The first Wednesday night of the 2013 Suffolk Cycle Racing Series (SCRS) took place at Trinity Park.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich's Pete Ingram leads the way at Trinity ParkIpswich's Pete Ingram leads the way at Trinity Park (Image: Archant)

Despite the weather deteriorating in time for the first race, there were excellent numbers entering the children’s coaching, Go Race and the main Elite/1/2/3/4 Cat race and, for the first time, SCRS has put on a women’s series to recognise how quickly women’s racing is growing and being developed in the country.

SCRS hope that by providing a separate race it will create a welcoming environment for both new and experienced female riders encouraging more women and increasing the number of women racing in East Anglia.

The 30-minute Go Race saw a sprint finish with Frank Longstaff finishing ahead of Mitch Powell and James Jackson.

The wet weather made for a hard race and caused several crashes.

The feature race was handicapped and saw the 4th Cats start prior to the 3rd Cats and the E/1 and 2nds being released.

Due to the wet and slippery elements several riders had to sit out a lap due to punctures and the first aid team were in constant use due to many crashes. Whilst most of the field caught up with each other half way through the hour long race, it was a hard and tough 60 minutes which eventually saw last year’s series winner, Kieran Brady coming out as the first race winner from Oliver Edwards and James Jobber.

Ipswich’s Hugo Robinson took a fall late on in the race while in the leading bunch. Colchester’s Mike Smith was fourth followed by Stowmarket’s Kevin Curtis.

The women’s race was won by Ipswich’s Pro Tour Series contender, Tanya Griffiths.

Positively there were several entries which means that local competition will increase and keep her on her toes. Georgie Pymer and Julie Guymer finished second and third respectively.

The series continues tomorrow evening at Trinity Park with the junior coaching commencing at 6 pm. the Go Race at 6.55 pm. and the main E/1/2/3/4 and Women’s event at 7.30 pm.