Page 141 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

The RAPTC road cycling club has had a fantastic year, even with ‘slight’ bumps in the road, we still managed to lead the way with the newly formed Army Cycling eRace Series (ACeRS), which was spearheaded by our own Capt (MAA) Mark Greenwood and Sgt (SI) Joe Kemp. This new virtual platform for competing created an improved method of team bonding with the use of pre-race recces, live chats, and post ride celebrations; all whilst maintaining social distancing. We had multiple successes during the series, with riders: Capt (MAA) Greenwood, Sgt (SI) Kemp, Sgt (SI) Quinn and Sgt (SI) Holder all taking emphatic wins. This was no mean feat and all due to the teamwork, prior planning and execution of a comprehensive race plan.
During the brief relaxation of lockdown, members of the RAPTC Cycling club took part in a farewell ride into the great city of London, for the much-loved SSgt (SSI) Dexter Fox in preparation for his exit from the Army into civilian street. This was a much- deserved social interaction; it was great to be back out on the roads with likeminded apostles in black and red lycra. Of course, the groups of 6 and social distancing was maintained; thankfully, the roads were clear and traffic free which was a luxury we will not see again for some time to come.
We have seen a huge growth in club members during the lockdown period which has brought a well-deserved uplift of moral for the old boys of the RAPTC who can now unleash their knowledge on a fresh set of ears, from the comfort of their sandbags. Two of our newbies, Sgt (SI) Kemp and Sgt (SI) Quinn have provided a
Capt Greenwood presenting Foxy with his farewell present
Car free - carefree roads
RAPTC SPORT
RAPTC CYCLING CLUB
SSgt (SSI) M Woodhead RAPTC
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brief write up on their experiences of joining the RAPTC Cycling club, training within the Covid-19 period and their future goals and aspirations:
Sgt (SI) (Kempy) Kemp
I was immediately accepted into the Corps cycling family with open arms and fortunate to be asked to uptake a role on the Committee in order to assist with the smooth running of all things cycling. With a depth of quality riders who are experienced and forthcoming in providing guidance and advice, I knew I would be in great hands.
With the outbreak of Covid-19 and being confined to our houses, 2020 brought many new challenges to say the least. Indoor cycling was the preferred method to train and race, where I found a new love of E-Racing via the online platform Zwift (virtual training and racing platform). Having witnessed the fantastic utility of Zwift, I realised that there would be many other athletes in a similar situation so volunteered to become part of the newly formed (ACeRS) committee within the Army Cycling Union.
This appointment involved promoting and organise the running of weekly events for all levels of ability to race on. The Series was a great success and with circa 200 SP taking part every Wed afternoon.
On a personal note, the AceRS allowed me to showcase my riding ability. This paid off by gaining selection into the Army Cycling Team as part of the Inter Services Road E-Racing Championships 2020 which resulted in an Army victory. This performance also helped in securing my selection for the Army Cycling Road Race Team (ACRT) 2021, which is an achievement I am extremely proud of.
Moving forward into the forthcoming season, I am focused on continuing with my training programme and rider development. In addition, cementing my place within the Army Cycling Road Race Team and participating in many races across the UK.
Sgt (SI) (Quinny) Quinn
From the offset, the RAPTC Cycling club has been exceptionally supportive, whether that’s from a kit and equipment standpoint or providing valuable training advice from the ‘old and bold.’ All members have assisted me as a cyclist and I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.