Whilst the eyes of the world were focused upon the competition and competitors taking part at the London 2012 Olympic Games, we, in a far, far away corner of the realm, namely North Staffordshire, were treated to a majestic display from a host of young riders who, with a little luck and much hard work, may well find themselves being our own future Olympians.

The Aspire stadium in Newcastle under Lyme was the venue for Sprint Fest II ( Swinno's Revenge), the eagerly awaited for, sequel to Sprint Fest, and which this time comprised of sprint, Team sprint, Keirin and handicap competitions.

Under mainly clear blue skies, so untypical of our summer so far, the young riders, many of whom had travelled many long miles to take part, enjoyed a full two days of racing under the guidance of Tim Buckle and the talent program team, and west mids volunteers from British Cycling.

The amazing Mr Buckle once again showed his limitless energy and enthusiasm for the sport as he not only provided a most entertaining commentary via the P.A system but also took on the role of derny rider for each and every Keirin race as well as organising the enthusiastic band of volunteers, without whose help the day could not have happened. We did, however, pay a high price for his presence as he hungrily devoured at least six of the lollipops that were supplied by Lyme Racing Club and vigorously offered to anyone either spectating or officiating!

As with SPRINTFEST the major objective of the 2 days was to create a coached learning environment with the added extra of full blown race pressure!!!

On the track itself, not a moment of time was wasted as the races were arranged with an almost military like precision which minimised the waiting between races and, with heavy showers showing on the weather radar, made the most of the warm and dry conditions.

And what races!

All those present were treated to 2 day long displays of high quality, disciplined and fiercely competitive racing from a cast of talented young cyclists under the age of sixteen. The maturity of their racing skills and tactics very much belied their youthfulness. This class of track racing would certainly not look out of place at any competition at any velodrome worldwide, a feat that can most certainly be attributed to some excellent coaching, allied to a plethora of natural ability.

Well done to every single one of the riders. British track cycling has certainly got much to look forward to in the years to come.

When asked what he would like to express about the 2 days he replied

“Most off all I am well impressed with the blossoming of the riders over the 1 day of coaching and 2 days of racing is soooo exciting. Riders all the way through each ladder have shown progression in areas relative to their own needs at this time. The less experienced guys have shown they have gained more control and confidence on their bikes and the more experienced are expressing far deeper and subtle tactical elements to their racing. It goes without question that they have all dug in 100% and the times expressed and the physical performances we have seen show us that. TOP JOB YOU LOT!!!!

I feel that the format of ladders is mega as it allows the riders lots of chances to try new things and make mistakes and put them right after feedback. It has to be said that feedback would have not happened if the guys had not been surrounded by such a wealth of knowledge for more than 12 hours over the weekend! Having the time to become confident with adults who they do not know and then build trust and listen has enabled them to move on an amount that might have taken 3 to 6 months with just sporadic coaching input and races were default settings just keep getting hammered in. I would like to take this chance to thank every who helped pull this thing togethr and then make it happen. My Talent colleagues but those guys that gave, and give their free time not just this weekend but every week, week in and week out, without them we have no Olympic teams!!! It would be great to have a rolling credit here like at the end of a film but a guess we cannot do that but THANKS GUYS”

Prizes Team Sky and Swinnerton Cycles!!! Trek and Giro THANKS!!!!!!!

Results:

Boys 200 TT

Girls 200 TT

Sprint ladder final results:

Girls

Boys:

Team sprint Teams boys:

Results 1.5 laps 600metre:

Girls team:

Results 1 lap 400metres:

Day 2

Girls keirin results.

Boys.

Handicap results 500 metres.

Girls

Boys