Every year the HSBC Track Cycling National Championships is the showcase event of the BC calendar. It is the one opportunity for the amateurs to have a crack at the pros. To put the bike rider that trains for hours around work, school, college and life in with the chance to win a medal that shows they are among the nation’s best. When you look down the list of riders who have stood on that podium, the who’s who of going fast is read out. And to be added to that list is something that every rider dreams of. To be noticed, to stand out, to be told the hours were worth it. That is what Black Line riders came to do. To see if they could stand out.
Day 1
The men started their championships with the team sprint and 4 teams lined up for Black Line. For many of our team, the Nationals is an event with a far higher standard than anything else that they compete at and provides an opportunity to see some of the best in the world. The first round is always brutal, but our A team put in an incredibly strong ride to qualify 3rd. The others would unfortunately be left to cheering from the side lines, although there was plenty to cheer for. A substitution saw Harry Ledingham-Horn replace Matt Roper and join Ed Lowe and Hayden Norris to post their fastest time of the day, 46.0 seconds. Backing this up with a 46.1 in the final secured them the Bronze medal ahead of Glasgow Track Racing, a fantastic achievement for the boys, who are aged just 16, 16, 17.
The women began their campaign with the Sprint. 4 Black Line riders began the day, and by the time the semi finals came, we had everything to play for. Unfortunately Milly Tanner and Lauren Bell came up against one another, and after a fantastic battle it was Milly who went through to the final. Despite going one ride up, she was forced to settle for second. Lauren was victorious in the Bronze ride off, meaning that the girls brought home the clubs first ever senior individual medals. An amazing achievement for them, and something celebrated a lot by us!
Day 2
The second day was the sprint day for the men. With countless pb’s in qualifying (I think every single rider), just Hayden Norris and Matt Roper made it though to the quarter finals. Hayden rode incredibly well against the number 1 seed Hamish Turnbull, but the extra speed was too much. Meanwhile, Matt Roper advanced through to the Semi finals after a tough best of three against Niall Monk. Matt gave it everything in those final rides, taking his semi to 3 against Hamish, but unfortunately he was beaten into 4th by Alex Spratt. I can not explain what a momentous result this was for Matt. He is dedicated and relentless in his work ethic and this result was a just reward. Well done Matt!
The women had to wait until the evening session for the Keirin and Scratch. Ellie Stone and Lauren both made it through to the final, which Lauren incredibly went on to dominate and win! This is the clubs first ever individual national title. The buzz and excitement for Lauren was incredible, our what’s app group exploded with messages. We are delighted for Lauren and can not wait to see her in the white skinsuit. Congratulations Lauren.
Day 3
Unbelievably, the final day of competition was perhaps our best. The women’s program was action packed, with both the team sprint and 500TT on the same day. Ellie and Lauren qualified 3rd and continued to deliver consistent performances to secure the bronze medal, with Lauren clocking a time of 19.01 for her opening lap, a big break through for her. Milly rode with Blaine (in foreign colours) to take the win. Despite Milly riding in the wrong kit (which she politely asked to do) we are delighted for her and the title was well deserved.
Lauren then rode one final time, to clench another National title in the 500m TT. This was her 4th medal of the championships, an unbelievable performance across the board and hopefully a sign of a very successful 2020 coming her way. We are all looking forward to seeing how she does this Summer.
The men were not yet finished. The Keirin competition was wide open, and on paper Matt Roper was 2nd fastest on the start sheet. Keirin is the lottery of the sprint world, and it would take a good head to make the most of the opportunities that came his way. Matt absolutely nailed this, taking a flyer in the final and holding on to a Silver medal, getting passed by Joe Truman in the final bend of the race. Matt was delighted with his result, as he should be. A huge result for him and the club and an end to a fantastic weekend of racing.
Analysis……
Black Line once again showed that we are a club for everyone. With riders at the very top, to those who just came to race hard and see how fast they can go. We supported one another and thrived off the buzz of shouting on team mates, racing hard and celebrating the success that we had. It was a pleasure for me to watch and help out over the weekend. We came to leave a mark and we certainly did. We were noticed, we did stand out, we are Black Line!