Over 40 riders signed up to take on the challenge of Blackgang (both ways) with their combined times being the deciding factor on who would pick up the podium trophies and prizes.
Kev Chant (WLWM CRT) finished his racing season with a well-earned Overall Winner trophy and a £50 voucher courtesy of event sponsors, Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries and KReative Studios. Kev also picked up the KOM DCUK Duck for being just 2 seconds out on his ‘guesstimate’ combined time of 7.18 – 2.47 on climb A and 4.31 on climb B. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Kev, as he had Chris Till and Michael Hoare (both NAUT Cycling) nipping at his heels for the win. Chris and Michael took 2nd and 3rd respectively in combined times of 7.23 and 7.26.
The win for the Women’s title was a close-fought battle between Charis Jones (Wight Tri) and Nadia Lele (WLWM CRT). After the first climb, Charis was leading by 3 seconds and Nadia pulled out a fantastic 2nd ride to try to claw back the seconds, but Charis held on to take the win by just 1 second with Liz Steward (Wight Tri) finishing in 3rd place.
The Junior riders were out in force, and it was fantastic to see them encouraging each other despite the healthy competition. Ewan Cook (WLWM CRT) continued his winning streak and dominated his category by powering over both climbs in 7.37, a time good enough to take 5th overall. Eric Williams and Alfie Haydon (both NAUT Cycling) took 2nd and 3rd. Katie Bunn came out top of the IOW Triathlon girls by beating Phoebe Heng and Annabelle Steward who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Steve Taylor (NAUT Cycling) who has competed in every event this season in the Vet60+ category added another win to his belt and Tav Walker (I’m James Coleman RT), who made the journey from Bath with his teammates to race after a ‘Stag’ weekend in the New Forest, obviously still had enough in the tank to take the Vet40+ title.
Bob and Holly Stockton took on the climbs on a tandem and shaved a minute off their combined time from 2022.
Julie and Jerry say:
“We couldn’t have wished for a better way to end our successful season and would like to thank Wightlink, Isle of Wight Ferries, Island Renewables Ltd and Russ Mellor and his team at KReative Studios for sponsoring the event and providing the prizes and stylish trophies. Huge thanks go out to everyone who has raced in our events and dug deep to help with our fundraising for Mountbatten Isle of Wight – we will be holding a cheque presentation for £2,500 in the near future – and last, but not least, to all the volunteers who have given up their time to support – we really couldn’t do it without them.”
