Island cycling team showcase their skills at Easter race series

The Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT showcased their skills at the first round of the Southern XC MTB Races in Winchester on Easter Sunday.

Nick Earley battled from 40th, cutting through the field of 69 riders to a top-five finish in the Open Sport class.

Nick said: “A good start to the season, looking forward to the upcoming block of races and improving race by race.”

Nick Earley (Image: John Lampard)

Nadia Lele dominated the Female Sport class, securing her first win of the season with a brilliant start and maintaining a focused pace.

Nadia said: “The course was mostly slippery and technical single track, and every lap was starting with the painful long fire road drag, but I dug in and am delighted with the win.”

Nadia Lele (Image: John Lampard)

In the Open Junior race, Ewan Cook fought hard but settled for fifth place after a strong start and a tough battle for podium contention.

Ewan said: “It was a really fast technical course, and I was feeling strong up until the middle of the last lap, but I just didn’t have the lungs to go with the final attack.”

Ewan Cook (Image: John Lampard)

Alfie Haydon secured a solid seventh place, saying: “This was definitely not my kind of course, but I enjoyed the racing and it’s all good experience. I’ll be aiming for a better result in the next round.”

Alfie Haydon (Image: John Lampard)