Over the past few years, I’d often seen the Good Friday Track Race marked on the calendar and had always wanted to race it. But as a Junior, I was usually heading over to The Netherlands to compete on the roads of Limburg. So this year, with a gap in my calendar, I was super keen to return home to the boards of Lee Valley Velodrome and finally race the iconic Good Friday Meet.
A Race Steeped in History
The Good Friday Track Racing meet is known across the British cycling scene for its fast-paced action and deep-rooted heritage. It’s long been a rite of passage for the sport’s elite and a treasured tradition for its fans. This year, it didn’t disappoint.
What made it extra special for me was seeing Ben Swift of Ineos Grenadiers on the start list, a rider I’d idolised as a boy. But before I dive into the racing, here’s a quick look at what makes this event so legendary.
The Good Friday meeting dates back to 1903, first held at the iconic Herne Hill Velodrome in South London. Back then, track cycling was a major spectator sport in the UK. By the 1930s and 1940s, the event regularly drew thousands of fans who came to see Britain’s top riders battle international talent in a mix of sprint and endurance races.
It wasn’t just local – riders from France, Italy, the Netherlands and beyond came to compete. Over the decades, the event has welcomed Olympic champions and legends like Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Laura Kenny, and Mark Cavendish.
Despite world wars and social change, the meet has endured — shifting venues, evolving formats, but always keeping its magic. Today it features events like Keirin, Scratch Races, Points Races, and Match Sprint, offering something for everyone, whether you’re on the bike or in the stands.
Back to the Boards – My Day of Racing
Scratch Race
This was my opener, and I was buzzing to get stuck in. From the off, Ben Swift looked to animate the race, attacking early. I knew I had to step up, shutting moves down and digging deep. But after repeated efforts, the legs eventually said “no.” I rolled off, disappointed — but was lifted when teammate Frank Longstaff took a brilliant win for One Life Cycle – Brookfield Properties.
James Ambrose-Parish offered me some valuable tactical advice post-race, and I took a moment to reflect, reset, and gear up for the next event.
Elimination Race
Fast and furious. I knew I had to give it everything if I wanted to be in the mix for the Points Race later. I rode aggressively, staying near the front for as long as possible. But with 8 riders left, I got boxed in underneath and was eliminated in 7th. Not a bad effort — and I was starting to feel stronger.
This time, James Ambrose-Parish delivered a top podium spot for the team. And yes — Ben Swift? He took the win in imperious fashion. Unreal to be riding the same track.
Points Race
Feeling good. This was one of the hardest and most exciting Points Races I’ve ever ridden. From the gun it was chaos — 120 laps of constant attacks, breakaways, and full-gas action. Groups were taking laps for fun, and I made sure to join in.
I swept up points and took a lap. Then, as things got hotter, I backed off in the bunch to bring the heart rate down — before launching again. Another lap gained, more points on the board. My teammates Frank Longstaff and Tom Ward were flying, with Ben Swift and Will Roberts also looking strong.
With 30 laps to go, it was all or nothing. I sat around 400 watts average for the entire race — just insane intensity. In the final sprint, I gave it everything and just rolled Ben Swift to take third on the line, pushing me up to 4th overall.
Frank won again, with Will Roberts second and Ben in third. To be in that company — to be on that board — in one of the best Points Races I’ve raced… it was electric.
Reflections and Thanks
The crowd was loving it. As a team, One Life Cycle walked away with brilliant results, big smiles, and even bigger vibes. Post-race, we celebrated with a team dinner — not just with our families, but with the One Life family. An amazing effort, an amazing team.
A few shout-outs before I sign off:
- Tony Gibb and Full Gas — thank you for keeping this iconic event alive
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZMpfEurKhg (You can watch the event here)
- Mat Watson and Michael Waller — for the endless work behind the scenes.
- Michael Cedaño — for the photography and being so cool
- To Frank, Tom, and James — for the mentorship and friendship
- To our sponsors: Brookfield Properties, Santini, Highway Cycles, TLC Live, Matt’s Auto Repair Services, Pedal Potential, and all at Loughborough Cycling Academy.
Gilbank Racing 