Royal Naval Reservist Triathlete Races in Inter Service Cycle Race

A Royal Naval Reservist that recently competed in the Triathlon Word Championships, has competed in an Inter Service Cycling Race.

HMS Pegasus Royal Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commander Natalie Grainger recently raced in the Helyx UK Armed Forces Inter Services Crit Champs 2024 - Female Race. The race took place at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton’s satellite airfield RNAS Merryfield on 8th June 2024.

The field comprised of 9 Army, 4 Royal Air Force, and 4 Royal Navy riders, and due to the low number of entries in the civilian’s female race, those 4 entrants were also included, making for a better overall race for everyone. The race was a fast paced 50-minute closed circuit cycle race, known as a Criterium or Crit, around the perimeter of RNAS Merryfield in Somerset.  The race got off to a gentle start, although this was short lived, with the Army using their larger numbers to put in some early attacks, while the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force teams worked well together to try and keep things together. Around halfway through the race, a lapse of concentration within the bunch allowed Sgt Laura Furness and Capt Eve Newton, two of the strongest Army riders, to form a breakaway.

Natalie said, “It was great to be racing competitively against the other services, especially on the closed RNAS Merryfield airfield”

Some hard chasing prevailed from Royal Naval Reservists AB Katie Pratt and Lt Cdr Natalie Grainger, supported by the remaining RAF riders within the remaining bunch over the next few laps to try and chase the two riders down, but the gap remained. The breakaway and chase effort allowed the Army riders within the bunch to conserve some energy for the final sprint stages of the race, which also bagged them the final podium spot.

Natalie said, “We put up a good fight but sadly couldn’t hold on and the Army took the win. We are really hoping to build the team for the 2025 season, so if you are a female and a cyclist in the RN or RNR please get in touch with Navy Cycling”

The race was hailed as being one of the most competitive Inter Service female races for many years, due to the upcoming riders from across the services.