A LARGE contingent of Colchester Rovers riders took part in the three-day Mildenhall Cycling Festival in Suffolk.

They were in top condition in the Grasstrack Cycle Racing category at the nationally-acclaimed cycling event, which has featured the likes of Victoria Pendleton, Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny over the years.

After a technical problem in his first event, George Collins stormed back to win the under-eight grasstrack omnium, finishing off an incredibly strong season on the bike.

Daisy Emerson and Matilda Challinor renewed their friendly rivalry in the under tens omnium, being joined by James Morrison.

Brad Taylor and Josh White finished second and third respectively in the under-12 grasstrack omnium.

Rovers were also represented by Will Morrison and George Reeves.

Long-time training partners, Jodie Taylor and Jack Emerson, squared off in the very competitive under-14 omnium, with Jodie, riding for Team Terminator, awarded 1st Girl.

In the supporting events, there were podium positions for Arthur Challinor, James Morrison, Jack Emerson and Will Morrison in their respective Duathlon age groups.

And James Morrison, Brad Taylor and Will Morrison secured further podiums in the cyclocross events.

Experienced Rovers testers Paul Dewbury and Colin White competed in the Essex Roads CC 25 mile TT on the E11 course at Blackmore.

The course along the A414 road saw a misty start but thankfully this cleared to give good conditions.

Dewbury clocked up a time of one hour six minutes 24 seconds, while veteran rider White finished in 1h 39m 43s.

Southend Wheelers' Paul Hart won with a lightning-fast 52m 37s, with former Rover Richard Price just two seconds behind.

White was also in action with Tony Howard at the ten-mile TT around Writtle.

Conditions were again favourable and Howard went under the 30-minute mark with 29m 37s, with White finishing in 35m 55s.

Richard Price won with a time of 20m 38s.

Rovers' midweek time trial series ended with the traditional season closer - the Hill Climb.

It took place on the ascent of Sandy Hill on the B1508 between Bures and Wormingford.

The event was won by Jamie Hazelton in a time of 1m 25.2s, just over ten seconds clear of the second-placed rider, Mark Wellsted.

The gap to third was a little closer - Wellsted came in just a tenth of second ahead of Amis Velo's Keith Randle.

Amongst the youth contestants was Ollie Davey-Smith (1m 57.5s), closely followed by Dan Hall, Tom Carson and Dominic Hunt.

Rovers have enjoyed another incredibly successful grasstrack season for youth riders.

A total of 70 riders took part over 12 sessions, with a total of 401 separate entries.

Over the season, the Rogers club welcomed 32 new riders to these events, with 17 of those aged ten years or younger.

The youngest rider was five years old, while 34 per cent of all participants were girls.

Rovers' Youth Section's focus now turns to cyclocross, which is a hugely popular discipline amongst children.

They have begun cyclocross coaching for new youth riders at Hilly Fields in Colchester.

Sign on for these sessions will be at at 6pm, and the cost per rider will be £2.00.

The sessions will be held on the lower field and parking is available on Sussex Road (off Lexden Road).

There is also some very limited parking off Sheepen Road.

Riders should bring their own bicycle with off road (knobbly) tyres. These could include cyclocross specific bikes, mountain bikes, or even BMXs.

Riders should also bring a helmet, suitable clothing for the weather and a drink.

The club will hold two or three sessions on successive Monday evenings aimed at novice youth riders (although all youth riders are very welcome).