Thanks to Arthur for this latest report from the …a3crg Cycling Team. Ed
On Good Friday, Matt and Arthur headed over to Petersfield from the Island to race a 10 mile time trial which went up and down the A3. This course can be very fast sometimes, but on the Friday it was slowed down by headwinds and cold temperatures, with it being about 7ºC in the morning.
Arthur took to the course in hope of getting a 10 mile personal best, which he did get, with him producing a 23:26 (average speed of 25.6mph), which took 1:40 off of his PB from last year for 10 miles. While he also took the most improved male prize and was the fastest junior rider.
Matt started his attack on the A3 five minutes after Arthur, where he put out a noble effort in which he did a 21:47 (average speed of 27.5mph), which put him in a good position of 20th place out of 80 riders, despite him being dragged down with a persistent glandular virus which he was unable to get rid of in time for the race.
Success for the team
On the Saturday, Matt took part in another 10 mile time trial, although a much hillier one, with it proving a real test to even the best of riders. Matt went into it still with his illness lingering over him, but managed to pull out a decent ride, which earned him ninth place with a 24:16, with it being won by Pete Tadros of In-Gear Quickvit TrainSharp RT for the sixth time in a row, who also holds the course record.
With this successful ride for Matt, it helped the …a3crg team take the first place team, along side teammates Sebastian Ader (winner of the Isle of Wight three day festival – 2013) and Graeme Stirzarker (winner of the Isle of Wight three day – 1999).
All in all, it turned out to be a successful weekend outing for the …a3crg duo from the Isle of Wight.
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