Market Place race may be an annual event

The organisers of a cycling evening featuring races for children said they were in talks to run a bigger event next year.

Races at under-8, under-10, under-12 and under-14/under16 levels were held amid damp conditions on the cobbles of Newark’s Market Place on Tuesday.

Newark Castle Cycling Club staged the Go Ride event, which attracted more than 80 entrants.

It featured a mixture of children who competed for cycling clubs and others who wanted to race the 0.4-mile circuit.

Mr Paul Beaumont, of the club, said: “The evening was a tester to see if we could hold a bigger event, including senior races. We think this would pull in even larger crowds.

“We have already started talking to people about it.

“We are grateful to British Cycling, whose format we are using, the town and district councils, and businesses for their support.

“The volunteers who gave their support and help also deserve plenty of thanks.”

A sponsors’ race was held after the junior events.

Live entertainment was provided before and after the races, including from the Flipside Party Band, and there was a craft market.

Among those riding was ten-year-old Archie Lever, of Newark.

He said: “I have been riding for two years and I really enjoy cycling. This is a good event.”

Nine-year-old Reece Crawford, a member of Newark Castle Cycling Club, was also riding.

His father, Mr Steven Crawford, said: “He picked up the sport really quickly and has been a natural since the age of three.

“This is a brilliant event and hopefully it can be done again. Maybe when the sports village is built and the cycling track is there, even more people can join the club.”

Former professional cyclist Mr Dave Miller said: “If we did this next year I would like to see it happen on a weekend.

“It would be fantastic to have a town centre circuit and we would probably try to get the senior British Championship, too.”

YOUNG cyclists completed 0.4-mile laps from the Market Place through Church Street, Kirkgate, Middlegate and Stodman Street before returning to Market Place, where crowds had gathered to watch.

Nottingham’s Barnaby Smith, of Moda RT, sped to victory in the under-8 category; Dillon Preece, of Chesterfield, riding for Bolsover and District CC, was champion of the under-10s; Florence Lissaman, from Oakham and riding for Newark Castle CC, finished first in the under-12s; and Luke Moore, of Nottingham, for Velo Club Flintham, won the under14/16 category.

They were presented with their medals by Matt Croft (above) project manager of Urban&Civic, which sponsored the event.

He said: “We are really pleased to be here today as sponsors of the Junior Tour of Britain, a fantastic local event that celebrates a truly prestigious national event.”