
Odd Down Circuit, Bath 31st July 2016
The first t1diabetes.info circuit race was an action-packed affair. Over 100 riders turned up to the Odd Down Circuit in Bath for a day of hotly contested races across all categories.
The warm and windy weather made every event a challenge, with every field breaking apart into small groups after only a few laps.
The action kicked off in the morning with the youth races and Tom Beveridge of the Sulis Scorpions became the youngest of the day’s victors thanks to his win in the under 8s event
Also making it on to the top step of their respective podiums were Alice Taylor (under 10 girls), Oliver Pettifer (under 10 boys), Daniel Wylie Morris (under 12 boys), Daisy Davies (under 14 girls), Nathaniel Brookes (under 14 boys) and Brecon Burnett (under 16 boys).
Six riders started the women’s race but a touch of wheels in the early laps caused a crash. Thankfully there were no serious injuries but the scrapes, bruises and broken components that resulted forced three of the ladies to abandon. Shortly after the race was restarted, Corinne Clark of WNT went clear and held her lead all the way to the finish to take the win.
The day ended with the elite/1/2 race, which saw attacks launched from the opening lap. The effort to control and counter those attacks meant a fierce pace was maintained throughout, which combined with the wind blowing across the circuit to split the field into small groups.
George Pym (Raleigh GAC) and Owen James (Catford CC) eventually succeeded in getting away and worked together well to stay clear. They came to the finish together in a frantic sprint that saw them cross the line almost neck and neck. After reviewing the video footage, the judges awarded the win to Pym.
Full results from all of the day’s races can be found on the British Cycling website: British Cycling Results 31.07.2016
There are two more t1diabetes.info events taking place at Odd Down before the end of the season. The next is on Sunday 14 August before the third and final event on Sunday 28 August. – Rob Banino