Report by Chris Lamb
Emotional win for Alan Kemp
On Tuesday 19 June it looked as though summer had arrived at last with a warm and sunny afternoon giving rise to thoughts of racing in perfect conditions that evening. Despite a brief, early shower the weather played its part in delivering great racing with over 200 riders contesting the age-related categories on the 2.7 mile International circuit.
The combined grid for the Over 50 and Over 60 groups rolled on to the track for the ten laps of Race One just before 7pm. Various attacks made small gains but the bunch stayed together as they swung up the hill through Old Hall Corner towards the finish on the pit straight. Keith Jones (Graham Weigh Racing Team) led the sprint to take the Over 50 honours followed by the legendary Phil Thomas (Liverpool Mercury / Dolan), Phil Rose (Wheel Guru RT) and Neil Russell (Liverpool Mercury / Dolan).
But the focus of Weaver Valley interest was on the outcome of the Over 60 division. The Dave Astles Memorial Trophy was to be awarded by the family to the winner. Dave, who sadly died last year, had been a key figure in the Northwich-based club for most of his life and remained an enthusiastic competitor in National and International cycle racing up to his death. He was accompanied in many of these adventures and successes by Alan Kemp his great friend and team-mate. Winning this race and the trophy meant a lot to Alan who chose to avoid being drawn in to the contest for the overall win in order to ensure victory in his own age group and thereby gain the cup. Graham Weigh (Graham Weigh RT) took second with Alan Forrester (Rhyl CC) third and Vicky Thomas (Liverpool Mercury / Dolan) fourth overall and first female.
It was a relieved and emotional Alan Kemp who stood on the Oulton Park podium to be presented with the award by Mark Astles and Mrs Margaret Astles. As the applause subsided, the riders for Race Two were called to the start.
There was a clear increase in pace as these younger riders attacked the undulating circuit for twelve laps. Indeed, the first two laps were covered at over 28mph by the Under 40 leaders and the speed remained high throughout the race.
Ryan Mullen (Planet X) once more asserted his authority to win from the Champion Systems / Max Gear team-mates Michael Ashurst (Senior category) and Chris Latham (Junior category) with James Notley taking fourth for Planet X.
The Over 40 race saw another win for Andy Tinsley (Champion Systems / Max Gear) from Alan Sheldon (iOptix), Richard Barnett and Chris Wilde (Wheel Guru RT).
Thanks are due once more to the volunteers from British Red Cross and Weaver Valley CC who helped make this series such a success.