A group of Wightlink Cycle Race Team members travelled to the New Forest on Sunday (1st June) for Round 4 of the Southern XC Series at Crow Farm, returning with impressive results across multiple age categories.
6-year-old Finley Manser-Grundy competed in the under-10s category and battled hard on a fast, technical course to finish an impressive 6th out of 31 riders. Finley, who only began racing cross-country a year ago, continues to show strong form on the Southern XC circuit.
Dad, Jack Manser-Grundy, has said:
“With tight racing throughout and a growing love for the sport, Finley’s quickly becoming a regular contender at the front of the pack. He just loves to race and is looking forward to competing in the final round here on the Isle of Wight next month and hoping to finish in at least the top 10 in the Series’ overall standings.”
In the Open Sport category, Oli Nolan took on 4 laps of the 6km course, finishing 6th after a competitive race and an uphill sprint for 5th place.
Oli Nolan has said:
“I had a decent start to the race, working my way up through the top 10 towards the front group. The podium contenders were out of reach within the first lap, but I was involved in a great battle for 5th with a number of riders and just missed out in the uphill sprint finish and had to settle for 6th. It was a great experience, and awesome to translate some of the road fitness for XC in preparation for the Island Games in Orkney next month!”
Juniors Alfie Haydon and Ewan Cook also had strong showings, with Ewan clinching 3rd place in a hard-fought race.
Alfie Haydon has said:
“I had a slow start struggling to clip in off the line and lost a number of places, but by end of second lap I had picked off 3 junior riders and settled into a good rhythm. Unfortunately, at the start of my 4th lap my previous 13 races caught up with me and I was unable to make up any more positions. Time to take it easy and recharge before the Nationals in Tong next weekend!”
Ewan Cook has said:
“I had a good start off the line and pushed on with a group of 3 Elite and 2 other Junior riders and we quickly distanced the rest of the field. I pushed hard and dug in, but halfway through the first of the 5 laps the pace became unsustainable, so I dropped off and knew from that point that I was racing to hold on to third place.
“I had a 50 second lead over the next Junior rider, but the time gap got smaller with every lap due to me riding solo in ‘no man’s land’ and it finally came down to a sprint at the end of the last lap but held on and came out on top to take 3rd place. All in all, it was a great race and I was super happy with my result – it was a weird race being on my own for so long, but I’ve taken a lot away on how to keep focused if it happens again.”
In the Vet 40+ category, Simon Ernest, who has been recovering from illness, faced a difficult race but battled through to the end.
Simon Ernest has said:
“Being in contention for a series podium I needed a strong result today but this was going to be a huge ask as I’m still recovering from illness and fighting a sinus infection. I started well, sitting in 5th position, but after half a lap my body said ‘no’.
“The remainder of the race was a matter of survival and a test of mental strength as I slowly drifted back through the field. I eventually finished in 25th, which was hugely disappointing. On a brighter note, it was great to have support from the team and see team mates finish strongly.”
The team has expressed gratitude to their sponsors Wightlink IOW Ferries, Island Renewables, Wight Mountain, Kreative Studios and Rapanui for their ongoing support.
Well done. I do live seeing cyclists when they are on the
mainland.
Lol
I don’t mind seeing them on the island if they are not
cycling side by side holding each others hands.