WHEAL Velocity Cycling Club hosted a successful SouthWest Youth Series event this weekend, providing competitive racing for young riders on the closed road circuit at Wheal Jane. The event also offered a challenging hill climb for senior riders and competitors over 12 years old.

Mid Devon's Henry Hatton (Under 10) impressed with consistent performances across all four stages, finishing fifth overall against a strong field. Alina Fraile-Whysall (Under 10) tackled the demanding Wheal Jane circuit for the first time, securing a well-deserved second-place finish.

Matt Holmes (Under 16) continued his dominant season, claiming his first-place position in every stage and clinching the overall series win with one round remaining. Lauren Fox (Under 16) showcased her improvement throughout the weekend, securing second place in stage one before dominating the remaining three stages and winning the Southwest series title.

The Under 16 boys category witnessed a close battle, with Edward Fraile-Whysall edging out Jed Claxton (Wheal Velocity) by a mere second to claim overall victory. Jacob Start demonstrated consistent improvement, placing fourth overall, while Bayley Woodger rounded out the top six. Edward also secured the SouthWest series win.

MDCC- Under 16/4 race start of stage 4 Bayley Woodger on the front with Matt Holmes in second in the leader jersey
MDCC- Under 16/4 race start of stage 4 Bayley Woodger on the front with Matt Holmes in second in the leader jersey (Contributed)

Lara Dix (Under 16) secured first place, while teammate Eva Fox finished second, keeping the South West series title tightly contested with one round left on the 4th of August at Torbay Velopark.

Senior rider Nick Makin impressed with four strong stages, earning the overall win and the £200 prize pot.

Dexter Townsend, competing in the National Championships in Scotland, demonstrated strong performance throughout the season. He secured fifth place in stage one, sixteenth in stage two, and seventh place overall, currently holding fifteenth in the 2024 Series Standings.

In a separate event, Tavistock Wheelers Cycling Club hosted a 25-mile time trial. James Pearcy (Under 23) broke the course record with a time of 56:16, but was narrowly beaten by former professional Steve Lampier (55:34).

The pair both beat the record mark set in 2010 by RNRMCA's Sean Childs, with a time of 56:25- how unfortunate for James to be a record-breaker and still come second! Super Veteran Robin Delve completed the course in 1:05.55.

Mid-Devon Cycling Club would like to personally thank Wheal Velocity Cycling Club and Tavistock Wheelers Cycling Club for hosting these events this weekend.

One photo shows Lara Dix and Eva Fox standing proud on the podium, representing MDCC.

In the other, competitors round a corner in the under 16/4 race start of stage 4- Bayley Woodger is in the front with Matt Holmes in second in the leader jersey.