Wisbech Inline Speed Skaters race report

James Eve (Image: Jo Tidman)

Sixteen members of Wisbech Inline Speed Skaters re-visited Birmingham Wheels Racepark this weekend for the 2018 Outdoor British Championships. Between them the team finished with four British champions, along with 11 gold medals, 14 silver and 10 bronze in an action packed full weekend of racing.

Arthur Buckler and James Eve in the mini boys and cadet boys categories respectively, won all four of their races to become overall British champions.

James put on a sterling performance in the gruelling 3,000mts points race by keeping his competitors behind him throughout the race, gaining a half-lap advantage and scoring maximum points along the way.

Richard Eve said: “Great Father’s Day present! So proud of both my boys (Warren and James) for their growing strength and determination.”

Warren Eve and Flynn McGurk (Image: Jo Tidman)

Flynn McGurk had a successful weekend and achieved overall British Youth Boys Champion after securing victories in the 500mts and 3,000mts points race, and coming second in both his Dobbin Sprint and lengthy 5,000mts Elimination race.

His team-mate Warren Eve finished in a strong second place in the 3,000mts points race behind Flynn after working as a team throughout the race. Warren finished in overall third place after securing third place finishes in his other three events.

Lucy McInerney put on a strong display in the Junior Girls category and fought hard in her races to finish second overall after two impressive second place finishes in her dobbin sprint and 1,000mts race.

Lucy was joined by twin sister Eve in the 3,000mts and 5,000mts races and finished in second place in each, keeping right behind her rival Maya Bathgate from Essex all the way.

Mike McInerney (Image: Jo Tidman)

Master Men competitor, Luke Frary had a strong 500mts race, with an excellent leap from the start, but sadly crashed out on the last corner and eventually finished in third place.

He did, however, finish in overall 3rd place in the very competitive category which is no mean feat for the Masters racer since he’s just returned to skating after breaking a collarbone.

Other overall top three finishers were mini girls skater, Leah Barker, who finished in overall second, and masters ladies’ Jo Tidman in overall third.

The big events of the day were, as always, the highly competitive senior men’s races.

Tiago Fougo made his outdoor championships debut along with coach and veteran to the sport, Mike McInerney.

Mike, who excels at long distance racing, put on an amazing display in the 10,000mts and 15,000mts races.

He lapped the pack and destroyed the opposition in the process, despite the distraction of rival Vincent Henry from Birmingham making a sprint for the front mid-race along with light rain during the 15k, 75 lap race.

Mike said he was “on his knees” with 20 laps to go, but his team-mates and club standing on the sidelines encouraged him every lap with dance moves, cheers, Mexican waves and singing in true WISS style and he held on to secure outstanding victories in both races.

Finally, to wrap up the weekend, the team entered four teams in the relays races.

Eve and Lucy teamed up in the seniors/masters relay race and finished in a strong second place to take silver.

One team from the men’s event made it into the final, with Mike, Flynn and Warren putting on a strong display in the tough race which saw them finish in fourth place with seven teams competing for the victory.

Team coach Mike said: “Wow, what a weekend! Everyone gave that 110 per cent that I asked for and more at times. Very, very proud coach.”

The team is now building up to the Flanders Grand Prix in Belgium in August followed by the British Marathon.

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