As the cycling season nears its end, the Wightlink-Wight Mountain riders are making the most of the last few races of 2021 to pull off some good results.
Southdown Velo mini series
The team were out in force last Tuesday (24th August) for the last round of the Southdown Velo mini series at Goodwood. Matt Allsopp, Kev Chant and Joe Staunton worked hard throughout the fast-paced E/1/2 race, chasing down every break, but were caught out by an attack on the penultimate lap which left them too much work to do, despite their efforts to bring back the breakaway.
Matt was the best placed rider on the night, finishing strong by winning the bunch sprint with Kev and Joe coming home with the rest of the field.
Third Cat race
In the Third Cat race, James Veal rode a terrific tactical race, following every attack which finally paid off when he managed to get away in a break which gapped the field with three laps to go.
He was unlucky at the finish, but sprinted home to a well-earned second place earning him vital points towards his Second Cat licence.
Jerry Cooper, Kev Foster and Charlie Orchard finished in the bunch.
E/1/2 race
On Saturday, Joe Staunton and Oliver Nolan competed in the E/1/2 race at the Mountbatten track in Portsmouth. They were up against some strong teams which included an international cyclist, so they needed to be on top form.
Joe went with an attack immediately off the line which stayed away for a few laps until two riders fell back. Joe then managed to get in a break with one other rider from the TAAP team and they pushed on to gain a lap on the bunch; Oli did a great job neutralising any attacks from the other riders giving Joe the best chance of staying away.
On the last lap Joe found himself doing most of the work with the TAAP rider refusing to contribute as the bunch were closing in and although he gave it his best shot, he was just edged out in the final sprint and had to settle for second on the day.
Oli finished strong in the bunch picking up eleventh place.
News shared by Julie on behalf of Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team. Ed
