A full field of 80 riders took part in the 80km Wightlink-Wight Mountain IOW Regional A inaugural road race on Sunday (21st May).
The Sprint on the Military Road and the KOM at Hunny Hill were highly contested on each of the 3 laps before the riders peeled off at Brook for the last 5 mile loop, which finished at the top of Freshwater Bay.
It was a tough day of racing on a challenging course, which saw half the field dropped by the 2nd lap. After an early attack, a small group managed to get away and the strong crosswind on the Military Road made it difficult for the chasing bunch to reel them in.
As the leading group hit the final climb at Freshwater Bay, Max Fleming (LAKA Pedal Mafia RT) attacked with Paul Barnard (Precise Performance RT) hot on his heels. Barnard proved too strong for the LAKA rider and powered home to take the win after over 2 hours of racing which averaged 27mph for the 54 mile course.
George Cottrell (Poole Wheelers CC) held off the chasing bunch to take 3rd place and Charlie Abraham (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club), who just missed out on a podium, picked up the Best Junior trophy. Barnard also dominated the Sprint competition to pick up another title and local rider Nick Rhodes (Portsmouth North End CC) was a deserving winner of the KOM trophy.
Best IOW rider on the day was James Spencer (NAUT Cycling Club & Race Team), and Elvis Belton was the first Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT rider across the line.
Jerry & Julie Cooper, race organisers, said after the race:
“After a year of planning, we’re so pleased that the event was such a success. These events just wouldn’t happen without all the volunteers and production teams who give up their time to help out. Huge thanks go out our sponsors, especially local business Kreative Studios for the trophies and Wightlink for their support in making this happen.
“We also raised over £200 for our charity partner, Mountbatten, which will go towards our fundraising target of £2,500.
“It was an absolutely brilliant day of racing; we couldn’t have wished for better conditions for our first road race and we’re now looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
When are they going to stop using our narrow roads for race tracks for the lycra brigade?
I don’t so much mind that,
but I bet they gave them all Free Ferry Travel
(Subsidised by the exorbitant fares for ordinary Island folk)
Really? Then I best get myself some lycra. But it won’t be a pretty sight.
Doesn’t matter how buff they are, No body look’s good in those ridiculous outfits.
Oh no! What a shame to have all these teams come and spend money at local businesses.
You must be some old git. Or you like lycra .on the quiet.
Too many big lumps. Lycra should only be for home use.
Can anyone tell me how they are aloud to cycle and take up the whole road shown in the photos? Do they just do it or do they get permission?
The event is submitted to British Cycling, the national governing body. They will apply for a police permit from the local police. The event is then managed by the national escort group (motorbikes) and accredited marshals that temporarily close the junctions while the race pasts.
Definitely wasn’t a rolling road block to stop traffic and clear the road. Definitely weren’t marshals to ensure the safety of riders and the public. And definitely didn’t have permission!
It was an organized race with extensive consultation with local police and council. First of it’s kind in 20 years. On one day. A Sunday.
Allowed…..
Cyclists are lawless they have no care for motorists.
They frustrate motorists by cycling in large groups cycling side by side
stopping vehicles from driving along safely.
Where is the Law and Order to stop them blocking roads!
I will never respect cyclists who have no respect for motorists,
motorists pay to be on the Road, unlike these lawless morons who think they
have the right to annoy people.
I would like to see them cycle around many cities in the UK cycling side by side.
They would come a cropper!, the Island is a soft touch to allow such behaviour.
Unless they are cycling on cycle lanes, they should not be let loose on Island Roads.
Couple of points….
1) Cyclists are allowed to cycle side by side, in fact it makes it easier to overtake as you are out on the opposite side of the road for a shorter period of time and it forces drivers to give a safe amount of space.
2) Drivers do not pay to be on the road, they pay for the privilege of owning a car. Anyone who pays council tax pays towards the upkeep of the roads.
Happy cycling 🙂
Drivers pay Road Tax, Cyclists pay nothing!
All cyclists should pay a road tax and annual insurance.
Many cyclists cycle wrecklessly and put persons at risk,
so many cyclists cycle while holding a phone in their hand.
Totally ruthless and Lawless.
Nobody pays road tax. Fact.
Awesome to see racing on the island! Hopefully there’s more to come.
I watched these riders whiz past at Shorwell, a fine sight and amazing sound as the wheels whooshed along on the tarmac. Great to see it.
The Island is one of the most unfriendly places to cycle in the UK
Where are all the cycle lanes ?????, London is geared up for cyclists,
so many cycle lanes, unlike on the Island.
Much more needs to be done on the Island so cyclists can cycle safely on the
Island.
Until cycling lanes are available on the Island, cycle events should not take place.