YORK’S new cycling track is already having a “massive impact” on the sport in the city, writes Tom Nancarrow.

The one-kilometre road cycling circuit is part of the York Sport Village and cycling development manager Andrew Johnston said it was proving a valuable resource.

“We want to get people active and on their bikes, there is something for everyone,” he said. “It’s good for sport and cycling. We want all sorts of people down there.”

Clifton Cycling Club are holding sessions at the track for juniors on Saturdays and Mondays, while youngsters from across the region are competing in regular White Rose competitions.

Johnston was delighted by the first White Rose event, saying: “It was a great opener to get the under-16s racing.

“They had to go to Bradford before in the winter months. They had to travel one hour to cycle and now they can’t believe it’s on their doorstep. They can cycle here now.”

Clifton CC members were in top form in the White Rose opener.

Adele Taylor won the Youth D/E Girls Road Race and there was a Clifton one-two in the Youth B Girls’ Road Race, with Anna Docherty first and Mia Richardson finishing second.

The Youth A Girls’ winner was Esther Farrell, with Robert Gray winning the Boys’ A, with fellow Clifton rider Rory Oliver fifth.

The next White Rose meeting will be held tomorrow. Clifton are recruiting riders aged from eight to 16 and training sessions are held at the circuit on Saturdays, from 10am to noon, and on Mondays, from 6pm to 8pm.