This weekend Euan Woodliffe and Oli Stockwell travelled to Derby for the National Youth Omnium Championships, both having qualified earlier in the year at the regional omniums, including our own event in April.
The day consisted of a full race schedule of, Time Trial, Elimination, Scratch, Keirin and Points race. Omniums require tactical race craft and a constant awareness of where your competitors are, along with a strong sprint and endurance.
Euan was in fine form in the U14 field and finished the day in Silver medal position. His starting TT earnt him 4th place, which advanced to 3rd overall despite getting boxed in the elimination race to finish 6th. Next up was the scratch race in which Euan powered to 3rd in the bunch sprint to maintain his overall position, after Josh Tarling jumped off the front to take the win. Drawn 2nd wheel behind the Derny in the Kierin, Euan then held that position to the end which moved him up to 2nd overall. He went into the final race needing to gain 4 points to gain on the leader. The whole race was a fast pace and although always up at the front Euan just missed out to his VCL rival Oli Mangham.
Oli Stockwell also continued his great form and came 5th overall. His tactical awareness and positioning earned him 3rd in the Elimination along with top 5 placings in most of the events – he was always in contention for the top places but was out-sprinted for a podium spot by his (track specialist) rivals. Oli continues to have an amazing year.
Back on the road, Iona Moir represented the club racing with the Senior Women at the floodlit Newport Nocturne finishing a creditable 19th place on restricted gears against the pros.
Oli, Euan and Iona will be part of the 12 rider WW Youth squad heading to the 3 day Screentek International North West Youth and Junior Tour this coming weekend. Oli continues to lead the National Series in the U16 category and Euan is sitting in 2nd place in the U14 category, closely followed by Caelen Miller in 4th place.