A field of 50 riders took to the Isle of Wight roads last weekend (Sunday 18th May) for the Wightlink IOW Classic – Round 2 of the South League Series and a key Regional A race on the calendar.
Held in near-perfect conditions, competitors departed from the West Wight Sports and Community Centre to tackle 4 laps of a newly-designed 2025 course featuring King of the Mountains (KOM) and Sprint competitions.
Series Leader Tommy Stroud (VC Venta) led the pack out of Freshwater and over the bay climbs, but once the neutralised zone ended near Compton Bay, the pace intensified. Early on, Jonathan Smith (Le Col RT) and Timothy Strickland (GFTL) launched a breakaway, holding a lead of over a minute into lap 2.
By the final lap, their gap had been slashed to just 20 seconds. As fatigue set in, Smith dropped back, leaving Strickland alone at the front. Despite a strong solo effort, Wightlink CRT’s Kev Chant led the chase and brought the race back together ahead of the final KOM climb.
Matt Clayton (Le Col RT) surged ahead on the brutal 15% climb at Freshwater Bay, taking the chequered flag in a time of 02:13:37. He was followed by Scott Richardson (Independent) in 02:13:41 and Cillian Lewis (Shibden Apex RT) in 02:13:47.
In the women’s category, 16-year-old Betsy North (LIOS Bikes) delivered an outstanding performance to claim victory and make her mark as the youngest rider in the race.
The race concluded with a presentation ceremony where winners received vouchers and trophies sponsored by Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries. Both Clayton and North received £100 vouchers, with category winners taking home £50 vouchers.
Additional honours were awarded to:
- KOM and Sprint Champion: Timothy Strickland
- Best Junior: Cillian Lewis
- Fastest 3rd Category: Eli Tucker (Independent)
- Best 4th Category: Devon Badman (NAUT Cycling Club & RT)
- Best Isle of Wight Rider: Oli Nolan (Wightlink CRT)
- Best Vet 40+: David Roper (Defined Cycling Team)
- Series Leader Tommy Stroud held onto his yellow jersey with a 9th place finish.
Organisers Jerry and Julie Cooper (Wightlink CRT) have said:
“What an absolutely brilliant afternoon of racing! It was great to have some of the South’s top riders competing on a new course which showcased the Island’s scenic roads and it’s really uplifting to have so much positive feedback after the race – we’re now looking forward to doing it all again next year.”
“We can’t thank the 50+ volunteers enough who give up their time to support on the day, local team and event sponsors Island Renewables, Kreative Studios, Rapanui and Adrian’s Bike Shop (Freshwater), and especially team sponsor Wightlink IOW Ferries for the prizes and their continued support with travel – there just wouldn’t be a race without them.
“Our thanks also go out to the St John Ambulance crew for being in attendance and Tesco’s (Freshwater) who were kind enough to donate some refreshments to keep everyone going – the team are proud supporters of Mountbatten hospice and all proceeds from donations will go towards our fundraising for this worthwhile charity.”
