ROYAL NAVY RIDERS TAKE TOP HONOURS AT INTER SERVICE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
It's been a long, long season but the RNRMCA riders have hit pay dirt...........April saw a group of 20 something riders getting together in Wales, they rode HARD and LONG and spent the evening talking about the season ahead and for what??? to excel at the inter Service Championships.
Held over 2 days the competition saw a great turnout from all 3 services. Saturday's 10 mile TT saw 60 riders from the services and a fantastic testament to the fact that Cycling is alive and kicking in the armed forces.
Full results will be posted shortly, However, top honours must go to Sean Childs for winning Saturday's race, JJ Smith's was close behind giving a Navy 1, 2 and the Army's Gary Kristennson came in third. Sean and JJ's efforts coupled with Aran Stanton's excellent time guaranteed a team win and day 1 was in the bag for the Senior Service.!!!!!!
Sunday saw the squad competing at 25 miles. The conditions were perfect, no wind, good course the scene was set for Royal Performance worthy of Earls Court.
In the end the squad from the Royal Navy did the business. With another majority on the start sheet RNRMCA riders of all abilities, from all backgrounds fought and won against their own personal targets. Countless personal best targets were broken and the squad was elated. Then came the nervous tension as the times came in!!!!! A great course, great conditions, Sean couldn't resist....... Another first, Second place Stan, could have had him if not for the leg rub!! JJ Smith rode a great time giving us enough for the team prize 2 days running and proof complete that the RN retain dominance in the time trialling discipline.
From the nucleus that was borne at the training camp the RN now have a formidable squad.
Plaudits must go to the Army for a well organised weekend. Congrats to Jon Surtees from the RAF for dominating the Vet category and while we are at it well done for everyone who turned up. Please everyone, don't let the 2007 be a peak. Get your training partners out now lets make 2008 the biggest year for Services Cycling ever.......