Close Racing at Preston Park

Fifty-eight riders enjoyed a busy meet tonight at Preston Park, and with just one meeting left next week there was a lot of competition for league points in all categories. Highlights of the night were two super-tight sprints which kept the judges on their toes. Top official this time was recently-accredited Ben Miller who, like Dave and Daniel Gerrey in the two previous weeks, did a fine job on his debut.

SENIORS

After a fairly sedate pace over the first two laps, Sean Yates was the first attacker in the 8-lap opener, though he was closely shadowed by Mark Burgess, Bruce English and Scott Bugden. It was then the turn of Bugden to make a move and he gained a lead approaching 100 metres before being joined ahead by Christian Yates. However, with two laps to go this duo was brought back and Martyn Potter and Charlie Sayer were lurking ominously at the head of the pack. With no further escapes, it was all down to a bunch sprint, Charlie Sayer suitably having the last word in front of Sean Yates, Christian Yates, Scott Bugden, Daniel Clark and Oliver Pepper.

There were no great surprises in the sprint competition, but there was an absolutely fantastic final featuring Lee Povey, Martyn Potter and Mark Burgess. Recently-crowned European Masters Sprint Champion (35-39 years) Povey looked to have underestimated the opposition as they rounded Dressing-room Corner and he was trailing behind his two rivals. Then, with an amazing turn of speed over the final metres, he lunged to the line to beat his team-mate Burgess by a whisker, with Potter also close in third spot. Earlier, Scott Bugden has won the minor final ahead of Charlie Sayer and Paul Gosling.

Another great sprint featured at the end of the devil-take-the-hindmost. As the action was taking place at the back of the bunch with the usual eliminations, the Yates brothers decided they would create their own action off the front, breaking away after around eight laps. Gaining a maximum of half-a-lap, they sealed a fantastic one-two, but the result was in doubt right up to the line, Christian beating Sean by a wafer-thin margin. Sayer took third, Povey was fourth, and they were followed by Bugden and Pepper.

There were no breakaways in any of the three 3-lap dash races. Bugden won the A-version ahead of Burgess and Sayer, and Neil McClelland was top B1 in front of Paul Gosling and Daniel Clark. Daniel Gerrey piled on the pressure early on in the B2 event, leading for the best part of the first two laps, but at the finish it was Andy Edwards who led home, with Luke Evans second and Tim Mustin third.

Mike Brampton made an early attack in the unknown distance race, and as commissaire Miller blew the whistle for the first prime it looked as if Brampton’s move would prove profitable. Alas for Brampton, Lee Povey, Sean Brasington and others were intent on reeling in the fugitive, and it was Mark Burgess who pocketed the fiver. Luke Evans and Andy Edwards were often seen at the front in the next phase of the race, then Sean McClelland took over the reins at the next £5 payout. A lively John Powell attacked three laps later, but next it was yet again Burgess who grabbed the £5 prize just afterwards. As darkness was beginning to take over, the expected suspects amassed at the head of affairs, Bugden, Gosling, Christian Yates, Pepper, Sayer and Clark all very much in evidence at this stage. As the bell rang, a group of six detached itself from the others and these riders were destined to take all the league points on offer. At the end, Sayer rounded off a great personal evening with the win, followed by Yates, Bugden, Clark, Pepper and Powell.

With just one meet remaining this season, Felix English is assured overall A-league victory and Adam Gent will be runner-up. Third place will be decided next week, however, with just one point separating Mark Burgess and Christian Yates – a duel not to be missed at any cost! Charlie Heffernan has done enough for the B-title, and Oliver Pepper is leading contender for runner-up spot. However, in theory no fewer than eight riders could take that overall second position in the B-league. So, with all league placings to be finally decided next Wednesday, we can expect sparks to fly in every race. Full rankings can be seen on the Sussex Cycle Racing League website scrl.co.uk. 

YOUTHS

Ferne Leonard was the winner of the weekly £10 AD Cycles voucher this time, with a great ride in the U10/U8 individual handicap race (see below). And, like the seniors, there was great rivalry for league points with only one meet remaining.

U16/U14

Some of the usual star riders were missing tonight, but the competition was as tight as ever. Callum Cooper led through for much of the first two laps, but later on it was Tom Jamieson who stamped his authority on proceedings. In the final sprint, Tom came first with James McCarron second and Ashley Dennis third. Kim English was next over the line, followed by Milo Burdeau and early animator Callum. Tom also won the 2-lap dash in style, breaking away on the first circuit and staying away to the finish for a classy lone victory. James took the sprint for second, and next came Milo, Ashley and Kim, then Amy Jacobs. James flew to first place in the keirin with Tom next and Ashley third.

U12

Jake Marley rode well to take the 2-lap scratch win, beating Jack Barnett, Amy Barnes and Harris Redgrove to the line. Megan Lewis won the bunch sprint for fifth place. Theo Duncumb-Rogers came home first in the handicap, followed in by runner-up Jake and third-placed Mark Jacobs. In another closely-fought contest, Lucas Percy secured the block handicap victory with Theo second and Megan third.

U10/U8

Harry Stacey led home in the U8 1-lap scratch race ahead of Bethany Lewis, Cory Anderson and Sian Carr. The U10 scratch race was won by Ted O’Brien, who sprinted home in front of Joe Hill and Ben O’Brien. Next over the line were Rosie Marley, Nicholas Wickens and Sam Barnes who all impressed with their improved riding. The joint individual handicap race was very close, Ferne Leonard getting the verdict with a great sprint which brought her the £10 voucher, with Sam Barnes second and Bethany third. The block handicap was won in style by Joe Hill with a storming ride, finishing just ahead of Sam and Harry. They were followed in by Bethany, Ferne and in sixth place Stanley Earthrowl-Gould.

Report by Gavin Smith, Photos by Sally Page/Daniel Bunbar