Thanks to Jack for this latest report from Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team, Ed
Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team is pleased to welcome back Deane Smith, who took part in his first race since rejoining the team this summer. Smith was a member between 1997 and 2003, and will once again ride in our colours for the coming seasons.
Royal Navy Championships
Smith’s first race was the Royal Navy Championships, which were held on Dartmoor around Brentor, near Tavistock.
The route was triangular and included one flat section, one undulating section and one hilly section. The main climb was about 1km long at 6-8% incline and was negotiated seven times.
Frenetic race
The race was frenetic as soon as the neutralised section was out the way, with attacks splintering the bunch as soon as the race referee’s car pulled away.
Smith managed to stay with the lead bunch of about 30 riders, working hard to close early breaks. He joined two other riders in a counter-attack at the bottom of the first climb, but the group was caught just after the top.
Despite working hard to stay with the leaders, Smith was eventually dropped on the fourth ascent of the climb, but managed to get a small chase group working for the remainder of the race.
The Wightlink-LCM Systems CRT rider rolled in with a top-20 finish.
Image: Gordon Chesterman under CC BY 2.0
