Wightlink Cycle Racing Team riders Oli Nolan and Ewan Cook produced impressive performances last week, with both recording encouraging results in national competition.
On Wednesday (1st July), Oli travelled to the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth to compete in the sixth round of Portsmouth North End Cycling Club’s Summer Series in the 3/4 category race.
After a slow start to the season, Oli was hoping to put his recent training and improved fitness into practice.
Just a couple of laps into the race, Oli launched an attack alongside another rider before the pair were joined by 3 more competitors to establish a strong five-man breakaway.
The group worked well together to lap the main field before taking another lap following the prime lap as they maintained their advantage.
Despite a determined effort, Oli narrowly missed out on a podium finish, crossing the line in 4th place.
Oli said:
“I was just hoping to have fun and enjoy the race rather than hope for a result, so I am really pleased with how the race went – it was full gas pretty much the whole way through!”
Meanwhile, Ewan Cook travelled to Margam Park in South Wales on Sunday (5th July) for Round 5 of the National Points Series.
The demanding mountain bike course featured fast, rocky descents, long technical climbs and several challenging switchbacks.
Competing in the Open Elite category, Ewan was looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing at Pippingford and made an excellent start, sitting among the top 10 riders on the opening climb.
The tough terrain began to take its toll during the third of 5 laps, forcing Ewan to battle hard to hold his position as rivals closed in.
Summoning one final effort on the last major climb, he attacked before descending at speed to secure 12th place at the finish.
Ewan said:
“I’m happy to finish my first season as an Elite rider on a high as my last two races didn’t go as planned. This year has been a learning curve racing against the top riders in the country and I’m really excited about doing it all again in 2027.”
The team has thanked sponsors Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries, Island Renewables Ltd, Wight Mountain, Rapanui, KReative Studios and Adrian’s Bike Shop for their continued support.
