Colchester Rovers young riders were out in force to put in a great showing at this weekend’s Plomesgate grass track meeting in Suffolk.
Rovers riders had a profitable day at the traditional grass track event which hosted many top regional riders, as well as the Women’s National 5km Championship.
With a great age range of riders, Rovers scored across the board in a meeting that had many promising young riders pitting their track skills against each other.
Youngest Rover, Lawrence Gordon came second in the boys under 8 category. Isaac Starmer was first in the under 10s, with newcomer Charlie Jessett picking up a well-deserved third place. Jamie Derrick also scored third place in the under 12s, while Nate Gordon was first in the under 14s and showed great skill and tenacity racing against older riders.
Rovers junior rider, Tom White picked up an impressive third place in the highly competitive 800m event, having fought his way through a tough series of heats. Afterwards, he still had the endurance to come a creditable eight in the day’s 8km scratch race, part of the National Endurance League.
As well as the placed riders, Rovers brought along a group of enthusiastic and resilient young riders who were a credit to the club. Rovers is enjoying the fruits of its Monday night grass track session, which this year has seen a large number of riders turning up, and trying cycling, many for the first time.
These sessions are set to continue through until the end of summer and are open to any youngsters who want to try their hand at track racing. Sessions are overseen by British Cycling accredited coaches and the club supplies the track bikes. Sign on is from 6pm for a 6.30pm start.