Sun shines on mountainbikers

Sutton Cycling Club/De Ver Cycles - Cycling With Youth in Mind

At long last Sutton Cycling Club / De Ver Cycles managed to pick a sunny day for one of their events! On 10th August they welcomed young riders from Go-Ride clubs in British Cycling’s South-East Region as they converged on Cheam to compete in mountainbiking for the final round of a year-long inter-club competiton in various cycling disciplines.

The biggest field was in the Under 10s, who competed over 2 laps. There was a wide ability range in this age group and the riders were soon spread out. Completing the course was as important as winning for some and there was great grit and determination to do so, especially amongst the youngest.

The selection of photos on this page were taken by Belinda Sinclair and are licensed to Sutton Cycling Club.

Some Under 10s competed in the Under 12s race, but apart from out-of-region rider Anthony Anderson, who won once again, they found 2 laps of a longer, tougher, circuit rather too much. The race went at a good pace, with a clear winner of the competition points in Sam Titmarsh of Team Darenth. Aidan Woolven and George White, both of the host club, hotly contested the points for 2nd and 3rd places.

The Under 14s and Under 16s races were combined as the fields - all from the host club - were small. However, it was good racing with an all-out effort over 4 laps of the longer circuit in the heat of the day, U16 Will Sinclair romped home first, followed by U14s Jack Wills and Chris McGovern.

The Club’s sponsor, Maurice Burton of De Ver Cycles, Norbury, had provided extremely generous prizes to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each race, and 1st Girl.

These were presented by Eddie Land, Regional Coaching Co-ordinator, together with the medals awarded by the Region.