It was another busy weekend for Lichfield’s young cycling stars. On Saturday Emily and Sophie Capewell, along with Burntwood’s Jacob Kelly, travelled to London to compete in the latest round of British Cycling’s National Youth Series. Boys and girls compete together in the under 12’s event and so the sisters were in amongst 34 of the country’s top youngsters in a very quick 10 mile race. Considering neither are used to riding in such a large bunch both did well with Sophie finishing 4th girl and Emily 8th. The best performance though came from Jacob Kelly who has been improving week by week. In the under 14’s race, over 20 miles, Jacob was well placed in the leading group of 20 riders until, with just 5 laps to go, he was brought down in a crash which decimated the field. Despite the soreness and blood running from his knee and elbow he still contested the bunch sprint. His 17th place though belies a quality performance from one of the youngest riders in the field.

On Sunday Lichfield’s finest assembled at Darley Moor motor circuit near Ashbourne for round 5 of the British Schools Championship. This was the circuit race around the 1.3 mile testing track. Once again Lichfield’s riders were to the fore of the results taking 2 golds 3 silvers, and another gold in the team competition.

In the under 8’s Lewis Askey was again in dominant form riding away from everyone else to take the title. Daniel Cooper came in 7th and Adam Stanley 12th. In the girls event Josie Nelson took the silver and Sarah Marnoch, in her first season, took 4th.

Sophie Capewell finished well clear of the field to take the title in the girls under 10’s event. Lucy Nelson was in contention for silver until a fall in the last lap denied her of a medal this time. Meanwhile another great performance from Matthew Sisley saw him take 5th.

The girls under 12’s race was one of the most fascinating and saw Nether Stowe’s Emily Nelson and Emily Capewell amongst the first 4 riders to take the team prize once again. Emily Nelson was amongst the leading trio throughout and just missed out on gold in the final sprint. A couple of attacks caused Emily Capewell to become detached from this group but she showed great tenacity to fight her way back to the leaders and led briefly as the final sprint began. In the boys race Josh Nelson was equally unlucky as his sister in the sprint for the line taking 4th place. William Davies came in shortly behind the group in 9th place.

Interest then once again focused on Jacob Kelly in the under 14’s race. Gradually the leading group was whittled down until just 5 remained. Although not able to match the winner in the final sprint he easily took silver and now leads in the overall competition. In fact, with just 3 rounds remaining, Lichfield riders lead in 5 of the 12 championships and Nether Stowe are also clear leaders in the team competition. The next round, the grass track, takes place at Lichfield’s Friary Grange Leisure Centre on Bank Holiday Monday.