Cyclists are back on track at Goodwood

It was with great trepidation that members of the Southdown Velo cycle club resurrected a series of cycle races at the famous Goodwood motor-racing circuit.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2014, 08:57 BST
Action from the opening race of the revived Goodwood series Picture by Martin CleaverAction from the opening race of the revived Goodwood series Picture by Martin Cleaver
Action from the opening race of the revived Goodwood series Picture by Martin Cleaver

Work began last November and everything was in place ready for the first race, which will be followed by another nine events with points being accumulated towards British Cycling classifications for juniors and adults.

Goodwood has a great pedigree of cycle racing from hosting the men’s road world championships through the Brompton World Championships, where riders had to compete in jacket and trousers, to track racing. An all-ladies’ event will take place on Sunday, August 31.

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The weather was kind for the first races and the 6.30pm start for the juniors was a great success with 36 racers aged from eight to 16 each competing in their own age groups.

The adult race started at 7pm and had an almost-full field of 106 riders who fought it out over 15 laps (33 miles).

It was won by Justin Hoy (Felt Colbourne Hargroves), who crossed the line just ahead of Jay Eastwood (Banjo Specialized). It was a pleasure to have Sean Yates in the race. He has won stages in the Tour de France, Tour of Britain, Ireland and Belgium as well as representing Britain in the Olympic Games.

The fast and furious pace was seen in the second race of the series, again won by Hoy ahead of Eastwood. But Lee Shipley and Glyn Ostler, who both race for Blazing Saddles, have come up the rankings with high placings and will be out to challenge the top two over the rest of the series.

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