Ella Makes International Debut

Thu, 25 October 2007

Ella Hopkins made her international track debut at the Newport Velodrome this last weekend riding for England. The event was a 5 inter-team competition between the juniors of the host nation Wales plus Scotland, Irelend, Holland and of course England.

Over the two days of racing the Paignton 16 year old rode in numerous races and was often paired with Emma Trott who is one year older than the Mid-Devon Cycling Club / Colin Lewis member and has a number of national titles under her belt. Hopkins was never awed by her possibly more illustrious opponents and throughout the weekend was always in the thick of the action.

The first event was a 4 lap Madison - a pair of riders take it in turns to set the pace and after one lap throw their partner into the fray. Hopkins and Trott won it.

Next up came a 60 lap Madison. At just over half distance Hopkins made a big effort and with Trott they held the lead for over 10 punishing laps before they were caught by the bunch. In the charge for the line they came home in third spot - no mean effort considering their earlier leg sapping break.

Giving the riders little time to recover all the riders took to the track for the points race. Hopkins once again showed her aggressive spirit by claiming second place.

An error in the Derny race - behind specially designed motor powered bikes with its rider sitting upright to give a windbreak as the speed progressively picks up - saw the plucky youngster undergeared. Regardless she stuck to her guns and despite it being her first experience behind the motors was fifth. A perfomance she repeated in the scratch race.

The final event of the weekend was an 80 lap Madison. Throughout the race Hopkins and Trott were active collecting valuable points. With 19 laps to go and just after an inter race points sprint the England duo attacked and lapped the field. This gave them the lead and they held it to the chequered flag.

Once the racing was over Hopkins was approached by British Cycling's Olympic Development Coach and Manager. Both were delighted wth Hopkin's work and the fact that in each race she did what they asked. They invited her to attend next week's Olympic Development Selection programme. It is based on the Manchester Velodrome and the roads of the Peak District. In a flash she accepted the challenge - we can only wish her well.

Other Club News

After making gold standard in the Tour of Dartmoor Adam Beams went to Knighton in Mid-Wales with Malcolm Silkstone for the Autumn Epic. The Mid-Devon Cycling Club / Colin Lewis members didn't hang around this time either and got around the 90 hilly miles fast enough to come home with a gold medal despite some of the climbs being between 1 in 8 and 1 in 5.