Report: TLI Cycling ‘Belgium Training Series

TLI CYCLING REPORT: Rhyl CC TLI Cycling ‘Belgium Training Series’ 9th, 16th & 23rd July at Marsh Tracks, Rhyl (North Wales)… by Michael Bell

Report: TLI Cycling ‘Belgium Training Series

TLI CYCLING REPORT: Rhyl CC TLI Cycling ‘Belgium Training Series’ 9th, 16th & 23rd July at Marsh Tracks, Rhyl.
by Michael Bell

It was a welcome return to racing at the purpose built Marsh Tracks circuit in North Wales (Rhyl). Opened in 2011 by Dave Brailsford, after being made possible due to EU funding and support from the Littlewoods Foundation for Sport and the Arts, the complex incorporates two variations of the main flood-lit race circuit, mountain bike and BMX courses and changing room/shower facilities, helping to promote the sport of cycling with regular coaching and training sessions at the venue.

Jon Harland organised the series, with sponsorship by Enfinium, in part to prepare the young Rhyl CC riders for a forthcoming racing trip to Oudenaarde / Brakel in the heart of that bike racing hotbed of Belgium, in what he hopes will become an annual event. Based on the evidence of the various Youth category riders pitting themselves against the older, or should that be ‘mature’ riders, there is a wealth of talent on the way through the ranks.

The age related format was unique in that the races were open to all ages from Youth C all the way through to TLI category F, including riders such as former Welsh international and ex-pro Phil Evans, Ian Moore, a medallist in the National Hill Climb championship, both representing Ruthin CC and multiple masters champion Alan Forrester of Graham Weigh Racing Team, on his way back to the kind of form everyone knows him for, following a health related hiatus and showing great race skills for the young riders to learn from.

Race 1 was blighted by a torrential downpour as the riders lined up but that didn’t compromise the quality of the racing as the Rhyl CC riders endeavoured to stay ahead. After the stronger riders emerged from the deluge, young prospect Huw Owen of Gwynned based Egni Eryri took flight to win alone while the bunch was lead home by Junior rider (16 – 18) Steffan Hunt and Deian Roberts (Youth A) both of Rhyl CC

The weather improved for Race 2 and a similar sized field lined up for an hours racing on the swooping bends of the 1.2km circuit. Once again the younger riders in the Youth categories demonstrated good race techniques honed during the many training session on the track. Deian Roberts improved on his previous week’s position when he attacked on the finish straight with 2 laps to go for an impressive solo win.

Veteran (D) rider Michael Bell of New Brighton CC lead in the bunch ahead of Rhyl’s Tommy Pope (YB).

For the series finale, Fibrax / Wrexham rider Matthew Wales joined the fray and was set off alone, 40 seconds behind his nearest peers.
His team mate, Peter Brook made most the running at the front of the main group of Youth/Junior & seniors/masters, assisted Michael Bell. Wales soon made up the starting deficit on his way to the front of the race and forged ahead, joined by Bell before finishing alone in what he described as a “work out”

It was a successful 3 week series on a great, safe and technically challenging circuit with a good prize fund spread across the categories due to the generous support from Enfinium.

A further TLI Cycling series promoted by Graham Weigh racing is due to take place at the Marsh Tracks Racing Circuit, Rhyl (LL18 2AD) on four Wednesday evenings in August and hopefully a similar standard of racing and field size.

DETAILS: https://www.riderhq.com/events/p/fab1jz64/f/graham-weigh-racing-august-wednesday-nights-race-series

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