Great weather, a good course and superb racing made the 4^th Annual West Suffolk Wheelers Criteriums the best yet. The village centre course in Ixworth once again provided a thrilling and challenging test for the riders and spectators alike.

The Masters category riders kicked off the day?s activities with some fast and furious racing. The early high pace split the field and riders who missed the split tried to get back on terms, but the high speeds and tight circuit never afforded them the opportunity to do so. Another split in the latter stage of the race determined the final finishing order - 1^st Craig Stevens (Ciclos Uno), 2^nd Roy Crombie (Rockingham Forest Wheelers) and 3^rd Mark Agnew (VC Norwich). Barry Denny from the West Suffolk Wheelers was the best of the local riders, finishing in 6^th place.

The next race was from the opposite end of the age range - a youth race for rider under 12 years of age. There is always a broad range of ages, sizes and ability in this category, which leads to very exciting racing. Once again, the course and the warm weather led to fast racing. The Under 10 riders were not intimidated by the riding with the older riders, and Tom Gallacher broke away towards the end and threatened an upset. The Interbike team had strength in numbers in the latter stages of the race, which reflected in the results of the Under 12 category - 1^st Dominic Schills (Interbike), 2^nd Joe Nash (Lea Valley), 3^rd Elliot Storey (Interbike). The Under 10 category was a good race for the local riders - 1^st Tom Gallacher (Welwyn Wheelers), 2^nd Ben Sturman (West Suffolk Wheelers), 3^rd Sam Sturman (West Suffolk Wheelers).

Event 3 was one for the older younger riders. In the Under 14 category the riders from the Welwyn Wheelers had an excellent day. This club has a thriving youth membership and this is reflected in their excellent results in the youth and junior categories throughout the year. Under 14 - 1^st Boner Lizaitis (Welwyn Wheelers), 2^nd Robert Minting (Welwyn Wheelers), 3^rd Jason Crombie (Rockingham Forest Wheelers). 1^st girl was Amy Gallacher, again from the Welwyn Wheelers. In the very competitive Under 16 category the local favourites came home with the goods. A well timed attack with 5 laps to go from Russel Hampton looked liked it would succeed, despite the efforts of his pursuers. He held them off for a well deserved win - 1^st Russel Hampton (Basildon CC), 2^nd Will Dorsett (North Norfolk Wheelers), 3^rd Shane Aldous (VC Norwich).

The next event was something a bit different, trike racing. The trike racing at the Bungay Crits held earlier in the year is always popular with the spectators, and this race proved just as exciting. The final result was - 1^st Sid Charlton, 2^nd Roger Akers (Welwyn Wheelers), 3^rd Nicolas Boyd (North Road CC).

There was a lot of interest in the Thirds Category senior and Junior event. A lot of eyes were on Ex-professional Glenn Holmes, as well as some of the younger riders in the field, including local rider and national champion Bruce Edgar. In the end a breakaway of three riders battled it out for the win, and a very close sprint went all the way to the line - 1^st Matthew Thurston (North Norfolk Wheelers), 2^nd Craig Stevens (Cyclo Uno), 3^rd Glenn Holmes (Private BC Member).

In the final main race of the day, a blistering pace was set throughout. Previous Ixworth winner Gary Baker attacked with Shaun Aldous and got a gap and looked like they were going to stay away. A lap out by Gary Baker, due to a puncture left Shaun lapping on his own. This effort took its toll on Shaun and when Gary rejoined Shaun dropped back to the bunch. The gap remained at about 40 seconds between Gary and the bunch. A late attack from Shaun's team mate Glenn Stanford took him clear for 2^nd, but the gap was just to big to catch Gary, who won in fine style. The bunch sprint for 3^rd was won by Andrew Bray - 1^st Gary Baker (Angliasport), 2^nd Glen Stanford (ERV/Bianchi UK), 3^rd Andrew Bray (Team Lutterworth Cycle Centre).

The West Suffolk Wheelers would like to thank all the riders, marshals, sponsors and residents of Ixworth for helping to put on full day of entertaining racing.