A great days riding from all of the Wolverhampton Wheelers. First up was Matt Lewis U12 who had to get through his heat to get to the final round. Matt rode well against a strong field and finished comfortably to qualify for the final. Matt’s final started , but unfortunately as the riders set off a typical April rain storm decided to dump a whole months worth of water, due to the poor condition of the track and lack of drainage the race had to be postponed while to storm passed. The race was re started and again Matt set of strongly but started to tire about half way through. However, he battled on and finished the race still with a smile on his face and a steely determination, my hat goes off to Matt for the way he rode particularly in light of the very traumatic week he has had.
Next up were the ladies and riding for us was Jess Ansell. Jess managed to get herself to the front of the pack on the start line and set of well. The field comprised of some very strong ladies riders, including Paige Millward, Charlotte Broughton and Grace Garner. Jess held her own and managed to stop in the main peloton riding well, giving the crowd a great sprint for the end where she managed to finish midfield, another good performance from jJess who stands alone as the only ladies representative for WWCC in her age group and always does us proud.
The next race included a Triumvirate of Wheelers being James Ireson, Ryan Philips and Jack Escritt. Jack and Ryan went off well in the first heat and protected themselves well against a strong head wind, saving themselves for the end. Jack managed a great sprint to the end and Ryan came in 6th, slowing down at the end as not wanting to do too much before the final. The problem we had was that the organisers didn't know if the heats attracted BC points, and Jack made the sprint thinking it did and Ryan slowed thinking it didn't; this was a reflection on the events organisation which at times was frustrating not made any better by the weather. However, both Jack and Ryan qualified for the final comfortably. Next Heat included James Ireson setting off at a good pace but stopping in the main group making sure he was protected at all times form the head wind. James came into the last corner and made a great sprint towards the line finishing 3rd and qualifying for the next round.
The final for U14s started with a very strong field including the Wheelers guys who again started well making sure they were protected by stopping in the main peloton. About 1/2 way through the race Ryan picked up a front puncture and was allowed a lap out to rejoin the pack on the next lap. A few riders tried to make a break but this soon came back together and at this point it could have been anybody’s race. The bell went for the final three laps and as Ryan crossed the line loud pop was heard, his back wheel had punctured. As the bell had gone this meant that Ryan couldn’t repair the puncture and wasn’t allowed a lap out and that was the racing over for him for the day, Ryan was riding well and had he managed to make it to the end I’m sure he would have been in at least the first 4 to the line. The race was now picking up a pace and the both James and Ryan were in the mix. Into the final back straight of the race James and Jack managed to push themselves to the front of the pack. Coming out of the final corner onto the home straight a fantastic sprint to the end between Henry Dawson Jack and James was in progress, Henry crossed the line first closely followed by James who was being closely pursued by Jack, meaning a 2nd and 3rd for the wheelers, a great race.
Next up was Adam Lewis who again had to qualify in heats which he managed to do easily, looking comfortable on the bike. The final started with a formidable field including 6 talent team riders at a sizzling pace. The field was soon split but Adam was managing to keep in the main group and
taking into account this is his first year as u16 and the field was so strong was admirable. The riders at the front tried for 4 - 5 breakaways but nobody wanted to let them go and were chased down quickly. Adam started to look tired but found some extra strength and kept with the pack at what was still a blistering pace. A breakaway went and Adam stopped with the group. Coming into the final straight Adam managed to finish midfield. This was a great performance in my opinion for all of the reasons above. The future looks good for Adam, and like his younger brother Matt it was great to see them competing at this level as the previous week had been very difficult for them.
All in all a good day let down somewhat by the venue which was not suitable for National races. but as they say a bad workman blames his tools and our workmen and women today certainly raised themselves above that