Neil Rutter and Niel Dunnage, riders from the local Cotswold Veldrijden cycle racing team, competed with great success at the British Masters National Track Championships. Local teacher Neil Rutter, claimed his first national title after a cagey, tactical race, winning the 30-34 age group Scratch Race in a sprint finish.
Neil marked last year’s winner throughout the race before timing his winning move perfectly in the closing laps. Neil continued to demonstrate his good form on the Sunday, picking up two further medals with Bronzes in the Individual Pursuit and the Points Race.
Niel Dunnage rode superbly in a tough, aggressive 45-50 age group Scratch Race. Niel initiated the winning move at the midway stage of the race and eight riders soon went clear of the bunch. Constant attacks in the last four kilometres saw Niel break free with five laps to go forcing the chase. He was eventually overhauled but held on bravely to collect his first national medal, a bronze.
In all, the two Cotswold Veldrijden riders, and local youth coaches, claimed four national level medals over the weekend, and both look forward to using their experiences to further inspire the club’s youth riders.
For more information about youth cycling & training with Cotswold Veldrijden please contact [email protected]
Neil Rutter is an art teacher at St Josephs Catholic College