Page 170 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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The RAPTC road cycling club has had a partial return to road racing with participants mainly taking part in the virtual eSeries due to work commitments ramping up after the Covid era. We have said farewell to a few individuals from the team; Lt Col (MAA) Ian Phillips, Capt (MAA) Stu Jackson and WO2 (QMSI) Ian Tosh. We wish them all the best in their future careers and hope to see them on a reunion ride in the not-so-distant future.
As one door closes another one opens – we have welcomed some new riders to the club who we know doubt will provide an instant depth to our capabilities on race day. One to note is Sgt (SI) Rich Jennings – a notable racer on the scene who has an outstanding ability on the bike. This was proved during the Winter eRace Series where Sgt (SI) Jennings came First in the A league and First overall Senior Male. More to come from this exceptional rider.
Even though the racing has been quiet for most, our very own Capt (MAA) Mark Greenwood has been out flying the flag. Here are a few of his notable wins which prove that age is just a number:
• Lincolnshire Hill Climb Champion
• Army Cycling Time Trial Champion
• National Masters Road Race Championships – Silver Medal
• Army Cycling Road Race Championships – Masters Champion
• Army Cycling Road Race Series – Masters Champion
Yet again its our Officers who are bringing home the goods with Capt (MAA) Rachel McKenzie being a part of the Inter-Services winning team – showing the RAF and Navy what proper racing
It’s a number one for Rich
Mark putting the pedal to the metal
looks like. Capt (MAA) Rachel Mckenzie has also been selected to lead the Army Women’s Road Race Team as their Team Manger – well done and good luck!
As is the way with the RAPTC Cycling Team, we have yet again got several talented individuals who have been selected to represent the Army Team – a huge shout out and deserving congratulations go to Maj (MAA) Bren Reese and SSgt (SSI) David “Elvis” Ashton for selection on to the Army Time Trial Team. SSgt (SSI) Paul Quinn and SSgt (SSI) Joe Kemp for selection on to the Army Road Race Team. We expect great things from them all and a few podiums in there for good measure.
UCI GRAN FONDO, CYPRUS – OSV
FINALLY! We were able to take part in the previously planned 2020 OSV to Cyprus to take part in the UCI Gran Fondo. And what a race it was! Below is a short summary of the event but there is definitely a greater experience to tell.
The Cycling Team consisted of Capt Mark Greenwood, WO1 Shaun Pyburn, SSgt David Ashton, SSgt Mike Woodhead, SSgt Paul Quinn and SSgt Joe Kemp, recently took part (Fri 1 – Sun 3 Apr 22) in the UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo 2022.
The event consisted of racing over 3 consecutive days with a different style of race for each stage (day). Stage 1, being an Individual Time Trial (ITT) over 20.8km, along the scenic and rolling roads near Aphrodite’s rock. Stage 2 was a 96km arduous road race with approximately 5000ft of climbing over challenging
RAPTC SPORT
RAPTC CYCLING CLUB
SSgt (SSI) M Woodhead RAPTC