Holme Valley Wheelers Cycling Club

Holme Valley Wheelers Youth Squad at Manchester Velodrome

Sixteen members of the Wheelers Youth Squad made a final 2007 visit to the Velodrome on 15 December. The more experienced members were lead on the track by John Molloy and Steve Rimmer whilst Rachel Mellor maintained order with the newcomers, all of whom worked hard to gain the skills necessary to join the ‘elite’ group. The session was coached by Peter Root but standing on the side, offering valuable advice was former Holme Valley Wheeler and current British Cycling Olympic Team Pursuit rider Ed Clancy. Following the session Ed presented awards and posed for a multitude of photographs with the star struck youngsters (and also some older members!).

The more experienced riders grappled with taking half laps, a 200m flying start time trial and a Points race. Winner of both the Points Race and Time trial was Ben Kellett [pictured below].

Youth times for the 200m flying start were:
Ben Kellett - 13.88 secs
Jacob Scott - 14.58 secs
Jack Anderson - 14.67 secs
Doug Hill - 15.07 secs
Jack Beardsell - 17.10 secs
Chris Malloy - 17.24 secs
James Kellett - 17.78 secs

Jacob Scott won the first sprint of the points race from Ben Kellett and Chris Malloy but the first two placings were reversed in the second sprint with Jack Anderson coming through to take third. In the final sprint, Ben Kellett again prevailed, this time from Jack Anderson and Jacob Scott. Final points tally was as follows:

Ben Kellett - 8
Jacob Scott - 6
Jack Anderson - 3
Chris Malloy - 1

The newcomers spent most of their time honing their track skills, learning to ride in a straight line around the steeply banked track and manoeuvring around obstacles placed on the track. They did, however, have one competitive opportunity, a 250m standing start time trial. Athena Mellor proved fastest, beating her (much) younger brother, Mackenzie, by almost a full second. Results were as follows:

Athena Mellor - 27.49 secs
Mackenzie Mellor - 28.47 secs
Leon Woodhouse - 29.33 secs
Jacob Black - 29.76 secs
Luke Woods - 30.23 secs
Lucy Aldridge - 30.75 secs
Joe Williams - 31.05 secs
Sophie Williams - 34.85 secs
Amira Mellor - 35.26 secs

At the end of the session Ed Clancy presented awards to club members for the 2006/7 track season.

Posted in News on the 29th December 2007

New Year Youth Velodrome Session

We have Manchester Velodrome booked for Friday 4 January 7-9pm. All are welcome. Please let Peter Root know as soon as possible. Phone 01484 681625 or email peterroot@britishcycling.org.uk.

Hopefully a report of the last session, along with photographs will appear shortly. Meanwhile, if you want a copy please email Peter Root.