Holme Valley Wheelers Cycling Club

Youth Squad at the Velodrome - Friday 4 January

The Youth Squad returned to the National Cycling Centre on Friday 4 January for another two hour session.

Whilst the novice riders learned the art of moving around the steeply banked track and trying to better their previous times for a 250metre standing start lap, the more experienced riders got down to practicing some race skills and tactics and then participating in a flying start 200metre time trial and a points race

The five novice riders, all under 11 years of age, spent their time weaving in and out of cones placed around the track and learned to hold their line around the curves before completing the 250 metre time trial, the results of which were very close:
250 metre time trial
Leon Woodhouse - 30.08 seconds
Jacob Black - 30.22 seconds
Joe Williams - 30.42 seconds
Amira Mellor - 30.88 seconds
Sophie Williams - 32.77 seconds

The more experienced riders (aged between 12 and 15) began to practice the skills needed to perform in track racing where the bikes have no brakes or gears and riders compete shoulder to shoulder. Drills involved the lung bursting exercise of chasing down a group both singularly (for half a lap) and in pairs (for a full lap) before completing a flying start 200m time trial and then competing in a points race.
200metres Flying start
Ben Kellett - 13.57 seconds
Jack Anderson - 14.01 Seconds
Jacob Scott - 14.62 seconds
Max Gartery - 15.09 seconds
Edward Black - 15.59 seconds
Chris Malloy - 16.32 seconds
Athena Mellor - 16.35 seconds
Jack Beardsell - 16.89 seconds
James Kellett - 17.13 seconds
Oliver Taylor - 17.98 seconds

Ben Kellet dominated the points race winning each of the three sprints with Jack Anderson, Edward Balck and Jacob Scott all getting in the points. The final result, though, was beyond doubt:

Ben Kellett - 9 points
Jack Anderson - 5 points
Edward Black - 3 points
Jacob Scott - 1 point

With the majority of the squad now becoming track competent the club is looking to recruit new members to learn exciting skills and get involved in competition. Anyone interested should contact Peter Root 07879 426 064 or peterroot@britishcycling.org.uk