Page 189 - RAPTC 23/24

187
The RAPTC Cycling Club has continued to build on the success of last season, and we have seen a strong resurgence. We were low on riders due to members moving on, or retiring from the sport, but we are focused on building a Team/Club. With the goal to be ready to race and win the Corps Championships. The Club is brimming with talented riders, who are committed to the Sport and wanting to race and win as much as possible. All our riders are putting in 8-12 hours a week training, and this is testament to their individual determination and commitment.
The Army Cycling Road Race Series (ACRRS) races are a highlight for our calendar, they are fast paced and full of action. We have riders split between the Ability Leagues, each of these leagues are still hotly contested and make for exciting racing. As a Club we try and have members racing at all races, with the intent to score points for the RAPTC, in the overall standings. SSgt (SSI) T Chennell had a fantastic season with the following results in the ACRRS Series: 1st place in Leeds, 2nd place in Milton Keynes and 3rd place in Bath. Sgt (SI) M Gander took the win at the Colchester race, after a very impressive ride. Capt (MAA) S Cowley, SSgt (SSI) D Ashton and Sgt (SI) D Boachie-Ansah also had a great season, all with multiple top 10 finishing places.
Outside of the ACRRS, we had 5 members of the club competing in the Williams Cup, all finishing within the top 10 in their categories, amazing work by all. The Club sent a team to the Army Time Trial Championships, where Maj (MAA) M Greenwood won the male category, WO1 (SMI) C Mason won the ladies category and WO2 (QMSI) L Brimble taking the win in the Road Bike Category. The Inter-Corps Road Race was a great event that saw SSgt (SSI) D Ashton put in a huge performance and took 3rd place overall. We raced at over 10 ACU races during 2023, with many of our members competing on the civilian racing circuit, under British Cycling sanctioned races.
Team Members and support staff at the Inter-Corps Road Race
RAPTC ROAD CYCLING
SSgt (SSI) J Kemp RAPTC
SSgt (SSI) T Chennell taking first place at the Leeds ACRRS Race
Sgt (SI) R Jennings continued to represent the British Army Men’s Road Race Team, and even bagged 2nd place at the Army Cyclo-X Championships.
We are currently looking forward to an OSV to Mallorca in April 24, which will see 10 x Club members fine tune themselves, ready for the ACRRS 24. If you are interested in joining the Club or any Road Cycling activities, please contact: Capt
Sgt (SI) M Gander being awarded 1st place medal for the Colchester ACRRS Race
(MAA) S Cowley - Chair Road Cycling or SSgt (SSI) J Kemp - Secretary Road Cycling.
Lastly, we would like to wish WO2 (QMSI) M Woodhead all the best as he leaves the Club, retiring to BAWF and the promise of bigger biceps. On behalf of the Club, thank you for all your hard work in the role of secretary during your tenure.
Capt (MAA) S Cowley briefing the team post Inter-Corps Road Race