A large contingent of ESV members headed down to the inagural Battle on the Boards event hosted by PDQ Cycle Coaching at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport this weekend.
The event includes the National Sprinter’s League (Men’s and Women’s’ rounds) and a support Keirin races for riders who are knocked out in the early rounds, together with the National Endurance League (Men’s and Women’s’ 100 lap points race finales) and support races.
We had representation in the Youth A (George and Charlie), Junior (Tom and Jack), Open (Matt and Oli) and Paracycling Men’s C1-5 (Ben) age ranges but with most riding up one or two categories. This was the last race of the open men’s sprint series which was beautifully paired with the para national scratch race. Fantastic efforts from all the sprinters led by Matt Rotherham, ESV’s Sprint Coach and Paralympic gold medallist.
Matt Rotherham qualified for group A alongside Oli Aloul
Charlie Holt group B
Tom Boyd and Jack Horley group C
George Harold group D
Each and everyone rode fiercely and represented the club with pride. This was a national championships event so the ESV members were racing against grown men sometimes double their age and experience.
To kick things off Ben Wood came away with a bronze championship medal. Congratulations Ben and all who cheered you across that finish line, the race was fast from the gun and Ben was just pipped to the post for silver but did us proud getting a bronze.
Matt took bronze in group A. It was great to see our coach racing in his element and most definitely inspiring the next generation.
It was a great day for the club and epitomises everything we stand for – take what you’ve learned and apply it on the largest stages, give it everything both mentally and physically and support your mates when they’re racing.
All our photos from the day are here