Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team competed in Portsmouth and Basingstoke in the week ending 11th June.
James Veal and Charlie Orchard took to the start line for the 60-mile Owslebury circuit with 1600meters of elevation.
This race was always going to be a tough one but with temperatures of 30deg, it proved to be a very attritional race with less than half of the starters actually completing the full distance.
After several early crashes which both riders were caught up in, Charlie had to retire but was able to help James in the feed area passing him much-needed extra water. A breakaway with 2 riders managed to hold off the bunch and take the first 2 positions with the remaining bunch fighting for the last podium spot.
James finished in the main bunch for a very creditable 20th position.
Round 4, the last round of the Southern XC MTB Series, was held in Basingstoke.
Adam Holleyman, Nick Earley, James Rogers, Stu Waite and Nadia Lele all raced in their last test before the Island Games in early July.
Nick and Adam also had a chance at the overall podium if things went well.
Adam Holleyman attacked the lead group on the 1st lap and maintained a gap through the 4-lap race, taking the win. Nick Earley was close behind in 2nd place until a crash with a lapped rider left him chasing whilst nursing a softy to the finish.
Nick didn’t give up, managing to hold on for 6th place. James Rogers kept his run of top-10 finishes going with a solid 9th. Stu Waite had another impressive ride from 3rd row of the start grid to take 15th.
Adam’s win meant he took 2nd overall in the series, and Nick still took 5th despite the bad luck.
Nadia also raced 4 laps in the women’s sport category. After a few mistakes early on, she then spent a lot of time trying to catch up with the leaders, putting in a determined ride to finish 6th in 1 hour 23 minutes.
Nadia also earned 2nd overall in the series, making it a double 2nd for the team.
