Page 142 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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Kempy making the most of the empty roads
The past 12 months have been a testing and uncertain time for all involved in Army Sport. From a personal perspective, several planned UK/oversees sports visits have fallen at the wayside including Cyprus (x2), Spain and America to name only a few (yes, I’m still sulking!!). Although on reflection, the cancellation of these may have be a blessing in disguise. It has allowed me to focus on periodising my training programme in preparation for any future events.
At this point I knew it was the right time to find a coach in order to push me to the next level. After just 12 months of coaching, I achieved a long-term priority goal in being selected for the 12-man Army Team in the Inter Services E-Racing Championships, which we won. A few months later I was selected for the ACRT 2021, a particularly proud moment for me.
Outside of training, coaching is something I’m looking to pursue. Helping members of the Armed Forces develop as cyclists whilst inspiring others to follow suit can be nothing but positive in the way of safeguarding the sport. My main aims this season are to race for the Army Cycling Road Race Team, obtain my British Cycling Category 2, Race Licence and lastly, stay upright as much as possible!
British Masters Hill Climbing Championships
British Masters Time Trial Championships
2020 – Silver Medal
In a separate cycling discipline, Capt (MAA) Mark Greenwood took on the individual Time Trial at Newbury over 17 miles of undulating open roads. After a less than ideal ride to the start line (snapping his chain), he was faced with 2 choices; drive home (2hr 30mins) or fix the chain by shortening it which would at least enable him to race, but with a limited use of gears. In true Corps spirit, he decided to take the latter option, spinning his legs like a hamster in its wheel, enduring an emotional and painful experience as the heart had to work harder for what the legs couldn’t produce.
However, in the end, it was all worthwhile, finishing the course in 41mins and 11secs and bagging the Silver medal.
Cyclocross
Meanwhile, Capt (MAA) ‘Stu’ Jackson was leading the solo fight in the world of cyclocross, competing in the Wessex CCx League Race V40 Cat. Capt (MAA) Jackson was up against some strong cyclists throughout the season, along with the demanding terrain that cyclocross offers. He was successful in gaining placing results of 5th and 10th. He currently represents the Army Cyclocross Team and has yet again, due to his outstanding performances, been selected for the Army Cyclocross Team for the 21/22 season.
UCI Gran Fondo Stage Race, Cyprus – OSV
Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, we were unable to embark on another visit to Cyprus, for the 2020 and 2021 Gran Fondo’s; consisting of a 3 Day Stage Race which is also a qualifying event for the World Championships later each year. Fingers crossed for next year (2022). But, on the plus side, more training time and preparation will hopefully result in more podium time, surely?
Get in Touch
Finally, if you would like to get involved with Corps cycling, regardless of ability, please contact either:
Chairman – Capt (MAA) M Greenwood RAPTC Secretary – SSgt (SI) M Woodhead RAPTC eSecretary – Sgt (SI) W Ficken RAPTC
Mach 10 Mark in the TT pain train
2020 – National Champion
Is that a smile or a grimace Mark?
Wow, what a year for our Chairman, Capt (MAA) Mark Greenwood who achieved a jaw dropping performance. Taking on the brutal hill climb at Palterton, Derbyshire which involved a race against the clock up a 1.5km climb with a maximum gradient of 15%.
Against a strong turnout of seasoned climbers, he posted a fantastic time of 3min 40sec, subsequently awarded for his efforts with the national title and jersey. Proving yet again that age is just a number, and there’s still fight in the old boy yet!