Wightlink is celebrating 30 years of supporting Isle of Wight cycling talent, helping generations of riders achieve success at regional, national and international level.
The ferry operator’s long-standing partnership with Wightlink Cycle Racing Team (CRT) dates back to 1996, when local cycling enthusiast Chris Weston established the original Wightlink-MCS team.
Recognising the potential of talented young riders emerging from Island cycling clubs, Chris approached Wightlink for support with the cost of travelling to mainland competitions.
With regular off-Island racing essential for riders looking to progress, Wightlink agreed to sponsor the team, opening up opportunities that might otherwise have been financially out of reach.
What began as a relatively small initiative has since developed into a successful racing team, producing some of the Island’s most accomplished cyclists.
Over the past 3 decades, the team has raced under several names, including Wightlink-MCS, Wightlink-SP Systems, Wightlink-LCM and Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT, before becoming Wightlink CRT.
Its riders have enjoyed success across road racing, circuit racing, mountain biking, cyclo-cross and time trials.
Among its most notable former members is Kieran Page, who progressed from Island competitions to the Great Britain squad before moving to France to race professionally.
More recently, Kev Chant broke Page’s long-standing Island 10-mile time trial record in 2022, before making history at the 2023 Island Games by securing the Isle of Wight’s first cycling gold medal.
The team’s success has continued through current rider Ewan Cook, who has competed at regional, national and international level.
In 2025, Cook won the Southern XC MTB Series and secured Elite MTB status, becoming the first Island mountain biker to hold an Elite licence.
While celebrating its past achievements, Wightlink CRT is now firmly focused on developing the next generation of Island cycling talent.
The team currently has around 20 to 25 regular racers and 3 qualified British Cycling coaches, with plans for a new local training venue to help introduce more youngsters to the sport.
A development pathway is being established for children aged 5 to 16, offering fun, low-pressure sessions designed to build confidence, develop skills and encourage progression into competitive cycling.
Wightlink CRT Team Manager Julie Cooper said:
“Thirty years is a fantastic milestone, and we’re incredibly grateful to Wightlink for supporting generations of Island riders.
“Their backing has helped our riders get to mainland races, gain experience and fulfil their potential.
“Over the years our team members have been recognised and well respected by other riders across the board.
“We’re now excited to build on that legacy by creating opportunities for the next generation of young cyclists coming through.”
The team’s contribution to Island cycling extends beyond its own competitors.
Over the years, it has organised rounds of the Southern XC Championship mountain bike races, established a successful local Evening Time Trial Series and Hill Climb Championship, and helped bring competitive road racing back to the Isle of Wight.
In 2023, the team was instrumental in restoring an annual regional road race to the Island following a 20-year absence.
Its events now attract mainland competitors, with more than 400 riders taking part and helping to strengthen the Island’s reputation within the wider cycling community.
Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported the team for 30 years and helped Island riders develop and compete beyond the Isle of Wight.
“It’s fantastic to see the talent coming through today, and we’re delighted to continue supporting the team as it looks to inspire and nurture the next generation of cyclists.”
With more than 1,000 social media followers and a renewed emphasis on youth development, Wightlink CRT is hoping to build on its 30-year legacy.
Anyone interested in joining the team can email [email protected].
