Thanks to Jack from the Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team for these three race reports.
SUPBIKERUN 2015 Series, Sunday 17th May
Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team rider Sarah Chatwin took part in the first of a three part 2015 series of off road triathlons that kicked off with an event at Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor, Devon on Sunday 17th May.
Chatwin set off in the first wave and left the water after a 3km SUP paddle first in the fleet, holding off both male and female competitors.
The 25km MTB bike ride took in a number of sharp climbs and rocky descents and Chatwin’s strong cycling showed through as first female and sixth overall on the bike.
A stable trail run finished off a successful performance completing as first female and fifth overall.
Liss Evening Time Trial, Wednesday 27th May
On Wednesday 27th May, Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team riders James Ebdon and Stu Waite travelled to Liss on the A3 for an a3crg evening 10 mile time trial.
Starting at number 51, Waite lined up against 68 other riders for the flat 10 mile course. Situated at Liss, the course was on the A3 dual carriageway which provides fast times. Waite set off and measured his effort well to the turn, then headed back for the remaining 5 miles into a stiff headwind. He clocked a time of 22:00, which is a new PB for the distance and gave him 19th place.
James Ebdon then started 30 seconds behind Waite, pacing the distance similarly to his team mate. Ebdon clocked 21:13 to take 8th place overall on the night.
Winchester Park and Ride Criteriums, Sunday 31st May
On the Sunday 31st May, Matt Allsopp, Sam Baker, James Ebdon, Kev Foster, Ian Hayden and Martin Sanders all travelled to Winchester for the first round of VC Venta Park and Ride Crit.
In the first race Martin Sanders lined up in the fourth cat race which consisted of 35 minutes plus five laps. The race started off fast and Sanders stayed near the top ten of the bunch while behind it was getting split to pieces.
Sanders stayed in the front group which only had 12 left so he was in a good position for the finish. Once the final lap came the Wightlink-LCM rider was pushed out wide on the last corner and rolled over the line on 12th position.
In the 3rd cat race Matt Allsopp, Sam Baker, Kev Foster and Ian Hayden all lined up for the 50 minutes plus five laps race.
Straight from the start the pace was very high, with all the teams trying to split the bunch. Six riders managed to get away after just five minutes of racing with Baker making the break and forcing the move. The gap soon opened up to 25 seconds which was held for most of the race.
Whilst Baker was away in the lead group, Allsopp, Foster and Hayden remained in the bunch and disrupted the chase. Baker worked hard in the break to get into a good position for the last corner to open up his sprint. This plan worked perfectly and Baker took his first victory of the season.
Hayden attacked on the last lap to claim seventh from the bunch, and Foster finished safely in the bunch.
James Ebdon then lined up on the start line for the E/1/2 race, which was one hour plus five laps. The race was fast from the off and soon split with a group of four gaining a gap. The race split apart again and Ebdon finished in the depleted peloton.
Image: Sam Baker on his way to victory in Winchester by Matt Allsopp
