Army Cycling Union/Allsports International Energy Products Eelmore Circuit Races - 28 May 03

A moderate turn out for the first event at Eelmore held under British Cycling and Surrey League rules and regulations and sponsored by Allsports International Energy Products

A still and balmy evening saw nigh on forty riders turn out for two main events, a 3/4/W/V/J and an E/1/2.

In the E/1/2 it was number 30 Matthew Starey who raced off the front from the off gaining almost half a lap before being reeled in by the bunch, however just as he was about to be caught, Army CU rider and Eelmore organiser Gary Kristensen attacked and rode away from the apathetic field, catching and dragging Matt with him.  The two worked well together, gradually increasing their lead and hoping that no-one in the bunch felt like a chase.  It was Paul Pickup who eventually found the courage and strength to ride across to the breakaway pairing and the three then continued to develop the lead.  Failed attempts by Lee Day (Sport & Publicity), back from a serious muscular injury and Phil Roberts (Reading CC) came to nothing as well as Tom Smith from the Prestige VC who looked like he was riding strong.

With 3 laps to go Paul chose his moment precisely to attack, just as Gary had done a decent turn on the front and Matt was off the wheel for a bike length he opened up and left the other two wanting.  Gary chased and dropped Matt, but was unable to reel in the Liphook rider and that's how it finished, with Tom Smith leading in the depleted bunch to win a close sprint with Mark Pettitt (Freerider RT).

The 3/4 event saw a dominant VC Meudon take the top 3 slots ahead of CCB 2000 rider D. McKenveney after attacking with about 8 laps to go.  The trio consisted of Lee Smith, Nick Allen and Andrew Dilkes, who showed, for a change, how to ride as a team.  It obviously worked as no-one else came close and the CCB 2000 rider could only manage 4th in a break of 4 after hanging onto the back of the Meudon train.  Lee Smith won a very close sprint against his team mates by less than a wheel.

In the youth event, "mature looking for his age" and size 13 shoe wearing youngster Gareth Dickinson (Team Luciano) once again won overall, allowing Andrew Bates (Farnborough & Camberley) to tag along for the ride before outsprinting him to the line with some ease.  First timer at Eelmore,  under 12 rider, Sophie Terry (Maindy Flyers) rode beyond what her age group suggested to finish a fine 5th place ahead of another Farnborough and Camberley rider Alex Whittet.  Regulars Chris Newman (Farnham RC) and Rob Jackson (F & C CC) fought a good battle behind the two leaders, with Newman getting the better of him - this time at least!

Overall some fast and attacking racing.  Hopefully the turn out will improve as word gets around that not only do you get BC and Surrey League points for your efforts, but Allsports International energy products have kindly agreed to sponsor the series this year.  Prizes will be awarded at the end of the series for various placings and "good effort" type rides depending on how the organisers see the racing.  Principle prizes will be Amino Load - the recovery drink that balances carbohydrates and amino acids in the correct ratios to produce possibly the best recovery drink on the market, Winter Training Formula - ideal race "food" and for those longer, colder winter rides, no bonking with this stuff, bottles and other Allsports International products.  For more information on their product range, or if you are interested in what you can win go to www.allsports-int.co.uk.  If you are after any of their products, give me a shout and I'll bring them to Eelmore at a special Eelmore rider rate!  Contact me via e-mail on gary_k@v21mail.co.uk to find out what I have and how much you'll pay!

Results

E/1/2

1    Paul Pickup                        Liphook Cycles RT E

2    Gary Kristensen MBE          Army Cycling Union 2

3    Matthew Starey                  Pacific Racing 1

4    Tom Smith                            Prestige VC.Com 1

5    Mark Pettitt                        Freerider RT 1

6    James Holland Leader        Principia RT E

7    Lee Day                            Sport & Publicity E

8    Alex Peterson                    Reading CC 2

9    Mark Haylett                        VC Meudon 2

10  John Danter                        VC Meudon 2

3/4/W/V/J

1    Lee Smith                        VC Meudon 4

2    Nick Allen                        VC Meudon 3

3    Andrew Dilkes                    VC Meudon 3

4    Damien McKenevey            CCB 2000 3

5    Mick Metcalfe                Team Axiom 3V

6    Richard Pearman            Team Axiom 3

7    Coco Moody                    Kingston Wheelers 3V

Youths

1    Gareth Dickinson            Team Luciano (U16)

2    Andrew Bates                Farnborough & Camberley CC (U14)

3    Chris Newman                Farnham RC (U14)

4    Rob Jackson                    F & C CC (U12)

5    Sophie Terry                Maindy Flyers (U12)

6    Alex Whittet                F & C CC (U16)