Wheeley exciting racing at RN Cyclocross championships

HMS Raleigh hosted this year’s Royal Navy Cycling Association Cyclocross Championships on Wednesday 14th June, with riders from across the Fleet taking part.

In blistering heat the Royal Navy’s top cyclocross riders took part in a race around an undulating off-road course within the training estate at HMS Raleigh. Cycling in a 45 minute race, the riders tackled the dry and dusty course, where little shade gave any relief for the relentless Cornish sunshine.

Early on one rider took a nasty tumble and the race was suspended to allow safe treatment and transfer off the course. The race then restarted with the challenge to complete as many laps in 30 minutes. Tackling the sharp incline and rapid descent in the vicinity of the RAS Rig and Triumph Firefighting School, the riders then followed the fence-line, tackling a couple of cheeky jumps and a gravel pit.

The overall winner was CPL Ben Savage, with OC Seb Siswick second and LMT George Comins third. The fastest female was LCpl Bonita Deathridge and the winner of the Vets category was Colonel Si Rogers OBE RM.

Before the actual race, a few of the experienced riders delivered some Grassroots training to a group of Phase 2 recruits around a shortened version of the course, showing them the techniques required to be safe and successful in the discipline.

In a competitive 20 minute race afterwards, AB2 Beveridge was deemed the fastest rider and received an Amazon gift card, donated by the RNRMCA and presented by the Chair of the Association, Colonel Si Rogers OBE RM.

Emphasising the importance to keep fit and to push your personal boundaries, Colonel Si told the Recruits “Cyclocross allows you to develop sharp decision making skills as you negotiate the terrain. You need to be aware of your surroundings, what others are doing and the implications of your own actions.

All in quick time.” Thanking them for taking part, he added “Anyone can give Royal Navy Cycling a go, not only in Cyclocross but also Road-Racing, Time Trials and Mountain Biking. Look at our website and get involved!”