Young Isle of Wight cyclists Finley Manser-Grundy and Ewan Cook have enjoyed an impressive weekend of racing, securing podium finishes in major Southern events despite temperatures approaching 30c.
7-year-old Finley enjoyed an unforgettable debut in the Under-8s Guildford Town Centre Criterium, part of the National Race Series, where he claimed an outstanding third-place finish.
Racing on fully closed roads through the heart of Guildford, the challenging 2-lap circuit featured tight corners, road furniture and a cobbled climb to the finish, providing a stern test for competitors.
Starting from the second row of the grid, Finley was briefly delayed by an early crash involving riders ahead of him before safely working his way through the incident. He battled back towards the front of the field before moving into second place during the final lap.
A sprint finish on the cobbled climb saw Finley narrowly edged out, but he secured a podium finish on his first-ever criterium race aboard a road bike.
Finley has said:
“I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but it was really fun.
Article continues below this advertisement “The course was exciting and hopefully I’ll do more.”
Just days later, Finley returned to action at the final round of the Southern XC Series at Clanfield, where he claimed his first-ever Under-10 Southern XC race victory.
The demanding course featured steep climbs, technical switchbacks, log crossings and North Shore sections, with riders again competing in near-30°C heat.
After making a strong start, Finley inherited the lead when the front rider suffered a mechanical issue and crashed. He capitalised on the opportunity, riding confidently through the technical course to cross the finish line in first place after 15 minutes of racing.
The victory also secured third place overall in the Southern XC Series standings – an impressive achievement considering Finley is only 7 years old and has several years remaining in the Under-10 category.
Elsewhere, Isle of Wight rider Ewan Cook finished second in the final round of the Southern XC Series at Clanfield after overcoming mechanical misfortune.
Ewan made a strong start and was battling for the lead before a stake became lodged in his wheel during the second of 10 laps, costing him valuable time.
Despite chasing throughout the remainder of the race in the intense heat, Ewan was unable to regain the lead and crossed the line in second place.
Ewan has said:
“I felt good on the day but after the mechanical and the temperature hitting 30 degrees in the afternoon when I was racing, I struggled in the heat where there was very little shade or wooded sections on the course and had to settle for 2nd place.”
Thanks have been given to team sponsors Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries, Island Renewables Ltd, Wight Mountain, Rapanui, KReative Studios and Adrian’s Bike Shop for their continued support.
