A WEEKEND which started as a damp squib ended up with fine display for Bromsgrove Olympique's youth team.

The racing started well enough, with Ross Dingley missing a win in the first race at Halesowen by only a few centimetres.

The downpour, which had been threatening for most of the day, occurred and the rest of the evening's programme was washed out.

Saturday morning was much brighter, with some spirited racing at Curborough Sprint Circuit.

Gene Billington wasn't particularly inspired in the under 12s and suffered in the windy conditions to lose a lap on the leading group.

Alex and Francine Billington had a poor start in the under 16s event, both losing yards in a hectic sprint away from the line.

Alex quickly regained contact, Francine wasn't so lucky and rode alone for most of the race.

Meanwhile, Alex attacked hard and by four laps to go had disposed of all the opposition and was heading for a certain victory. Luck wasn't on his side, because he had a front wheel puncture.

Luckily, Francine wasn't far behind and lent him her bike to finish, however two riders had caught him and he had to settle for third place. He made up for it in the handicap with a scorching 400 metre sprint where he caught and passed the leader 50 metres from the line.

Will Goulbourne also rode strongly, though no doubt was saving himself for the National Youth Series MTB event at Trentham Gardens the next day, where he took an excellent sixth place from the 30-strong field. He now holds fourth place with a good chance of moving up to third in the series overall.

Sunday was also very successful for Olympique riders at the British Schools Cycling Association's West Midlands Regional Hard Track Championships at Halesowen.

Seven riders took certificates or medals for the first three places. Jason Dingley was first to shine with a third in the under eights. Genny Billington also took third in the under tens, won by Jessica Varnish, who rides for Halesowen but lives in Finstall. Jessica's sisters Lucy and Francesca had earlier taken first and second in the under eights.

New signing

New Olympique signing from Gloucester, Craig Talbot, was an instant success. Having never ridden a track before he nevertheless performed admirably, winning the sprint heat and taking third place overall.

The under 14s saw a clear win with maximum points scored by Ross Dingley. Second place was so hotly contested the three riders shared the placing, including Bromsgrove's Peter Banham.

Alex Billington had to fight all the way to take the under 16 boys title from Halesowen's Peter Sargent and Duncan Evans from Wolverhampton. Francine Billington took the under 16 girls title.

Another busy week sees another round of the club ten mile time trial series near Hanbury on Thursday and track racing at Halesowen on Friday.

The weekend sees the prestigious Lichfield two-day stage race at Darley Moor and Curborough circuits, followed on Monday by the BSCA Regional Hill Climb Championship on Old Gorcott Hill.

For more details phone Ian on (01527) 833847.