MATCH REPORT: Manchester Grand Prix Test Event

Astley & Tyldesley hosted a test event at Gin Pit on Sunday, to explore the viability of staging a Manchester Individual Grand Prix series this summer. 14 riders turned out, with the organisers putting them into three groups, with some doubling up to ensure viability. A most enjoyable event took place, run at a leisurely pace to allow riders adequate recovery in between races, on a hot, sunny afternoon, in the first match at Gin Pit since March.

A&T’s Duncan Whalley raced to a maximum score in the u-13 match, with team mate Matt Snell repeating the feat in the Junior match. The Senior match was the most competitive, with A&T’s Reece Pollitt top scoring, beaten only by team mate Steve Harris in heat 6. Steve recorded the fastest time of the day, 42.09 secs, in heat 1 of the Senior match.

The post match discussion amongst the organisers and club representatives decreed that the event was viable enough to justify the staging of a six round series, using the same categories, at the three Gt. Manchester tracks. Therefore, Round 1 of the series will take place at Bury next Sunday, 16th August, 1 pm start. Further details to be issued this week.

Manchester Individual Grand Prix (test event) results

U-13s: Duncan Whalley (A&T) 16, Tom Dunphy (Bury) 13, Megan Lloyd (Harry Middleton CC) 10, Bobby Dunphy (Bury) 7, Sam Dunphy (Bury) 4.

Junior: Matt Snell (A&T) 16, Charlie Burgess (A&T) 12, Duncan Whalley (A&T) 8, Owen Simcock (A&T) 4.

Senior: Reece Pollitt (A&T) 15, Matt Snell (A&T) 14, Steve Harris (A&T) 13, Kris Ramsden (Bury) 12, Paul Graham (A&T) 8, Eryk Motala (Bury) 7, Steve Mann (Bury) 6.

Referee – Chaz Whalley.