Bakers cook up success on two wheels for Southdown club

Chichester might be a little short of Christmas lights, but cycling club Southdown Velo-Geared Bikes have enough bright stars in their youth team to brighten up winter.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Nov 2010, 09:49 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 00:36 BST

These include Erin and Alderney Baker, who have won the season-long Surrey League youth championship for boys and girls.

Erin beat more than 100 other youths to take the outright title and first boy. Alderney finished ninth overall and first girl.

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The Surrey League, despite the name, covers cycle racing in Surrey and Sussex. The youth championship included races at Angmering Raceway, Goodwood motor circuit and Dunsfold test track.

Southdown Velo had 13 under-16s racing in their colours during the season and between them they scored numerous wins.

Erin and Alderney are not prepared to rest on their laurels. They have continued to race during the winter, taking part in cyclo-cross.

Cyclo-cross is a combination of off-road, on-road riding and running. If it’s wet, it’s a mud-fest.

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Alderney is lying in second place in the under-12 series of the Wessex League while Erin has scored his first outright win at Thruxton.

Erin and Alderney’s desire to race is infectious. Dad Paul, normally just their chauffeur, had plans to join them, but a crash during training has put an end to his hopes for this season and he is left to cheer from the trackside.

TIM COSTELLO

Related topics:Southdown