John Appleby (API-Angliasport) produced the performance of the day to beat Dave Mitchinson (SaddleDrunk Race Team) by a bike-length to win the Alex Pendleton 5km Memorial Trophy race on the grass-track in this year’s Mildenhall Cycling Mini-Fest.
Pictures
coming
soon
- Share your experiences of the Festival using
our Facebook page, the Contact page above or use the link below to contact the organisers direct. - Results round up: click here
- Event in pictures: coming soon
Pictures
coming
soon
Email the organisers: click here
In an entertaining and skilful race on the hard and dusty playing field, after several early attacks, a leading group of five riders formed consisting of Appleby and Mitchinson, together with Gavin Mitchell (Twickenham CC), Martin Smith (Chesterfield Coureurs) and Samuel Brook (West Suffolk Wheelers). The lead changed rider several times but when they came into the final bend it was the twenty-year-old from Spalding who was decisively in front to power on up the finishing straight, to the delight of the many spectators around the track.
Mitchinson certainly gave everything in pursuit of the magnificent glass trophy that he won in its inaugural running last year and is in memory of former grass-track organiser and National 8km Grass-Track Champion, Max Pendleton’s son Alex. Alex, twin to Olympic Champion Victoria, had suffered from childhood leukaemia and sadly succumbed to a brain tumour in 2023, at the age of just 42!
The quiet unassuming Appleby has had an interesting beginning to his cycling career with taking part in the Human Powered Vehicles Championships, before progressing to Cyclo-Cross and just two years ago venturing into grass-track. This win sees him extend his lead still further in the Lloyds National Endurance League.
Afterwards one of the organisers and Club Chairman, Mark Burchett said “I think the spirit showed by Appleby embodied how Max Pendleton approached grass-track racing who would also have been delighted by the up-and-coming rider’s victory. It was also a fitting tribute to my great friend Alex.”
“Although this event isn’t as big as it used to be in its heyday, it is so rewarding for our Club that people still travel from across England to visit and enjoy our event and the local area.” He added.
Supported by
