Team News: Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT

On Sunday 5th November, Wightlink Wight-Mountain team members James Brett and Oli Nolan travelled to Cannon Heath Down near Newbury for the seventh round of the Wessex Cyclocross season

Team News: Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT

On Sunday 5th November, Wightlink Wight-Mountain team members James Brett and Oli Nolan travelled to Cannon Heath Down near Newbury for the seventh round of the Wessex Cyclocross season, hosted by Newbury RC and Velo Clinic.

Oli Nolan. Photo: Pitchside Paul

Although there was significant rainfall brought by Storm Ciaran leading up to the event, the course remained bafflingly dry throughout the day due to the well-draining nature of the chalk-down venue. The course featured a long climb, plenty of technical cornering sections and barriers in a large grassy field, as well as some more tight, twisty and off-camber segments in another area that was also exposed to a strong headwind.

James was first to race in the competitive Vet 40-49 category. Battling well at the start, James unfortunately crashed on a downhill section of the second lap, twisting his bars in the process. However, he fought hard to limit the damage, finish in the middle of the 80-strong field – a credible result.

Oli, participating in the final race of the day, was looking to keep his streak of top 10 finishes. Starting on the second row of the grid, he battled hard against riders in another stacked group of competitors which included several neighbouring league members due to their event being cancelled. Making use of long hill to put the power down, he narrowly missed out on the top 10, crossing the line in a respectable 11th place.

Overall, a brilliant day of racing. Thanks go to our sponsors, particularly Wightlink and Wight Mountain, as well as Newbury RC and Velo Clinic for putting on the event!