Taking place in Assen, The Netherlands, last week was the 55th edition of the prestigious European Junior Cycling Tour. Ilkley CC’s Joe Turnbull and Alex Beldon who has recently signed for the PHMas Racing Team, were part of a strong Yorkshire representation. With a stage win and consistently high placings, Alex was on the final podium with third place overall at the end of the multi-day race, against world class opposition. (Podium picture above).
The final round of the smoothly run Yorkshire Cyclocross series was held last Wednesday at Wyke. A technically testing and totally grass based course threatened to cut up during the race due to the heavy thundery showers of the week, it was certainly wet in places and tough going on a number of sections, with the off cambers becoming an increasingly delicate affair. It was great to see the Cliffe son/dad due back in action following Ian Cliffe’s recovery from a broken leg, with Seb claiming the family bragging rights by a mere 1.2 seconds! Seb Cliffe 13th, Ian Cliffe 14th, Arthur Wilson 23rd, Jason Bishop 31st Liam Rees 39th. (The series standings are yet to be published)
Ilkley’s Chris Kempton achieved a “bucket list” ambition by completing the Team Swift 12hour race. He achieved it in fine style with 13th place and a total of just over 243 miles, keeping his average speed at over twenty miles per hour for the whole twelve hours.
In the Otley CC 50mile time trial, Ilkley had two entrants, both finishing with pleasing results. David Leckenby was 13th with 2hr3min32secs and Jamie Kirk 25th with 2-12-30.