COLCHESTER Rovers riders took part in the finale of this year’s National Youth Omnium series for the London Region. Riders battled it out at the historic Herne Hill velodrome in south London at the event, hosted by VC Londres.

Rovers’ Jodie Taylor continued her fine season on the track, clinching the win in the under-12 girls’ overall rankings.

She finished eighth in the combined boys and girls result, built on a fabulous fourth-fastest time in the TT.

Jack Emerson also had a good afternoon, with a strong 11th in the elimination.

Josh White also battled hard and has given himself a good foundation for his second year in this age category, next year.

In the under-14s there was a big Rovers presence, with Oli Partner, Thomas White, Theo Warren and Tom Carson all donning the club’s red, white and black.

A good performance in the scratch race saw Partner land 13th place, with Carson also amongst the points.

White also picked up a handful of points with a quick time, in the TT.

Former Rover Dexter Mansel-Thomas did not have the best of days at Herne Hill but still secured a final position of fifth in the overall series, ensuring qualification for the National Final in Cardiff in July.

Rovers were also in action at Braintree Velo’s grasstrack meeting in Margaretting.

The clash of dates with the Omnium at Herne Hill meant that numbers were a little on the low side.

But the venue and weather combined to produce a great event for riders and spectators.

The 250m track was a short one but very smooth with a gentle uphill finish.

Rovers youth racers put in some great efforts, with Izaac Carr topping the podium in his first grasstrack event.