Best Improved Rider
2004
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Emma Pitt
This riders times on paper don't seem so good, but when you see her ride, and meet her in person, you realise how talented she really is, with a lot more to come.
There are precious few youngsters who ride with such determination and a complete absence of fuss. Even after the inevitable tumble she gets back on the bike even when she is covered in bandages, with that cheeky little grin of hers.
In the longer races she excels, having secret reserves of stamina that belie her stature.
She took to riding fixed, and then graduated to the wooden boards only a few weeks later at Calshot , where she very quickly took to riding high on the boards to the amazement of those watching, and to the consternation of her parents who didn't dare watch!
It’s inspiring to see her sat so far forward on the tiniest of bikes which is even now still too big for her, leaving bigger riders behind who watch in amazement as she pulls away from them.
She is our youngest girl racer.
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Jamil Gaida
If gutsy rides were measured in height, this rider would tower above the roof of Palmer Park Stadium
You only have to look at his face when he is racing to see that he wants nothing more than to win. Whether he is racing or training he gives every last ounce of effort and determination.
He has taken to Fixed wheel like a duck to water, He enjoys taking part, Manchester Nat Track Champs tells you that. He was the youngest competitor there but that didn't stop him putting 100% into every event going.
His effort at Manchester Nationals was a lesson to many riders. He took to the track to practice and promptly fell off. Shortly after that he took to the track again for the pursuit, and when he had finished he promptly fell off again. By the end of the day he was riding the track with real aggression. Remember this was his first time on a wooden indoor velodrome.
Only a few weeks later he was at Calshot, doing a team pursuit. He was flicking up the banking at the end of his turn and rejoining the back of the team with all the skill of someone who had been doing it for years.
A huge talent waiting to be explored as he matures.
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Holly Swarbrick
This nominee started coming down the track to watch another family member ride their bike. She made friends with all the club members even though she is a shy girl.
Then came the day she wanted to have a go. We were told that “she is very, very nervous” and at times looked so worried, I thought that we would never get her to relax and enjoy riding. She was in the category of “I can’t do that” “a shaking leaf on the fence”, but that was some time ago.
Only a few months later, even after some spills (not her fault) on and off the track, that same rider is unrecognisable, gone are the wobbles and anxieties, replaced by confidence, and improved skills and lap times.
Not only has she conquered that, in style, but she has moved on to take on the challenge of riding fixed wheel but also the steep banking of Calshot. Her desire to race is now getting the better of her and I’m sure she will be pushing the others much harder next season.
She’s certainly an inspiration for others to have a go
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Sam Serruya
This nominee has matured a lot as a competitive rider this year. He still enjoys larking around with his friend's at P.P.V. But come race time, it's time to get serious and give 100% to the job in hand.
Not only is he now a really talented rider, he has amazing ability to coordinate a team, and in the mixed ability team pursuits his team always wins under his guidance. He could probably guide a team of donkeys to a win!
At Calshot he has shown great team work and will help his team members to better their position in each race. I have seen him let his team mates win a race at Calshot to boost their final points. He has learnt that winning isn't everything, he knows he can and that's good enough.
He is feared as a sprinter of tremendous speed and cunning.
He’s got the taste of racing and likes it. At the Manchester Nat Track champs he let all the top Boys in his category know he was there to give them a hard time. By the end of the day they all knew he was not to be taken for granted, he earned their respected.
A truly impressive bike rider.
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Mark Baxter
This nominee will take anyone on in a race no matter how big they are, he wants to beat them all. He makes them work so hard to stop that happening.
He is always in the thick of the action, as our youngest A cat rider, he may not win all the races, but he makes sure the older riders do not slack off.
In the British Cycling Youth track series omnium won all that he attended. No other boy in his category could even get close.
He has won two BC National titles in the U12 boys cat ~ Circuit & Track. Winning is the end result to him, but that's not a bad thing. He won't lose sleep if he comes 2nd in a race he will go back over it in his head to work out how he WILL do better next time.
He sets himself some big goals and he will achieve them I'm sure.
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Jordan Allen
This young lad has not been with us long but shows a very high level of determination, that is starting to deliver results. As a C cat for our Saturday racing, and with his results in club championship events. With more bike skills and as his confidence and tactical skills grow we can expect to see this rider at the front of the pack more regularly.
Sibling rivalry has always inspired some great performances, provides marvellous motivation and long may it continue. (Being a parent this is always difficult to master and deal with the ups and downs)
This rider must always be continually improving as there is a younger brother snapping at his heels, who no doubt will also be a future contender for this award.
Has achieved gold standard for 200m freewheel and is not far away from his 1 lap gold standard, all before he is eleven.
A constant thorn in the side of the more established riders in his category,
A rider with potential.
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Lara Wann
This rider has developed that fluid spinning style and that superb burst of acceleration, and has even started to develop a tactical awareness. So necessary in the racing world of cycling
With hard work, she will become a National Champion, and quite possibly make the Olympics in the future if she wants.
These were a few comments back in 2002
Well she’s on her way, from one of the girls to a valuable asset to the British Cycling Talent team
A nominee and winner of this award in 2002
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Jason Pitt
A nominee again this year.
This lad just keeps on plugging away and improving. He never complains or whinges, just gets on with the task in hand.
He achieved his silver award for 200m under the age of nine.
Has started to ride Calshot with ease and style, and still only in the U10 category
A BSCA National Track Champion in the U8 category
A role model as a club member.
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Stuart Whitby
Early this year, I caught a glimpse of what could be, this rider was prepared to have a go! And feared no one, and if he could continue to improve and develop, there are real possibilities.
Still working hard on getting the leg speed needed to keep up with one or two of the other clubs top riders, he can always be counted on to be giving it his all. This being his first full season I think he has shown great determination and has more potential yet, needs more miles in the legs to get the best out of him and improve his base fitness
The rest of the year has been a steep learning curve and sometimes the lessons have been hard to take. When you try really hard it hurts and this rider is willing to go that much more. Often frustrated at losing or being tactically naive and desperate for an opportunity to test his mettle. The improvement in performance is very real, there is still a way to go and we must all be a bit more patient, but the wait will be worth it.
Has achieved his gold standard for 200m and 1 lap, can also complete a sub 14secs over 200m now with ease.
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Winner Sam Serruya
I often say that “Racing & Competition improves” and this rider is the perfect example of what can be achieved.
I am always immensely proud of our riders when they compete at events and even more proud when they get to go head to head with the big guys and lock horns.
Cunning, aggression, determination, effort, skill, friendliness, teamwork, leadership, and hunger, all factors that a champion needs, and this rider has them all.