Thanks to Jack for this update from the Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team. Ed
On Wednesday 7th August, five Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team members went to Portsmouth on for one of the Omega Circuit races. New member Matt Allsopp, Pete Moore – in his first race for three years, and Kev Foster lined up in the combined 3rd-4th category race.
Quarter of an hour into the 40 minute plus three lap race, Allsopp moved to the front and chased down a four man breakaway, bringing them back with ease. The trio remained in the bunch for the remainder of the race and worked for Allsopp at the finish.
Coming into the last lap Foster lead Allsopp to the front so he could use his sprint finish to good effect. Allsopp managed to take tenth on the line getting his first point in his first ever race, a great result. Foster took 17th with Moore coming in 24th.
Racing in the dark
After a huge crash on the last lap of the previous race, the Elite race was shortened to 30 minutes plus three laps of the track. Sam Baker and James Ebdon lined up with 38 other riders to make it a full field.
After the delayed start the bunch started racing in the dark. With several professional riders in the bunch the pace was savage from the gun and the bunch was soon rolling around the track at over 30 miles per hour.
Seeing as there were so many top teams in the race it was always going to come down to a sprint finish, something that Baker and Ebdon excel at.
Crash no deterrent
The pair waited in the bunch and saved themselves for the last lap dash. On the last lap Baker was in a good position with Ebdon right behind him, the pair was just about to unleash their explosive sprints when a massive crash happened right in front of them.
Thankfully neither rider went down and both crossed the finish line together.
