Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Racing Team riders Elvis Belton, Kev Chant, Richard Nembhard, and James Veal achieved 4th place in the Goodwood Summer Series Team Time Trial against some of the top Elite and 1st Cat riders in the South last Tuesday (19th July).
The quartet looked smooth throughout the race with Kev Chant – who holds the Island 10-mile TT record – powering the team along whenever he took the lead over the 10 laps, proving that he’s now on the road to recovery after a recent minor operation. A superb performance earned them 4th place on the night, with all 4 riders finishing in a time of 48 minutes, 48 seconds.
James Veal said:
“Bearing in mind we had very little time to train together before the event, we’re really pleased with the result, especially considering the calibre of the other riders in the top 3 teams.”
Last weekend also saw the Race Team and MTB Team in action at events on the mainland.
3rd Cat riders Elvis Belton, Chris Marsh, and Richard Nembhard joined 2nd Cat, James Veal, to compete in their first Surrey League 2/3 race.
With the temperature over 30 degrees, the riders took on the brutal course with a killer 3-mile climb that splintered the bunch after the 3rd lap.
James got away in an early break and managed to stay with the group before getting distanced on the last lap. Elvis Belton – who just missed the break with two other riders – was the best placed of the 3rd Category racers. Richard Nembhard was also going well until he had a mechanical problem, which led to him losing time, and Chris Marsh put in a brave effort on the tough course: a learning curve for these cyclists in their 1st road race.
Elvis said:
“A bit of a shock to the system, but it was really good to see where we are at and what we need to work on. A great experience and we’re looking forward to the next one.”
Ewan Cook and Allan Cook and Nick Earley competed in the final round of the Southern XC Series at Gaddens Farm in the heart of the New Forest.
The course – which consisted of twisting singletrack, steep descents, and short lung-busting climbs – was really dusty after the recent spell of exceptionally hot weather.
The riders started at the back of the grid, but they all managed to battle their way up through the field in each of their categories. Junior, Ewan, finished in 13th place despite having a crash on the first lap, and Allan took 17th in the Grand Veterans class. After missing the first 3 rounds due to injury, Nick started 35th but was the best placed of the Wightlink-Wight Mountain riders, taking a well-earned 11th place.
Nick said:
“I’m very happy with the result after being out for a while with a broken collarbone and really enjoyed making my way through the field, picking people off lap by lap and can’t wait for more xc races in the future”.
Ewan – who is improving with every race – also competed in the National Youth Championships 10 Mile TT at Goodwood last week, storming home in an impressive time of 22.59 to take 3rd place.
