Horse Racing: Soens Memorial Race beckons

Feb 19 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

IT IS that time of the year again when many professional and Olympic riders from all over the country descend on Aintree Racecourse.

The 47th Annual Eddie Soens Memorial Cycle Race starts at 9.30am on Saturday, March 1. Main sponsors again are Liverpool law firm, Silverbeck Rymer.

The traditional opening event of the Merseyside road calendar will see up to 150 riders enduring 50 miles (30 laps) of the famous club circuit.

Entrants so far include three-times winner, Tony Gibb, Plowman Craven RT, as well as Olympic GB track star Chris Newton, who won the event in 2003.

Kirkby Cycling Club hold this prestigious race every year in memory of their coach Soens, known for his ability to instil copious amounts of motivation in those he taught at local, national and world level. He was an important figure in the development of the career of World and Olympic champion Chris Boardman. Another of his proteges was Dave Lloyd, former professional team Raleigh rider and multi-British champion. He also taught Canadian Gordon Singleton, who went on to become world champion.

The race is run on a handicap basis and is open to all categories of rider. Closing date is this Friday (February 22). You must be a member of British Cycling and hold a valid 2008 racing licence. Entries on the day will be accepted and day licences are available for an added fee. For more details go to www.ccs-uk.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk