Thanks to Jack for this report from the Wightlink LCM-Systems cycling team. Ed
On Wednesday 24th April, four Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team riders headed over to the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth for Race Four of the five part Ray Martin Memorial Series.
In the evening’s opening senior race, Kev Foster and Jack Elton-Walters lined up in a full field. The pace was surprisingly slow compared to recent races, as many riders seemed to be having a bit of an evening off.
Foster was instrumental in several breakaway attempts, but none came off and the bunch came back together each time. As the race entered the final three laps, both Elton-Walters and Foster moved through the bunch in preparation for the sprint. Much to the frustration of many in the peloton, including Wightlink-LCM Systems’ two riders, the sprint never materialised and the bunch slowly flowed over the line en masse.
Baker and Ebdon in the elite race
In the elite race, Sam Baker and James Ebdon lined up for the 50 minutes plus five laps race. Right from the start both riders looked very comfortable in the bunch and took every opportunity to attack to try and gain a lap on the main field.
After 40 minutes of racing, both Baker and Ebdon found themselves in a four-man breakaway together. Unfortunately the four riders weren’t strong enough to hold off the main field.
Finishing under floodlights, the race came down to a bunch sprint. After working so hard throughout the race, both riders sat in and did not contest the sprint, instead they finished safely in the peloton.
