Wightlink Cycle Race Team Members cyclists Charis Jones and Oli Nolan celebrated hard-fought victories on the mainland last week, while Alfie Haydon impressed in challenging conditions at the National MTB XC Championships in West Yorkshire.
Charis and Oli travelled to the Mountbatten circuit in Portsmouth on Wednesday (4th June) for Round 4 of the Portsmouth North End Summer Series.
Racing first in the Women’s 3/4 category, Charis was determined to go one better than her recent 2nd place finish. Despite launching several attacks, the field stayed together until she made a bold move with 1.5 laps to go. Backing her endurance, Charis surged ahead in what organisers described as ‘the longest lead out ever’, and held off the chasing pack to take a well-deserved win.
Charis then lined up for the Open 3/4 race, working tactically to support teammate Oli Nolan. When Oli made a late break, Charis moved to the front of the bunch to help stall the pace and secure his chance for victory.
Oli had earlier launched a perfectly timed attack in the Open 3/4 race, forming a breakaway group that eventually gained a lap on the rest of the field. Later in the race, Oli went clear again, powering to a solo finish. He then jumped into the E123 race where, despite the earlier effort, he stayed active in attacks and finished 10th in the bunch sprint.
Reflecting on his win, Oli said:
“I’m so pleased to take the win. I’ve had a number of podiums at Mountbatten over the years but haven’t taken a victory since moving up from the Junior ranks, so this means a lot. To have the fitness to also compete in two races also makes all the training worthwhile.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday 8th June, Alfie Haydon travelled to Tong in West Yorkshire for Round 4 of the National MTB XC Championships. Racing on a technically demanding course with rocks, drops and steep climbs, Alfie made a strong start, gaining several places early on.
Conditions changed dramatically on lap two when torrential rain turned the course into a mud bath. Alfie thrived in the slippery conditions, gaining positions before a crash on the final lap set up a gritty battle for position. He fought back to finish 15th – a standout result in a field of elite junior riders.
Alfie said:
“An amazing result for me racing against some top class Juniors at National level and a great way to finish my last round of the Championships this year.”
Thanks were extended to team sponsors Wightlink IOW Ferries, Island Renewables, Wight Mountain, Kreative Studios and Rapanui for their continued support.
