IT has been a busy September so far this year for many of the Tavistock Wheelers' cyclists.

Last week the annual criterium races took place in Barnstaple and, for the first time, Tavistock Wheelers were well represented. Eleven members of Tavistock Wheelers took part in the Barnstaple criterium on Friday, September 6.

Criterium's are town centre road races, where the roads are closed to traffic for the events.

Tavistock Wheelers had five riders in the youth races, making it the second largest club, after the hometown team.

Emily Attfield won the under 16's girls race convincingly.

Stanley Barker and Jordan Channon came joint fourth in the under 16 boys' race — a very good performance on their road race debut. Peter Jarman also came fourth and went on to ride an excellent race in the adult Category 3  race. Rob Waddy came fourth in the under 14s race.

It was an excellent performance by all the young Wheelers who coped well with the technical course.

The Wheelers also had five riders in the senior category three race. They didn't get in the placings although they all rode very well, including a strong performance from Dan Strong, who was just outside the winning group. Criterium racing is a technical sport and the Wheelers can expect to do very well next season. It would be fantastic to organise a similar event in Tavistock to coincide with the town  carnival, and some initial enquiries have been made to see if this would be possible.

There was more success for the Wheelers at the Rockbeare races.  Ninth place in a strong field in the third category race,  and  with the lead group right to the last climb. Three lady riders took to the start,  with an excellent sixth place in the strongest field so far in a south west women's race this year.  just missed the cut when the lead group split but still got 15th. Pippa Mcdougall showed great promise in her first race.