Manchester Regional Track League Division 1

Friday 12th December 2003

Deeside Olympic were at Manchester Velodrome again for the Friday night Track League, with Steve (all the gear) Lloyd making his Track League debut.

While Karl and Keith had, what can only be described as, a quite night on the track, both riders coming away empty handed, it was left to Steve to carry the torch for Deeside Olympic.

As this was Steve's first outing in the Track League, but not being a complete novice, he was put in Group 2, this only lasted until after the first 20 lap points race, which he won. Keith kindly had a word with the organisers and had him instantly promoted to Group 3 with him!

Both Keith and Steve had quiet races, keeping themselves fresh for the last race of the evening, the 64 lap scratch race.

The pace was very inconsistent with no-one wanting to take control and stretch the bunch out. Both Keith and Steve pushed to the front to try and "up the pace" but no-one wanted to go with them. I don't think Karl would mind me saying that this is not his strongest discipline and was just a bit player at this distance. As the race got down to 10 laps to go Keith moved off the front again but just didn't seem to have his usual turn of speed and he was swallowed up by the bunch after only a couple of laps. With no-one controlling the pace the rest of the bunch soon massed up and the speed dropped again, playing in to the hands of the big sprinters. With 2 laps to go Steve worked his way to the front group of riders. When they hit the last bend steve got pushed high on the banking by the rider in front but powered past to sneak into a very creditable 3rd place. Not bad for a track newbie!

<< BACK TO RESULTS