British Cycling’s stated objective that “Forming links with the local authority and schools is vital for a club if it’s to grow and develop” is an ethos that Hafren CC fully endorses.
With our Junior coaching programme, active involvement in Welsh Cyclocross League (an ideal event for young riders) and a Summer Grass Track League established for club juniors and extended to include adult competitions, Hafren CC is firmly committed to developing young, local riders
An Inter School event was a great next step in developing cycle sport opportunities in our local community.
HCC Junior Section Organizer and BC Level 2 Coach, Paul Bufton explained how the idea came about. ‘Kate Preston from Powys Sports Development came across an article on the British Cycling website about an inter school cycling event. She approached the club and asked if we were interested in helping with running something similar in the Newtown area. We were very keen to get involved”
Grass Track Racing was once common in the area, with regular weekend races and various leagues. The events follow the same format as those in a velodrome. The soft landing make this style of racing a safe place to start for young riders. No specialist equipment is need. The going is tougher than you would think, so even though run on the flat gears can be very helpful
Maesyrhandir CP, Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd and Penygloddfa Primary School accepted the invitation to bring teams of 8 riders consisting of 2 girls and 2 boys from years 5 and 6.
Newtown High School provided a sports field and a racing oval was marked out.
The various track style events included Flying Lap, Elimination Race, Scratch Race and a Keirin. With a person powered Derny reminiscent of the one used so comically in the Olympics, this was a tense race. Fortunately, it managed to stay ahead of the riders so no eliminations before the gun.
The young riders had a great day’s racing. School staff were enthusiastic in their support and we are now looking ahead to 2017 where more schools are expected to take part and the event becoming a permanent fixture in the school sports calendar.
Participants, schools and organisers said event a great success, showing how linking in with other partners can create a pathway from school through to community clubs.
As a Community Amateur Sports Club it is an important part of the Club’s ethos to be involved in the Local Community. The hard work of the Club’s volunteers coaches and other members have made this possible
Results year 5 comp
- Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd
- Penygloddfa Primary School
- Maesyrhandir CP
Results year 6 comp
- Maesyrhandir CP
- Penygloddfa Primary School
- Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd
Thanks to the following for running the event
Paul Bufton (HCC Coach)
Mike Holwil (HCC Coach)
Ann Williams (Welsh Cycling)
Tim Matthews (Welsh Cycling) and
Kate Preston PCC 5×60 officer,
Sam Holwill (HCC)
Tanks also to Newtown High School for providing the venue