THE first of four events in Dartford Park saw some good racing from all the youngsters of Team Darenth Cycling Club.

In the first event, in the under-8 race, Daniel Mayzes finished first, while Emma Aldham-Breary came third. In the under 12s section, Billy-Joe Whenman came third and in the under-14s group, Robert Whenman won and Kirk Jenns was third.

The second meeting saw the under-8s start off the evening, with Daniel Mayzes first again, but only by a couple of wheel-lengths. In the same race, Ryan Leahy finished third. In the under-14s race, Robert Whenman finished second.

When riders competed in the third series, Daniel Mayzes was beaten for the first time after an exciting last two laps as two other cyclists denied him his third win in a row.

The under-12s had to be combined with the under-14s and 16s due to the absence of some riders. Robert Whenman rode strongly to get second, 200 metres in front of Kirk Jenns. The first girl home was Hayley West, from Team Darenth, and just in front of her was Billy-Joe Whenman and Alex Alden-Breary.

The last of a successful series in Dartford Park, saw 37 budding champions do their stuff around the 750m circuit. Ryan Leahy came third in the unde- 8s section.

The under-14s race saw an average speed of 23mph in an exciting race. Kirk Jenns, not content with being beaten by team-mate Robert Whenman, hung on to the wheel of both Whenman and another racer, until three laps to go, when Whenman put a large effort in to getting away from the pair. But Jenns would not let go as they dropped the other racer.

Jenns saw a chance to get away as Whenman took a corner too fast and ran wide, but the pair remained together until the sprint. As they rounded the last bend 150m out, they both kicked for home. Jenns winning by four lengths.

This year's mountain bike event was missing the two French cycle clubs based in Dunkirk, who could not come due to preparation for the Tour de France. The annual event at Weller Park, just outside Dartford, saw a very good turnout.

The racing was fast with many Team Darenth riders doing well. The course was dry and rideable, with more single track than last year.

In the Tiny Sprogs (boys under-8s), Tom Hades finished second and Dale Abrahams third. For the girls, Ayla Jenns was second.

In the Mini Sprogs, boys U10s, Ryan Leahy was second, Martin Abrahams third, while in the girls' section, Clare Sterry won and Jemmima Heard came second.

In the Elite Sprogs (under12s), Kurt Warner came first and in the girls, Samantha Bryant also won.

In the Juvenile race, Robert Whenman won and in the Vets race, Keith Martin finished third, while Jim Whenman won the fun race.

Team Darenth is a BCF Development Cycle Club and caters for young people aged seven to 16 and meets every Saturday morning from 10am-noon, in safe and supervised conditions within the grounds of Wilmington School, Common Lane, Dartford.

Qualified coaches teach bike handling skills for on and off-road riding, as well as some maintanence. For those who would like to race, we have a fast-track racing team.

For more information, call head coach Eddie on 020 8300 6226 or race co-ordinator Clive 01322 400911. The club is looking for a sponsor. Call Eddie Land on 020 8300 6226 if you can help.