STRATFORD Cycling Club junior girls duo Mollie Kosta and Zoe Parker both claimed podium places at the West Midlands race in Shrewsbury on Saturday.
In the U8s event Kosta secured third place, while in the U12s Parker followed up her second place in Stockport with another runners-up position.
On a cool day which had a sharp wind leading into the hairpin, all Stratford riders improved on their previous performances, especially in terms of tactics.
In the U14s Matthew Jordan and Luke Brennan communicated effectively to support each other’s breakaways – a tricky thing to do in a fast and furious race.
In the U16s Jonathan Masters, who is still new to the art of closed circuit, managed to successfully stay with the peloton.
Results: U8s: Mollie Kosta – 3rd; Fifi Kosta – 8th; U12s: Zoe Parker – 2nd; U14s: Matthew Jordan – 10th; Luke Brennan – 13th; Alex Burden – 17th; U16s: Jonathan Masters – 19th.
Also in action recently at Lichfield’s Curborough Closed Circuit venue were Stratford’s Sam Abbott and Alex Burden.
Abbott was dropped from the lead group three quarters of the way into the race and fought valiantly to try to close the gap, but the group he was with were unwilling to work with him. He led the second group over the line to finish his 11-lap race in eighth place.
Burden finished in a splendid fourth place after a keenly-fought 19-lap race.
