Mallory Race Night & Special Presentation

It was the tale of the Hare and the Tortoise at the second Mallory Race Night (although the tortoises were very much of the turbo-charged variety). With more than 50 riders lining up on the starting grid; the four groups were set off at intervals based on predicted speeds.

Before the riders clipped in, however, Welland Valley chair Judith Rout presented the evergreen Dennis Smith with a special club version of the UCI ‘Rainbow Jersey’

to commemorate his victory in the V75 category at the Cyclocross World Championships in December, last year. After sustained applause, a beaming Dennis thanked the club and said it had been a privilege to share the podium with Welland Valley’s other veteran superstar and multiple Worlds winner, Vic Barnett.

When the racing got underway, the groups appeared to get organised more quickly than previously; and the speeds were higher. Midway through the 16 laps, a contingent from the slower first group hooked up with the second string and rode brilliantly to the chequered flag.

First over the line was junior Jax Roberts – followed by mum Anna Robert (with dad, Gary, letting the side down by finishing 17th!). Just behind Team Roberts – and finishing in third and fourth – was Team Hardwicke (Alex, and then Richard).

Next over the (very obvious) line was the fast group’s James Moore, followed by Richard Kendrick, Philip Richards, Jamie Kershaw, Thomas Medley, Alex Robertson, Rhys Thomas and Tayyid Farook making up the top 12. Juniors Jamie and Tayyid again showed their racing nous by slipping away from group three to fight it out at the finish.

Riders 13-30 were: Julian Rathbone, Mark Partrick, David Robertson, Ellie Humphries, Gary Roberts, James Rhodes, Tom Reynolds, David Yarnell, Nick Clarke, Loz Cox, Mitchell Hall, Hans Van Nierop, Chris Allitt, Dave Clarke, Caitlin Sweet, Andy Deeks and Dave Wilson.

Many thanks to race commissaire Phil Rayner, handicap maestro Nick Clarke, timer George Barnett and volunteers Martin Webster, John Welsford and Kamilia Leska for making it all happen. Apologies to anyone I’ve missed out.

The next Mallory Race Night is Thursday, August 3. Places are filling up rapidly, so book now while stocks last, as they say.