The North East Trophy Cycle Races – February 26th 2011

Velo29.com’s big race meeting at Croft on Saturday was as big a success as it was a relief for the organisers who pronounced themselves delighted by the way the event had proceeded. There were races for younger children and juveniles to start the day,

Photo by Tony Todd

and these were followed by the showcase event, the North East Trophy Race held over 25 laps – over fifty miles of racing.

There had been over a hundred entries, about ninety of whom started the event. Taking part were men, women

Photo by Tony Todd

veterans and also a number of professional riders.

Photo by Tony Todd

Photo by Tony Todd

The conditions were mainly sunny,

Photo by Tony Todd

although there was a threatening if picturesque sky towards the finish.

Photo by Tony Todd

When groups combined during the race it was a magnificent and colourful sight

Photo by Tony Todd

and the stature of the event was emphasised by the presence of British Cycling’s presentation vehicle, transponders for all the bikes and a lead motorcycle with 2 following cars.
There were a number of attacks earlier in the race which managed to get clear

Photo by Tony Todd

only to be brought back again. However a decisive move

Photo by Tony Todd

eventually led to the formation of an active and committed group of eight riders who stayed away to contest the lead.

Photo by Tony Todd

The sprint was won by Bishop Auckland professional, Matthew Kipling (Raleigh RT) from Tom Barras (Cyclepremier Metaltek), David Lines (Endura / Look / Pedal Power) and David Clarke (Endura Racing). The first 7 of the winning group were covered by less than two seconds while coasting in in eighth, just a few seconds back, was Giles Harrison (Activ Cycles) the winner of the second and third rounds of the winter series.
No less than 38 riders completed the full twenty-five laps while fifty-seven completed twenty laps or more. Lauren Brown of Border City Wheelers was first girl home.

Photo by Tony Todd

There were a lot of smiles after the event, from those who enjoyed watching, from those who participated and not least from those who had worked so very hard to organise and run the event.