Now in it’s fourth year, the Sotonia Summer Criterium series returned for 2017 on Sunday and a scorching hot day it was too! That didn’t stop our youth racers enjoying themselves in the sun in the first races. The U8 and U10 Sotonians were there in force with 12 of our youngsters taking part. Oskar Ciaramella best placed U8, 3rd place boy, Skye Martingale 2nd placed girl. In the U10s, George Connell led for most of the race to take 1st place boy, Isabella Hall 2nd girl.
In the senior races, Justin Menhenett and junior, Harry Parsons rode the 4th cat race. Justin suffered a puncture while sitting comfortably in the front group but Harry finished an impressive 9th place in his first ever race.
In the 3rd cats, Tom Budden, Phil Wilks and David Baxter lined up for Sotonia. Phil and Tom did the lions share of the work on the front of the bunch as rising temperatures appeared to discourage any attacks until 10 laps to go when Tom made his move, quickly building up a lead of 30 seconds that never looked in threat to take the solo win as Phil policed the bunch behind to finish 9th, David Baxter 12th.
The final E12 race featured Ed Slot for Sotonia along with local talents Matt Downie (Team Primera Jobs) and Paul Double (Zappi RT), on a break from racing in Europe as well as Masters Criterium champion, Mike Smith (Nuun-Sigma Sport). The heat again played a part, ending Ed’s race and finishing with a bunch sprint won by Will Fox (Catford CC).
Video action from the youth races
Thank you to all the helpers
None of this could have happened without the help and support from our club members to ensure the day ran successfully, setting up, marshalling and signing-on with our friends at Coffee Cruiser and Gelato Ice cream and Tom Budden’s soundsystem to make sure everyone was well entertained.
Thanks to: Jez Hart, Hayley Hart, Jon Dudley, Phil Connell, Mel Mills, Jon Wren, Jonathan Hall, Julian Gee, Phil Wilks, Tom Budden, Stephen Underwood, Andy Mackay, Tim Cooke, Justin Ridgment, Greg Vint and Jon Chapman.