Racing kicked off at the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre with the 2nd Round of the MTB XC Series on a newly built course which would test the most experienced riders.
The Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team riders had a fantastic day with Adam Holleyman winning the coveted Senior race, Nick Earley taking the top spot and Oliver Nolan coming home 2nd in the U23 category and Junior, Ewan Cook, romping home to his 2nd win of the Series in the U16 race.
The biggest field of the day was in the Vet 40+ race; Tony Fawcett (Scott Racing Team) powered home to take first place, with Stuart Waite (Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team) taking 3rd place on the podium despite suffering a puncture late in the race. James Rogers (Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team) rode a smart race but just missed out on a podium. V50+ race went to David Bayliss (Independent).
The 1st round of the Evening TT Series was a great success with over 70 riders on the start sheet eager to take on the Ningwood 10-mile course. There were some fast times set on the night and the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team riders were on good form with 7 team members finishing in the top 10.
Junior, Ewan Cook (Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team) made a solid start to defend his 2022 title by not only taking top spot on the night but finishing in 7th place overall in an impressive time of 23 minutes and 27 seconds. Phoebe Heng (IOW Triathlon Club) was the first Junior Girl home in 33.47. The top Woman on the night was Dominique Munday, who put in a strong performance, finishing in 26.47. In the Vet40+ category, James Veal (Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT) powered home in 22.13, taking the top spot and 2nd Overall, just ahead of teammate, Simon Ambrosini, who was the first V50+ rider home in a time of 22.15. Steve Taylor (NAUT Cycling) started where he left off last season by picking up 1st place in the V60+ category, coming home in 25.53.
Kev Chant (Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT) pulled out yet another phenomenal ride, powering home and crossing the line in 20.03 which was a new course record.
Organisers of both events, Jerry and Julie Cooper have said:
“It’s fantastic to have so many local and mainland riders competing in these events and also seeing the Junior riders coming through from the Island clubs. We’re looking forward to what the rest of the season will bring and are really excited about hosting our first road race next month with the support of our sponsors and the local cycling community.”
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Mayhem. Absolute mayhem.
Bloody losers get off the rds!