Hundreds brave wet weather for park road races
HUNDREDS of race fans braved adverse weather conditions, roadworks and even fallen trees to turn out for the annual Aberdare Park Road Races at the weekend.
With hotels packed out, fans weren’t deterred by the rain that hit the annual two-day event, which saw star rider Dan Cooper win the Welsh Open for the fourth time in five years.
The event once again saw the best riders the UK has to offer on the road-racing scene, as special guests Steve Plater and Peter Hickman and permanent fixture John McGuinness graced the Cynon Valley town, and were swamped by fans seeking autographs and photographs.
Chairman of the races, Derek Smith, said: “It has to be said our race fans witnessed some of the most impressive racing to be seen so far this season, with a virtually accidentfree weekend.
“Although the grounds were a little damp, spirits certainly weren’t.
“The races go from strength to strength and have a positive effect on the inward finance of the town centre, seeing local hotels full to over-brimming. The club is looking forward to welcoming everyone, racers and fans at next year’s event and are already looking for some fresh new classes to race the grounds on a unique Victorian park.”
British rider Dan Cooper eventually won the Welsh Open – the main event of the day – with what Mr Smith called an “impressive show”, as he settled into a comfortable rhythm within the first two laps.
He eventually finished an aggregate lead of 5.2 seconds over secondplaced Ryan Dixon.
It meant he won his fourth Welsh Open in five years, also cementing his place among Aberdare Park’s greatest all-time competitors.
Dozens of traders were also in attendance at the family-themed event, with the lineups also including park specialist Matthew Rees, local hero Jay Bellers Smith and Ryan Dixon.
A return to the road scene also saw local boy Josh Jones back after two years out with injury, even finishing first in a non-qualifiers race.
Alex Smith – chairman Mr Smith’s son – also took part in non-qualifiers races, grabbing sixth, seventh and second places.