hunter led Sophie Black home for seventh. Jamie Faragher and Jack Freeman filled the remaining places on the top ten leader board. Matthew Bostock attacked breakaway partners Owen Dudley, Matthew Draper and Joseph Haddock to take another fine solo victory in the U/10, U/12 racing bikes. Dudley, Draper and Haddock finished in that order in the sprint for second and Victoria Kinrade got away from Tamara Preskey, Brody Hewison and Breeshey Cain to grab fifth. Elizabeth Holden did well to finish 14th and fifth girl in only her second outing in the class. In the U/14, U/16 racing bikes Thomas Mazzone crossed the line over half a lap ahead of the chasing pack. Top U/14 rider Jake Kelly took second from the ever improving Joshua Knights and Leon Mazzone, with Warwick Sanderson and Jack Wolstencroft rounding off the top six. George Doyle, who had been in an early break with the winner, was seventh followed by Callum Donnell, Jamie Dudley, impressive newcomer Andrew Reeday and John Sanderson. Anna Christian took the girls' prize in 13th spot. Don't forget that due to the TT practices there will be no racing at the NSC next Tuesday (June 2), but there will be racing on the Tuesday of TT week (June 9). Full results here _____________________________________________ 25th May * Top U/14 rider Laura Kinley is the latest team member to complete the club's questionnaire. Find out more about her here * For the sixth year running, the club will have a fundraising stall at Tynwald Fair on Monday, 6th July. Nearly £700 was raised at the 2008 event. * Four members of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers have recently completed British Cycling's three-day level 2 coaching course at the NSC. * Taking advantage of the club's stock of loan bikes, an all-time record total of 71 riders have already registered for the racing bike classes in the Tuesday night youth league. _____________________________________________ 22nd May A total of 323 competitors turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 6 of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league, staged in cloudy but dry conditions. In the novices class Alex Butterworth notched up his fifth win of the series. Sam Cowin took the runners-up spot ahead of leading girl Ella Crowe, who edged out Daniel Kirk for the final place on the podium. Edward Teare was a safe fifth and Milo Murphy beat James Scott and Chloe Dillon in the bunch sprint for sixth. Harvey Comaish-Coole and Sophie Bolton completed the top ten. Zac Walker crossed the line on his own for another fine solo win in the born 2004 & later category. Dillon Dowson pipped Isaac Kirk for second and Cameron Dudley led a chasing group of five riders in for fourth. James Devereau was fifth followed by Mia Worthington, the top girl, Harry Kneen and Mairi Harrison. The fast finishing William Cawte and Andrew Tobin clipped off the front of the main bunch to grab ninth and tenth ahead of Lucy Worthington. Percy Hampton, Madison Nicol, Oliver Williams and Darcy Cain crossed the line separately to fill the top four positions in the born 2003 age group. Seth Coole outgunned Matthew O'Neill, Matthew Black, Paris Etchells and Thomas Skillicorn in the dash for fifth and Jonty Bregazzi squeezed out Leah Brennan, Jack Christian, Aaron Kirk and Ben Grainger for tenth. Further down the field Matthew Tait just beat Jamie Meggitt in very close sprint for 25th place. In the born 2002 category Charlie Gibson maintained his unbeaten record with a decisive win over lone chaser Aaron Lund. Glen Vine's Alastair Flint came from behind to pip Joshua Mills for third and James Harrison did well to held off Oliver Dean in race for fifth. Ten riders contested the sprint for seventh place, with Fin Samson getting the verdict over Blae Cain and Wilfy Kermode. Newcomer Keegan Wilding did well to finish 23rd in a large field of 49 competitors. After main rival and breakaway partner Max Walker had crashed out of contention, the way was left clear for Adam Scarffe to add a fifth victory to his tally. Chasing trio Jake Vance, Matthew Flint and Juan Kneen were second, third and fourth respectively, with Cullen Gell getting the better of Amelia Sharpe for fifth place. Kyle Short, Rory Donegan, Dean Rea and Chloe Crellin rounded off the top ten. Luke Murray outsprinted Sam Batey and Thomas Bostock to take the honours at the end of the born 2000 event. Adam Kelly lost contact with the three leaders on the penultimate lap but still had a big enough lead on chasers Joseph Corkish, Jed Etchells and Adam Long to comfortably retain fourth place. Ben Christian was a lonely eighth and Jake Barnes forged ahead of Antony Coward to secure tenth. Ciara Sowerby took the girls' prize in 12th spot. In the born 1999 class Joseph Glover took advantage of a "coming together" between Marcus Simpson and Conor Davies to score his second win in as many weeks. Marcus recovered to salvage second place ahead of first girl Eleanor Davies, with Conor trailing in for ninth behind Alex Cain, Liam McCann, Kaitlin Slack and Daniel Scarffe.Tenth place went to Matthew Wilkinson and Amy Smith outpaced Emma Reeday and Abby Quirk in tha all female tussle for 11th. Jamie Dudley was too strong for breakaway companions Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley and Matthew Draper at the end of the born 1998-96 three lapper. Tamara Preskey led Juan Hunter, Sophie Black, Rory McCann and Kathryn Hull home for a good fourth. Attacking from the gun, Matthew Bostock controlled the U/10, U/12 racing bikes event from the front. Owen Dudley, Matthew Draper and Joseph Haddock went off in pursuit but in the end had to settle for the minor placings. Brody Hewison, Victoria Kinrade and Breeshey Cain got away from the second chasing group to take fifth, sixth and seventh, with Conor Davies doing well after his tumble in the previous race to grab eighth. The U/14, U/16 racing bikes got off to a slow start. Alex Haddock livened up the proceedings with several spirited but ultimately unsuccessful attacks. At the finish it was Thomas Mazzone who took the chequered flag ahead of Jake Kelly, Jack Wolstencroft, Warwick Sanderson and Leon Mazzone. Newcomer Andrew Reeday was an excellent ninth and Anna Christian was the best girl in 11th place. Full results here _____________________________________________ 20th May * The club will be taking another large squad of eighteen riders to this coming weekend's (23-25 May) three-day North West Youth Tour. The event, which is being staged at venues in Blackpool, Salt Ayre and Preston, is the fifth round of British Cycling's national championship. * Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man members took the recent North West Youth Championships in Southport by storm, wining four gold, three silver and five bronze medals. Gold went to Charlie Gibson in the U/8 boys, Blae Cain in the U/8 girls, Conor Davies in the U/10's and Thomas Mazzone in the U/16 boys. The silver medallists were Marcus Simpson in the U/10 boys, Tamara Preskey in the U/12 girls and Jake Kelly in the U/14 boys, with bronze going to Percy Hampton in the U/8 boys, Victoria Kinrade in the U/12 girls, Leon Mazzone in the under 14 boys, Anna Christian in the U/14 girls and Lucy Johnson in the U/16 girls. * There was also great success for the thirty team members who competed in the IOM Youth Tour, with top ten finishes for Adam Scarrfe (1st U/8 boy), Blae Cain (1st U/8 girl), Conor Davies (2nd U/10), Owen Dudley (2nd U/12), Matthew Bostock (3rd U/12), Anna Christian (3rd U/14 girls), Percy Hampton (3rd U/8 boys), Marcus Simpson (4th U/10's), Victoria Kinrade (4th U/12 girls), Breeshey Cain (5th U/12 girls), Sophie Black (5th U/14 girls), Jake Kelly (7th U/14 boys), Matthew Draper (7th U/12 boys), Kathryn Hull (7th U/12 boys), Tamara Preskey (8th U/12 girls), Eleanor Davies (9th U/10's) and Brody Hewison (10th U/12 boys). * Jake Kelly has been voted the club's "rider of the month" for April. Jake has been the leading U/14 rider in the club's Tuesday night circuit racing league and has been a regular top three finisher in the juvenile class of the Bikestyle 10 mile time trial series. Off-island, Jake was an excellent fourth in the second round of British Cycling's prestigious national youth competition. _____________________________________________ 14th May * There was another large turn out of 335 competitors for round 5 of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league, staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in near perfect conditions. Alex Butterworth notched up his fourth successive victory in the novices class, crossing the line with a clear advantage over Chloe Comaish, who edged out Sam Cowin for second place. The ever improving Francesca Avery was a good fourth and Daniel Kirk held off Maddie Butterworth for fifth. Edward Teare led Toby Wylie and Sam Cunningham in for seventh and Harvey Comaish-Coole got the better of Milo Murphy for 11th. Carrick Samson took the bunch sprint to round off the top twelve. In the born 2004 & Later age group Zac Walker fought off strong challenges from Dillon Dowson and Issac Kirk to pick up his third win of the series. Nathan Slack beat William Cawte to the line for fourth, with Joshua Dudley a comfortable sixth ahead of James Devereau. Castletown's Andrew Tobin won the gallop for eighth from Mairi Harrison, who squeezed out Daisee Sewell for the girls' honours. Leading from start to finish, Percy Hampton continued his winning ways in the born 2003 category. Top girl Madison Nicol got away from the main chasing group to secure the runners-up spot ahead of Jake Wilson, who got the verdict in the eight strong dash for third. Seth Cooil, Jonty Bregazzi and Darcy Cain filled the remaining places on the top six leader board. Fresh from his success at the North West Youth Championships, Charlie Gibson was the clear winner of the born 2002 event. Aaron Lund was a safe second and Oliver Dean did well to fend off Tom Kermode, Will Corkill, Tom Cain and Blae Cain in the sprint for third. Fin Samson headed Jack Whitelegg, Ben Haworth and Archie Walter for eighth, with Wilfy Kermode pipping James Harrison in the tussle for 12th. Regular top six finisher Alastair Flint unshipped his chain on the final lap, dropping ten places down the order to14th. Recording his first win of the season, Max Walker attacked from the gun to win the born 2001 race by the biggest margin of the night. The previously unbeaten Adam Scarffe fought off Matthew Flint, Juan Kneen and Jake Vance for second and Rory Donegan got past Dean Rea and Amelia Sharpe (1st girl) to bag sixth. Chloe Crellin rode strongly to finish ninth ahead of impressive newcomers Kyle Short and Charlie Sigley. Luke Murray outsprinted breakaway partners Sam Batey, Thomas Bostock and Tom Murray to pick up maximum points for a third time in the born 2000 class. Sole chaser Adam Kelly was fifth and Adam Long ousted Ben Christian and Joseph Corkish for sixth. Jed Etchells was a lonely ninth and Ciara Sowerby took the girls' prize in tenth place. Joseph Glover got the better of Eleanor Davies and Liam McCann in a the gallop at the end of the born 1999 class. Daniel Scarffe beat Alex Cain for fourth and Kaitlin Slack came in on her own for sixth. In the born 1998-96 grouping Jamie Dudley outsprinted three time winner Ashley Faragher for pole position on the podium. Matthew Draper was a close third and Laura Kinley dropped Tamara Preskey on the final lap to take the girls' honours in fourth place. Sophie Black and Rory McCann completed the top six. The pace was fast and furious in the U/10, U/12 racing bike event. Matthew Bostock broke away from a leading group of four riders to secure another convincing win. Owen Dudley overcame Matthew Draper and Joseph Haddock in the gallop for second and fifth placed Victoria Kinrade took the girls' award ahead of Breeshey Cain and Tamara Preskey. Relative newcomer Nathan Draper was a good ninth. Several riders made spirited attempts to get away in the U/14, U/16 racing bikes. Leon Mazzone, George Doyle, Thomas Mazzone and Joshua Knights all had digs but in the end it all came down to a sprint finish, with (Thomas) Mazzone taking the chequered flag ahead of Doyle and Warwick Sanderson. First-timer Andrew Reeday was an impressive 12th on his racing debut. Full results here _____________________________________________ 9th May * Round four of the Royal London 360 children's cycling league was staged at the NSC last Tuesday night in very windy and sometimes wet conditions. Undeterred by the wintry weather, a total of 281 competitors took part in the ten race programme. The novices' class got the proceedings underway with Alex Butterworth holding off a strong challenge from top girl Chloe Comaish to complete a hat trick of victories. Sam Cowin was third for the second week running and Daniel Kirk picked up his best result to date in fourth spot. Maddie Butterworth and Francesca Avery completed the top six. In the born 2004 and later age group Dillon Dowson overcame the strong headwind on the finishing straight to score a fine solo win - his first of the season. Nathan Slack finished ahead of the chasing pack to grab second and the previously unbeaten Zac Walker had to work hard to oust Issac Kirk, Cameron Dudley, James Devereau and William Cawte in the sprint for third. Joshua Dudley got the better of David de Weert for eighth and Andrew Tobin came in on his own for tenth. In the born 2003 category Percy Hampton bounced back from his defeat in round three to reclaim the number one spot from Matthew Black, who was a very close second. Jake Wilson broke free from a trio of pursuers to take third ahead of leading girl Madison Nicol and Jonty Bregazzi, who were fourth and fifth respectively. Matthew O'Neill edged out Paris Etchells, Thomas Skillicorn, Ben Grainger and Tom Brennan for sixth. Attacking from the gun, Charlie Gibson left the field in his wake in the born 2002 event. Aaron Lund held off Joshua Mills and Tom Cain for second, with Alastair Flint clipping off the front of the chasing pack to snatch fifth place. Tom Kermode was sixth followed by Archie Walter, Blae Cain (1st girl), Elliot Lawrence and Ben Haworth. Newcomer Caitlin Christian did well to finish 15th on her debut. IOM Youth Tour winner Adam Scarffe needed all his strength to fight off breakaway companion Max Walker in the final dash at the end of the born 2001 race. Jake Vance fended off the fast finishing Matthew Flint for third and Amelia Sharpe picked up the girls' prize in a lonely fifth place. Juan Kneen and Rory Donegan got away from the main bunch in the closing stages to nab sixth and seventh. Four riders battled for the honours in the born 2000 race, with Tom Murray coming from behind to pip twin brother Luke, Thomas Bostock and Sam Batey to the line. Adam Kelly dropped Ben Christian on the last lap to take fifth and Joseph Corkish led Adam Long in for seventh. Ciara Sowerby was the first girl in 11th spot. Controlling the race from the front, Conor Davies headed Marcus Simpson and Joseph Glover over the line to bag maximum points for a third time in the born 1999 three lapper. Leading girl Eleanor Davies lost contact with the three frontrunners in the closing stages but managed to stay clear of Liam McCann for a well earned fourth. Matthew Wilkinson edged out Daniel Scarffe and Kaitlin Slack to fill the final place on the top six leader board. In the born 1998-96 grouping Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley and Matthew Draper made an early bid for glory and stayed clear to the finish. Faragher took the sprint from Draper, with the hard working Kinley trailing in for third. Tamara Preskey did well to get the better of Sophie Black, Juan Hunter and the fast closing Elizabeth Holden for fourth. After dropping traveling companion Owen Dudley on the final lap, Matthew Bostock rode to a clear victory in the U/10. U/12 racing bikes. Matthew Draper, Joseph Haddock and Victoria Kinrade - the remnants of the initial race winning move - took third, fourth and fifth ahead of Brody Hewison and Breeshey Cain. Thomas Mazzone came out on top in the U/14, U/16 racing bikes. Jake Kelly was second, Jack Wolstenctroft third , Alex Haddock fourth, Warwick Sanderson fifth and Nicholas Corlett sixth. Anna Christian took the girls honours in tenth spot. Full results here _____________________________________________ 5th May * Plans are well in hand for the club's next track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome in October/November. * The club is taking a large squad of 23 riders to this coming Saturday's (May 9th) North West Region youth Championships in Southport. Matthew and Thomas Bostock will be missing as they are competing in the fourth round of British Cycling's national youth series, which is being staged at Hillingdon in West London on the same day. * Over 450 competitors have already registered for this year's youth league at the NSC. A total of 647 riders took part in the 2008 series. * Matthew Bostock was an excellent second place in North West U12 Youth Boys Omnium Track Championships at the Manchester velodrome, with Anna Christian a good third in the U14 Girls. Despite finishing outside the medals, George Doyle and Alex Haddock put in some solid performances in the U16 Boys events, as did Victoria Kinrade in the U12's. * There were a few errors in the racing bike results for round 2 of the Tuesday night league. In the U16's Jack Wolstencroft should have been placed third and Anna Christian tenth ahead of Laura Kinley and Eleanor Stokoe, while in the under 12's Dan Watterson was 27th and not 37th as stated. _____________________________________________ 1st May * Despite the damp conditions, there was another huge turnout of 304 competitors at the NSC last Tuesday night for round 3 of the Royal London 360 youth league. Alex Butterworth notched up his second successive win in the novices class, taking the chequered flag ahead of leading girl Chloe Comaish. Third place went to Sam Cowin, with Maddie Butterworth showing great improvement to take fourth from James Scott and Oliver Tobin. In the born 2004 and later age group Zac Walker maintained his 100% record. Dillon Dowson edged out Nathan Slack for second and Issac Kirk grabbed fourth from James Devereau. Twin brothers Joshua and Cameron Dudley were sixth and seventh followed by William Cawte, David De Weert and Ralf Holden, who completed the top ten. Daisee Sewell was the first girl home in 11th place and newcomer Nathan Cannell made an impressive debut in 14th position. Matthew Black got the better of Percy Hampton and Jonty Bregazzi to record his maiden victory in the born 2003 category. The consistent Jake Wilson was a good fourth and Madison Nicol the best girl in fifth position. Thomas Skillicorn led Ben Grainger, Jack Christian and Seth Coole in for sixth, with Matthew O'Neill a lonely tenth. Aaron Kirk held off first timer Megan Cannell for 11th and Darcy Cain got away from the main chasing group to claim 13th. Charlie Gibson went from the gun in the born 2002 category to score another fine solo victory. The ever improving Tom Cain was a very good second, his best result of the series so far, and Alastair Flint came through to take the final place on the podium. First girl Blae Cain pipped Charlotte Watson, Oliver Dean, Will Corkill and Fin Samson for fourth, while Wilfy Kermode overtook Jamie McCann on the home straight to grab ninth. Ashleigh Yates squeezed out Tom Kermode for 11th and James Harrison won the bunch gallop for 13th. In the born 2001 race Adam Scarffe dropped breakaway partner Max Walker on the penultimate and time trialed to victory. Matthew Flint, Catherine Craig (1st girl) and Rory Donegan came in separately for third, fourth and fifth respectively, with Cullen Gell getting the verdict over Jake Vance for sixth. Luke Murray overcame Thomas Bostock and Sam Batey in the three-up sprint at the end of the born 2000 event. Tom Murray came from behind to secure fourth place and Adam Kelly was too fast for Joseph Corkish in the dash for fifth. Top youth motorcycle motocrosser Jed Etchells beat William Draper to the line for seventh and a tiring Ben Christian held off Adam Long for ninth. Ciara Sowerby took the girls' honours in 11th spot. Conor Davies had to work hard to keep Eleanor Davies (no relation) at bay in the final sprint at the end of the born 1999 race. Marcus Simpson, who was in the initial break with the two leaders, trailed in for third and Alex Cain crossed the line ahead of Matthew Wilkinson and Kaitlin Slack for fourth. Leaving nothing to chance, a determined Ashley Faragher led out the final sprint in the born 1998-96 grouping, bagging maximum points for the second week running. Matthew Draper snatched second from first round winner Laura Kinley and Juan Hunter did well to take fourth in his first outing of the season. Tamara Preskey was a good fifth and Elizabeth Holden ousted Sophie Black for sixth. Due to the deteriorating conditions, the two racing bike classes were run over reduced distances. In the well supported U/12's four lapper Matthew Bostock outsprinted Owen Dudley, Matthew Draper and Victoria Kinrade for his third straight win, while Thomas Mazzone finished ahead of Jake Kelly, the best U/14, and Warwick Sanderson to achieve a similar feat in the under 16's. Full results here _____________________________________________ 25th April * British Cycling's website is once again posting the weekly reports and results from the club's Tuesday night Royal London 360 youth league. * Thirty Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man members will be competing in next weekend's IOM Youth Tour. * The club will be taking a large squad of riders to the forthcoming North West Region youth circuit race championships in Southport. *. Jonny Bellis has kindly donated a large quantity of his Great Britain cycling kit to the club. * There were some very good performances from the club members who competed in round two of British Cycling's national youth series at the Hyde Park circuit races in Greater Manchester. In the under 14's Jake Kelly was an excellent 4th, Joshua Knights 19th, Callum Donnell 22nd and Leon Mazzone 24th. In the under 12's Matthew Bostock was a very good 6th, Matthew Draper 14th, Victoria Kinrade 19th and Joseph Haddock 21st. Thomas Bostock and Sophie Black were 11th in the under 10's and under 14 girls respectively, with Thomas Mazzone 26th in under 16 boys final and Alex Haddock and George Doyle 24th and 25th in the boys under 16 minor final. * Congratulations to George Doyle on his win in the B event at the recent Tour of the West road race. Warwick Sanderson was 7th and Jack Wolstencroft 11th. _____________________________________________ 24th April * A total of 320 competitors turned out at the NSC last Tuesday night for round two of Royal London 360's children's cycling league. In the novices class Alex Butterworth scored his maiden victory ahead of round one winner Bradley Kneen. Castletown's Chloe Comaish was the first girl home in third place and Sam Cowin finished a good fourth in his first outing of the season. Harvey Comaish-Coole held off the fast finishing Ella Crowe for fifth and Francesca Avery stayed ahead of the chasing pack to claim seventh. Oliver Tobin, Sam Cunningham and Daniel kirk completed the top ten. Zac Walker notched up his second victory of the series in the born 2004 & Later category, crossing the line with a clear advantage over Nathan Slack. Dillon Dowson took the sprint for third from Issac Kirk, William Cawte and Ralf Holden, with twin brothers Joshua and Cameron Dudley coming in together for seventh and eighth respectively. Rachel Craig was the leading girl in 17th position. Leading from the gun, Percy Hampton cruised to a comfortable victory in the born 2003 race. Matthew Black rode away from the chasing group to claim second and Jake Wilson got the better of Jonty Bregazzi, Seth Coole and top girl Madison Nicol for third. Ben Grainger grabbed seventh and Thomas Skillicorn came through the field to snatch eighth from Oliver Williams and Darcy Cain. In the born 2002 age group Charlie Gibson attacked on the first lap and time trialled to another impressive solo win. Aaron Lund tried his best to close the gap but in the end had to settle for the runners-up spot. Tom Cain took third and Joshua Mills led Alastair Flint, Blae Cain (first girl) and Wilfy Kermode home for fourth. Charlotte Watson beat Elliot Lawrence to the line for eighth and Jack Whitelegg finished just ahead of a seven strong chasing group for tenth. Breakaway partners Adam Scarffe and Max Walker fought it out for the honours in the born 2001 event, with Scarffe getting the verdict by the narrowest of margins. Matthew Flint rode strongly for third and Cullen Gell emerged from the main bunch to secure fourth place. Jake Vance and Juan Kneen filled the final two places on the top six leader board and Amelia Sharpe picked up the girls' prize in ninth spot. Thomas Bostock overcame strong challenges from Sam Batey and Tom Murray to bag maximum points in the born 2000 class. Adam Kelly pipped Joseph Corkish for fourth and Adam Long crossed the line on his own for sixth. Jed Etchells took seventh ahead of Luke Murray, who had to make up lost ground after a bad start. Ciara Sowerby was the best girl in ninth place. A determined Marcus Simpson was too strong for Conor Davies in the final gallop at the end of the born 1999 three lapper. Top girl Eleanor Davies, who had been circulating with the leaders for most of the race, was a fine third and Joseph Glover led in Kaitlin Slack, Daniel Scarffe and Matthew Wilkinson for fourth. Ashley Faragher, Laura Kinley and Matthew Draper got away together on the opening lap of the born 1998-96 grouping. Kinley was dropped on the penultimate lap but forced her way back up to the front to finish second behind Faragher. Draper was a close third and Tamara Preskey took the sprint for fourth from Kathryn Hull, Sophie Black, Ben Cunningham, Sam Mills, Amy Kinley and George Patsourakis. Matthew Bostock came out on top in the U/12 racing bikes. Owen Dudley and Joseph Haddock were second and third, with Victoria Kinrade doing well to take the girls' prize in a very good fourth spot. Matthew Draper and Breeshey Cain rounded off the top six. In the U/16 racing bikes winner Thomas Mazzone and runner-up George Doyle did a Mark Cavendish and lapped the field. The ever improving Leon Mazzone was third ahead of Jack Wolstencroft and Nicholas Corlett. Eleanor Stokoe was the first girl in tenth place. The race was marred by a first lap crash which left Daniel De Weert with a broken collarbone and Alex Christian with a suspected fracture to her arm. Everyone sends their best wishes to both of them for a speedy recovery. Full results here _____________________________________________ 21st April * Conditions were perfect at the NSC last Tuesday night for the opening round of the club's Royal London 360 children's cycling league. A total of 257 riders competed in the twelve race programme. Bradley Kneen and Alex Butterworth went from the gun in the novices class and finished well clear of the field to claim first and second places respectively. Top girl Ella Crowe got the better of Harvey Comaish-Coole to grab the final place on the podium, with the fast finishing Oliver Tobin taking fifth ahead of Tara Kneen, Niamh Skillicorn and Becky Bellhouse. Ramsey's Owen Chestnut pipped Chloe Dillon for ninth and Sam Cunningham took the bunch sprint for tenth. In the born 2004 and later age group Zac Walker got an early gap and was never challenged, taking the chequered flag on his own for an impressive solo victory. Nathan Slack was a safe second and Joshua Dudley held off Dillon Dowson for third. Ralf Holden was a lonely fifth, while Joshua Kelly kept David de Weert and Jack Sowerby at bay to complete the top six. Abbie Edwards was the leading girl in 11th position. A determined Percy Hampton attacked on the first lap of the born 2003 event and maintained his advantage to the finish. Matthew Black got away from Jonty Bregazzi to fill the runners-up spot and Thomas Skillicorn overtook Jake Wilson for fourth. Ben Grainger edged out Aaron Kirk and Oliver Williams for sixth and Matthew O'Neill managed to stay ahead of the main chasing bunch to grab ninth. Kieran Bratty got the verdict in the dash for tenth and Leah Brennan picked up the girls' award in 13th place. 2008 champion Charlie Gibson left the bunch in his wake to earn maximum points in the born 2002 category. Second placed Aaron Lund gave chase but was unable to make any inroads into the winner's lead. Tom Cain ousted Wilfy Kermode, Alastair Flint, Joshua Mills and Jamie McCann for third, with leading girl Blae Cain not far behind in eighth spot. James Harrison and Will Corkill spearheaded the gallop for the final two places on the top ten leader board. In the born 2001 race Adam Scarffe got away from breakaway companions Max Walker and Jake Vance on the penultimate lap for a fine solo victory. Matthew Flint came from behind to pip Walker for second and a tiring Vance managed to salvage fourth ahead of the fast closing Cullen Gell. Sixth place went to Aaron Kneen and Amelia Sharpe was the first girl in seventh position. Luke Murray was too strong for Sam Batey, Tom Murray and Thomas Bostock in the four-up sprint at the end of the born 2000 three lapper. Adam Kelly maintained fifth throughout the race and Adam Long rode strongly in the final stages to snatch sixth from the top girl Rachel Kelly. Antony Coward and Jake Flowers came in together for eighth and ninth, with Daniel Costain outsprinting Jake Barnes, Sean Maxwell and Jamie Comaish for tenth. A crash involving main rival Marcus Simpson handed victory to Conor Davies in the born 1999 class. The duo were battling for the lead when Simpson slid off without injury on the second lap. He gamely remounted and eventually crossed the line in a hard earned tenth place. Joseph Glover took over the runner-up spot and kept it to the finish. Best girl Eleanor Davies rode well to grab a fine third from Liam McCann and Alex Cain. Laura Kinley produced the ride of the night to win the very competitive born 1998-96 group. Laura reeled in long-time leader Ashley Faragher in the final few metres and just managed to edge ahead in the final sprint for the line. Matthew Draper and Tamara Preskey got away from the chasing group to claim third and fourth and George Patsourakis did well to win the bunch gallop for fifth. The U/12 , U/10 racing bikes also provided some good entertainment. Winner Matthew Bostock and second placed Owen Dudley broke away together and worked hard to build up what proved to be the race winning lead. Matthew Draper and Joseph Haddock made a valiant attempt to catch the two front runners but in the end had to settle for third and fourth respectively. Fifth placed Victoria Kinrade took the girls' prize after a race-long tussle with Breeshey Cain and Conor Davies was the top under 10 finisher in seventh spot Thomas Mazzone won the U/16, U/14 racing bike event from impressive under 14 rider Jake Kelly. There were several spirited but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to get away from Mazzone, George Doyle and Alex Haddock, who salvaged third after making a lone bid for glory on the penultimate lap. Warwick Sanderson was fourth ahead of Leon Mazzone and twelfth placed Lucy Johnson beat Eleanor Stokoe, Laura Kinley and Sophie Black for the girls' honours. Full results here _____________________________________________ 10th April * Despite the wintry weather conditions, over 300 riders made it down to the club's "come and try it" night at NSC last Tuesday to sign-on for the 2009 Royal London 360 youth league. The racing starts next Tuesday, April 14th. Will all riders in the racing bike classes please wear their club kit for a photo shoot. * Club members Thomas Mazzone and George Doyle tied for the juvenile honours in last Wednesday's opening round of the Bikestyle 10 mile time trial league, both clocking 25mins 40secs for equal 22nd overall. Jake Kelly was the third fastest juvenile in 26.55, with Jack Wolstencroft, Alex Haddock and Josh Knights completing the top six in 27.22, 27.51 and 28.18 respectively. Lucy Johnson was the best girl in 32.56. * Don't forget that entries for the IOM Youth Tour close next Wednesday, April 15th. Send forms and £25 entry fee to James Smettem, 1 Shinhene, Queens Drive West, Ramsey, IM8 2HZ. * Eleventh placed Thomas Mazzone came home ahead of team mates George Doyle and Jake Kelly to claim the juvenile prize in last Sunday's handicap road race, staged over four laps of the testing Bride circuit. Joe Kelly of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers was the impressive winner. * A total of 176 of Britain;s top young riders have entered the Tameside circuit races at Hyde in Greater Manchester on Saturday, 18th April. The event is the second round of British Cycling's national youth series and the club will be represented in all but two of the seven classes. _____________________________________________ 2nd April * With the light nights now with us, the Thursday night coaching sessions at the Braaid will be moving outdoors for some serious "youth tour " training on the Ellerslie course. If the weather is inclement there will be the usual spin session in the hall. * Don't forget that the 2009 Royal London 360 circuit racing league at the NSC gets underway this coming Tuesday (April 7th) with a "come and try it" night, starting at 6.30pm. * Excitement is building for the inaugural Mayo Youth Tour on August 1-3. The Connacht Youth Cycling committee is working hard to make sure that four-stage race is a worthy successor to the Kerry Youth Tour, which was one of the most important events on the international youth calendar. * Due to injury, Laura Faulds is selling her custom built Giant racing bike. The small sized Compact Road Design frame is fitted with Shimano Dura Ace rear mech, carbon cranks and stem, Sella Italia Flite Trans Am seat, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, Shimano Ultegra 11-23 9 speed block,and Look CX-6 pedals. The cost for this superb racing bike is £1,300, including a pair of shoes size 5-6. There is also a set of Sport Track Training Rollers on offer for £70. More details from Laura on 429219. * George Doyle won the juvenile category in last Sunday's Fletcher Trophy sporting time trial. George got round the testing course in 33mins 41secs to finish over 3 minutes ahead of Royal London 360 team mates Jack Wolstencroft and Leon Mazzone, who were second and third respectively. Thomas Mazzone competed in the two lap senior event, clocking a respectable 1hr. 15mins 16secs for 22nd position. _____________________________________________ 24th March * There were some brilliant performances from team members at the weekend. In the opening round of British Cycling's prestigious circuit race series in Lincoln on Sunday (March 22) Matthew Bostock won the under 12's class in fine style, overcoming the very strong wind to outsprint his breakaway companions. He also won the two sprint laps to further increase his overall points tally. In the under 14's event Joshua Knights was a fine tenth, with Leon Mazzone doing well to come 15th in his first year in the older age group. Thomas "Jimmy" Bostock was 11th in the under 10's and Thomas Mazzone 23rd in the under 16's race, which had a large field of over 60 riders. Thomas (Mazzone) had better luck in the previous day's Terry Dolan youth series in Southport, finishing an excellent second overall, with brother Leon 6th in the under 14's. * The club will be taking a team of 16 riders to the Tameside Circuit Races at Hyde in Greater Manchester on April 18th. The event is the second round of British Cycling's national youth series. * Last weekend's track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome was a great success and a good warm up for the club's assault on the forthcoming North West Division track championships. * Entries for the IOM Youth Tour close on Wednesday, April 15th. Entry forms and £25 entry fee should be sent to James Smettem, 1 Shinhene, Queens Drive West, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 2HZ. Please make cheques payable to the IOM Cycling Association. * The club's popular "rider of the month" competition is to be repeated in 2009. Starting in April, the coveted award - a gold cup and £25 in cash - will be presented to the rider who has impressed the judging panel the most during the month, Last season's winners were Matthew Draper, Laura Kinley, Owen Dudley, Matthew Davies and Alicia Corlett. _____________________________________________ 18th March * Time permitting, the youth omnium event at the North West Division track championships in Manchester on April 24th will consist of a flying 200 metres time trial, a devil race, a scratch race and a 500 metre standing start time trial. * The club's 2009 off-island programme gets underway in earnest this coming weekend (March 21/22) with over 30 riders travelling to the Manchester velodrome for two days of track coaching. Team members will also be competing in the Terry Dolan and British Cycling series at Southport and Lincoln on. * Fifteen year old Thomas Mazzone grabbed a fine third place in the recent Ramsey Bakery handicap road race at Jurby. Marty Warren of our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers was the winner. * Joshua Knights got his season off to a flying start with an impressive sixth place overall in last Saturday's (March 14th) opening round of Cycling Developments North West youth series. A total of 130 of the North West's top young riders competed in the six age groups. * Joe Kelly, Thomas Mazzone, Nicholas Corlett, Jake Kelly, Leon Mazzone and Sophie Black were the top six in the junior class at last Sunday's (March 15th) fifth and final round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter handicap series. Matthew Draper took the juvenile honours from Owen Dudley and Brody Hewison, with Breeshey Cain taking the girls' prize in ninth spot overall. _____________________________________________ 8th March * The club's new name Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man has now been officially registered with British Cycling, so when you come to renew your British Cycling membership / racing licence please name your club as Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man. Replacement membership cards are being issued to those who have already registered for 2009. Don't forget that the expiry date for all racing licences was December 31st 2008. * Entry forms for the Bikestyle sponsored 10 mile time trial league are now available from Bikestyle, Eurocycles, Looneys of Ramsey, Pedal Power in Peel and Erin News in Port Erin. The series begins on Wednesday, April 8th and all competitors must be at least 12 years old. * The 2009 Royal London 360 youth circuit racing league at the NSC gets underway with a signing-on and "come and try it" night on Tuesday, 7th April, starting at 6.30pm. Over 600 competitors took part in last year's series. * George Doyle and Alex Haddock won the juvenile prize in the recent 2up 25 mile time trial, promoted by our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers in the north of the Island. The two category A youth riders covered the distance in a speedy 1hr 5mins 42secs for a very good 13th position overall. * This year's Shoprite Challenge Charity Relay event around the TT course and family fun ride along Douglas promenade is scheduled for Sunday, 27th September. _____________________________________________ 1st March * A total of twenty nine riders have put their names down for the club's forthcoming track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome on March 21/22. * The Mayo Youth Tour on 1st-3rd August will consist of two road races, a time trial and a circuit race. Race Director Martin McNally said: "I was pleasantly surprised by the amount and quality of the roads in the area. They will be ideal for the circuit racing and there's a perfect, pan-flat time trial course". * After several years absence, British Cycling North West is pleased to announce that the North West Regional Track Championships will be staged at the Manchester velodrome on the Friday evening of April 24th. The youth events are for categories A, B, C and D. * The club has donated £200 to Peter O'Shea's forthcoming Tour of Ireland fundraising ride in aid of the British Red Cross. The money was collected during last summer's Scottish Provident Youth League, an event that could not be held without the first aid cover provided by Peter and his Red Cross colleagues. * The fifth and final round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior series takes place at South Barrule Plantation on Sunday, 15th March. * The course for the Liverpool District heat of the GHS juvenile 10 mile time trial championship on 30th May is being held on roads around Shawbury in Shropshire. _____________________________________________ 18th February * There was a full house for last Thursday night's spin session at the Braaid. Indeed, several extra turbo trainers had to be hurriedly rounded up to meet the demand. The sessions will continue until the end of April. * The proceeds from last September's Alex Forrest charity 2-up time trial totalled £250. Alex's widow Jean has requested that the money be donated to Autism in Mann. * Entries for the IOM Youth Tour on May 1st - 3rd are now open. As the event is a round of British Cycling's national series there will be classes for youth categories A, B, C, D & E. Entries on standard British Cycling forms should be sent along with £25 entry fee to James Smetten, 1 Shinhene, Queens Drive West, Ramsey, IOM, IM8 2HZ. Please make cheques payable to IOM Cycling Association. _____________________________________________ 7th February * We have received some more information on the Mayo Youth Tour in the West of Ireland. The three-day race, which is being organised by the Connacht Youth Committee, is being staged at Kiltimagh in East Mayo from Saturday, August 1 to Monday, August 3. The event will consist of four stages and follows a similar format to the former Kerry Youth Tour. There will be classes for age groups from under 11's to under 16's. A spokesman for the organisers said: "We're getting great support from the local community and plans for the new event are well advanced. Kiltimagh and the surrounding area will make an excellent venue, with a wide range of accommodation available and safe, sporting race routes." Further details are due to be announced over the coming weeks. _____________________________________________ 4th February * There are only a few places left for the club's track coaching trip to the Manchester velodrome in March. If you intend to go but still haven't put your name down contact Dot immediately. Meanwhile, Christopher Whorrall has kindly donated one of his track frames for club members to use on such trips. * Leon Mazzone won the junior class in round 4 of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter handicap series at South Barrule last Sunday (February 1st). Jake Kelly was second ahead of Nicholas Corlett and Sophie Black. In the juvenile race Joseph Haddock took the honours from Matthew Draper and Owen Dudley. * Several officials from the Scottish Provident youth league have signed up for the forthcoming British Cycling level 2 coaching course at the NSC. * Round 6 of British Cycling's national circuit race series on June 14th will be held on a brand-new purpose-built circuit at Tudor Grange Park near Solihull in the West Midlands. The testing 850 metre track was completed by Solihull CC last year in readiness for the 2009 season. _____________________________________________ 2nd February * The raceway perimeter track at the NSC is scheduled to be fully resurfaced sometime in August or September. * Good news - the defunct Kerry Youth Tour is being replaced this year with a similar event in the West of Ireland. The new "tour" is due to take place near Claremorris, County Mayo on the first weekend in August. More details to follow. * Secretary of the Manx Lottery Trust David Evans attended last Thursday night's spin session in the Braaid Hall to officially hand over the six Terry Dolan racing bikes and PA equipment that the Trust helped the club to purchase. _____________________________________________ 27th January * Our sponsor Royal London 360 (formerly Scottish Provident International) has generously increased this year's sponsorship money to cover the cost of re-branding the club. * Copies of the club's proposed off-island racing programme are now available from Dot. Please return the completed forms ASAP so that the travel arrangements etc. can be finalised. Names for the track coaching trip on March 21/22 need to be forwarded immediately. * With the new season just around the corner, the number of riders attending the club's weekly spin sessions in the Braaid Hall has been steadily increasing. Get there early if you wish to borrow one of the club's turbo trainers, The action starts at 6.30pm and lasts for approximately one hour. Members of the Manx Lottery Trust will be at this Thursday's session (Jan 29th) for a photo shoot. * Signing-on for this coming Sunday's (Feb 1st) fourth round of the mountain bike winter handicap series at South Barrule Plantation is 9.00am for a 9.30am start. Round five is being staged on Sunday, 15th March at the same venue. _____________________________________________ 20th January * Last Saturday night's (17th Jan) sell-out concert at Marown school raised a fantastic total of £1,671.45p for club funds. Many thanks to the many artistes and helpers who contributed to the success of the event and to Shoprite and Ramsey Bakery for their generous support. * The fourth round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's junior winter handicap series is scheduled to take place in South Barrule Plantation on Sunday, 1st February. _____________________________________________ 12th January * There were some more great performances from club members in the third round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's winter series, staged at South Barrule Plantation last Sunday (11th January). In the juvenile class Joseph Haddock bagged maximum points ahead of Owen Dudley, Matthew Draper and Brody Hewison, with Megan Comaish taking the girls' prize in tenth spot overall. In the junior category Jake Kelly took the honours from Thomas Mazzone, Jamie McCanney, Leon Mazzone and Nicholas Corlett, while Alicia Corlett finished an excellent fourth overall and first lady in the senior event. * Our sponsor Scottish Provident International Life Assurance has recently merged with Scottish Life International to form a new company called Royal London 360 - the international division of the Royal London Group. Consequently, the club will shortly be changing its name to Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man. More details to follow. * All the tickets for this coming Saturday's (January 17th) fundraising concert in Marown school have now been sold. * The club's first off-island trip of 2009 will be to the Manchester velodrome on March 21st / 22nd for two days of track coaching. On the same weekend members will also be competing in the opening rounds of the Terry Dolan and British Cycling youth circuit race series. _____________________________________________ 5th January * Following a short break over Christmas and the New Year, the club's weekly turbo training sessions in the Braaid hall resume on Thursday, 8th January. * The third round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's popular junior handicap series takes place in South Barrule Plantation on Sunday, 11th January. Signing on at 9.00am for a 9.30am start. * Our sister club the Manx Viking Wheelers will be starting their winter training nights on the NSC perimeter track on Tuesday, 13th January. Riders must be at least 12 years old and be proficient at riding in a bunch. * There are only a few tickets left for the club's fundraising concert at Marown School on Saturday, 17th January. Ring 851691 now to book your place. * With most of the off-island race programme now finalised, 2009 looks like being another very busy year for the club. The main priorities will include British Cycling's circuit race series, the British national youth championships, the Cycling Development North West series, the Terry Dolan schools competition, the GHS 10 mile time trial championship and the British track championships. _____________________________________________ |