Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 08 May 2008

LAKELAND Sprinters began their 2008 season with a bit of luck - the last race finished moments before a torrential downpour struck the Rowrah karting circuit.

Twenty-five riders ignored the heavy showers earlier in the afternoon and turned up to enjoy a great evening.

While youth coach Don Morrison and president Gerry McCarten ran a skills challenge, riders took turns to compete on the 500m and 1km time trial courses.

In division four (500m), Ruth Atkinson, youngest rider by far and making her debut, put in a very creditable time of seven minutes 30 seconds.

Harry Lamb made a welcome return to the track and managed an excellent 4.36 just ahead of Harvey Canning who made his comeback with 3.39.

The top two were separated by only three seconds as Maddy Smith (2.55) just missed out to a storming performance by Jack McDonagh (2.52).

Georgia Canning took pole in division three (500m) with her time of 1.36 closely followed by Scott Glaister at 1.41, ahead of Ruth Jennings (1.59) and Matthew Atkinson (2.07).

Brother Robert Atkinson, making his first appearance for nearly a year, took first in division two (1km) with 3.05, just five seconds ahead of Tom Smith (3.10). Daniel Rooney completed the trio of riders with a time of 3.33.

The 11 riders who turned up for the division one events were joined by McCarten, who treated them to a bravura performance in the 1km time trial, recording 2.01 and showing that age is no barrier to excellent performance in cycling.

Gerry, by the way, has a pb on this circuit of 1.46, a time that many of the previous premier division riders would be proud to hold.

The all-time course record is 1.37, held by Robbie Glaister of the Honister 92 club.

Best of the younger riders was Patrick Cowman (2.26) followed by William Hughes (2.32). In joint third were Jason Jenkinson and Alex Hargreaves, both on 2.33.

Alice Rae was first girl home in 2.37 whilst Sam Heywood and Thomas Lennox shared next placing with 2.46.

Hugh Guise was only seven seconds behind this pair with 2.53, just three seconds ahead of newcomer George Bennett, who returned a very respectable 2.56.

Stephen Gascoigne, in his first appearance in division one, came home in three minutes exactly, just beating Kristian Cook on 3.04.

Following the 1km time trial the division one riders took part in a human-powered Keirin race. Normally this involves the riders following a small motorbike for several laps until the bike peels off and the riders then race over two of three laps.

Penny Kingsland took the role of human powered bike, pulling off and leaving the riders with two laps of the track to decide the winner.

The top five were Alex Hargreaves, William Hughes, Jason Jenkinson, Patrick Cowman and Sam Heyworth.

Youth cycling runs every Wednesday evening at Rowrah Karting Stadium until September 3. Division two, three and four riders take part 6pm-7pm and division one riders compete from 7pm.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Don Morrison (01946 830956), Penny Kingsland (01946 861456) or Tim Houghton (01946 821585).