Thanks to Jack for this latest report from Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team. Ed
First up in the fourth category race was Ian Hayden and Martin Sanders.
Covering 11 laps of the two mile track, the pair stayed close to each other in the pack, covering any breakaway efforts that tried to get away. Coming into the final lap, Hayden was in a great position to go for the bunch sprint, but unfortunately lost his line to a wayward rider and had to settle for a top 20 finish.
Sanders, racing in only his second ever road race finished strongly in the main peloton.
Third category racers
Racing in the 17 lap third category race was Matt Allsopp, Sam Baker, James Ebdon, Kev Foster and Ed Sutton.
This was the first third category race for Allsopp and Sutton after gaining enough ranking points to move up a category.
The pace was high from the start and the bunch was racing around the circuit at almost 27mph for the entire 34 mile race. Sutton covered any breakaway efforts at the front so the race came down to a sprint finish for Baker.
Waiting patiently, Allsopp, Ebdon and Baker moved forward on the last lap and took to the front. With half a lap to go, Allsopp was stuck at the front and doing all of the work. Ebdon had Baker on his wheel but unfortunately both were swamped by the other 145 riders. All five riders finished safely in the pack.
Vectis CC Ningwood 10 mile time trial
The following day 7 of the team competed in the Vectis CC Ningwood 10 mile time trial on the Island.
The course was rolling and had a block headwind in the finishing leg of the circuit.
First up was Simon Ambrosini, who set a blistering time of 23:12 to take 1st place. Starting at number 19 Sam Baker set a time of 25:17 to take thirteenth place. Ian Hayden started a minute behind Baker and completed the course in 24:49 for seventh place. James Ebdon lined up next and set a time of 23:35 to take 2nd place behind Ambrosini and give the team a 1-2.
Ed Sutton rode a solid time trial to take 15th place with a 25:31, followed by Martin Sanders who set a time of 25:11 for 12th place.
Faye Faber completed the course in 26:29 to take top spot for the team in the women’s competition.
