Bailey takes U21 Title

Connor Bailey admitted “everything went to plan” after winning the British Under-21 title.

The Glasgow asset produced a spectacular last to first final to take the championship at Ashfield Stadium on Sunday.

Bailey had scored 13 points in the qualifying heats before his epic display in the last race to grab glory. 

He said: “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I think I knew I was going good so to win the final isn’t the adrenalin rush I thought it would be. 

“Everything went to plan really. The bike was working perfect and even halfway through the meeting I felt I could keep it going. 

“In the final I knew I just had to keep it up round the outside. I made the worst start of the day. But I just kept plugging away and knew I’d get my chance. 

“I had to drive under Dan Thompson into the first bend. It was a risk, one of those crash or trophy moments. Thankfully it was the latter!

“I’ve got to race at Belle Vue on Monday so no celebrating, I couldn’t even spray the champagne on the podium. So tonight I will just celebrate with an Irn-Bru and jet wash the bikes!”

Anders Rowe finished second, Dan Thompson third and Dan Gilkes fourth. Glasgow’s Ace Pijper scored three points which included a huge second race crash. 

Report by Phil Lanning

BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL results.

SCORES: Anders Rowe 15, Connor Bailey 13, Jason Edwards 12, Dan Gilkes 11, Dan Thompson 11, Drew Kemp 10, Leon Flint 10, Sam Hagon 9, Nathan Ablitt 8, Ashton Boughen 6, Sam McGurk 5, Ace Pijper 3, Ben Trigger 3, Jody Scott 2, Mickie Simpson 2, Freddy Hodder 0.
Semi-final: Gilkes, Thompson, Kemp, Edwards.
Final: Bailey, Rowe, Thompson, Gilkes.