Report by Chris Lamb
Black clouds heralded a dramatic downpour for the start of the first race in this year\’s Oulton Park series on Wednesday 6 June at the picturesque Cheshire circuit. The riders got thoroughly drenched as they waited for the off. The testing conditions prevented any significant breakaways despite some valiant efforts. As a result, virtually the whole field contested the final sprint up the rise to the finish in front of the pits. Alan Kemp (Weaver Valley Cycling Club) from Northwich came through to win the Over 60 age category after what he described as a very tough 10-lap race.
Dave Hinde, the owner of the specialist cycling shop on Manchester Road, Lostock, was present to witness yet another victory for Alan riding one of his machines. Malcolm Fraser (Team Lusso) scored a fine second and Graham Weigh (Graham Weigh Racing Team) had to be content with his own third place and fourth spot for one of his youth riders, James Faulkner, gaining the podium in his first race at the circuit, aged 15, for an excellent result.
The Over 50 race was similarly affected by the inclement weather conditions of last Wednesday evening. The race came to a climax in a dramatic mass sprint for the line out of Old Hall Corner won by Mark Bethell (Macclesfield Wheelers) from Gordon Wallace (Graham Weigh RT), Steve Davies (Onimpex Bioracer RT) and Stephen Costello (Bill Nickson Cycles RT).
Brighter skies welcomed the riders at 8pm for the start of Race Two. The peloton enjoyed more pleasant weather as the rain eased to be replaced by occasional glimmers of evening sunshine. The drying track made conditions more comfortable for the riders but the pace was far from relaxed as the very talented National Junior Champion, Ryan Mullen (Planet X), endeavoured to make a convincing break only to be beaten at the line by 38 year old Martin Ford (In Gear RT / Train Sharp). Steven Fidler (Team Elite / Paul Bethell Electrical) and Jacob Ragan (a promising Junior rider with Champion Systems / Max Gear) took the remaining podium places. The Champion Systems duo of Andy Tinsley and Wayne Greenhalgh took the honours from Chris Jones (Graham Weigh RT) and Colin Hodgson (St Helens CRC) in the 40-49 category.
The event was organised by Weaver Valley CC under the auspices of TLI. The racing certainly lived up to the TLI motto of ‘cycle racing for all ages and abilities’. The youngest rider was born in 1997 whilst the eldest competitor, Brian Ellis (Port Sunlight Wheelers), was of 1937 vintage. However, only four female riders took part.
Local riders Kristian Zentek, Kevin Campbell, Julian Perrett, Jon Conboy, Kevan Underhill and Mark Thompson completed the Weaver Valley CC squad.
Great thanks are due to the volunteers of British Red Cross, Graham Gregory and his Weaver Valley team of Race Officials who stuck to their task in the horrendous weather supported, at least in spirit, by the Administration team from the warmth of Race HQ.