WIGHTLINK-WIGHT MOUNTAIN JUNIORS COMPETE IN NORTH ISLAND CYCLE RACES

Wightlink-Wight Mountain Junior team members – 5-year-old Finley Manser-Grundy and Alfie Haydon – have been busy competing in mainland cycling events. On Sunday, 10th March Finley travelled to Rogate Bike Park to compete in the Root1 downhill race. Entries were full for 1 of the 1st downhill races of the 2024 season with over 200 riders from amateur to elite categories. This was Finley’s 1st race of the year and the 1st time he had done this series and level of track. Finley, who is only 5 years old, was the youngest rider in the 8-12 years category. The track was running well, with lots of drops, tight corners and steep technical sections through trees and sandy gullies. Practices went well, and he managed to get a line choice that allowed his 20″ wheels safely down the hill. Finley made a small mistake on his 1st run, by riding into a tree stump on a steep section, although stayed on the bike. This meant he improved by nearly 10 seconds on the 2nd run, which put him further up the leaderboard, finishing 18th out of 25 in a strong older age category. This was a great experience for Finley, and he came away excited to race more tracks at that level in the future. Alfie also travelled to Devon on Sunday, 10th March, to compete in the 1st round of the Southwest XC Series at Grammarcombe Woods. Alfie, who is keen to gain more experience in MTB XC, was looking forward to racing in the Regional A points ranking event on a technical course which fitted his skillset. Alfie was feeling confident after his practice lap and started well, settling in on the wheel of the rider in 3rd place, looking to start moving up the field in the hope of taking a podium against some top-class riders. Unfortunately, the course was littered with flints and just as he was starting to move up the field he hit a big one which bent his wheel rim, putting an end to his race. Alfie said:

“Not the day I wanted, but that’s just MTB racing. I felt confident and good on the bike so hopefully I’ll have better luck next time.”

Alfie was also in action on Saturday, 16^th March, competing in his first 4th Cat race at the Mountbatten circuit in Portsmouth. Alfie started well and settled into racing in a bunch but got caught out by an early attack and lost half a lap on the lead group. Alfie dug in with another rider, putting in massive turns on the front and managed to close the gap. As often happens on this circuit, there was another big attack, splitting the field and Alfie was left to finish with a bunch who had teammates up the road who had no intention of chasing down the leaders. After the race, Alfie said:

“I really enjoyed my first race on the track and learned a lot from it. I’ll be back next week and will make sure I’m better positioned, so I can pick the best wheel to follow and cover the attacks.”