Page 79 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 77 Freewheeling Lancer and Regimental Road Cycling
The Royal Lancers annual road cycling training tour has now completed its fourth successful year in the Alps. Exercise FREEWHEELING LANCER 18 was far more ambitious than its previous iterations, and consequently all who attended ben- efited greatly from a highly demanding yet enjoyable 10 days of road cycling.
The trip started in the French Alps, the Ten lycra clad Lancers nestled deep within the scenic village of Puy St Vincent. Whilst in France the team rode 305km with 8000m of elevation gained. Specific highlights were the climb up to the famous Col d’Iozard and speeding past Lamborghini tractors as we climbed Col Ag- nel and rode into Italy. Once in Italy the Team moved to a scenic mountain town called Mezzenile. One day’s riding took place while in Italy – a mammoth 60km climb up the Colle del Nivo- let – taking in a whopping 2900m of elevation gain and riding 130km in total. The team travelled to Switzerland with some mechanical issues on the vehicles meaning that a day of riding was sadly lost. Switzerland did not disappoint either; the team were spoiled for routes while staying in the village of Fiesch. The Grimsel and Furka Pass were conquered on days one and two with 200km and 5500m of elevation gained, an altogether more arduous prospect. The TWO final rides saw the team tak- ing on Lakes Brienz and Thun, as well as riding into Grindel- wald for some stunning views of the Eiger over another 250km and 3000m of elevation. All in all, the 10 Royal Lancer riders rode some 900km and gained nearly 20000m in elevation!
Further success was had on two wheels through Trooper Simcox, who became the Army under 25 champion after a successful first season. His consistent performance throughout the racing year and sixth place finish with a very aggressive ride was enough to secure him victory at Redbridge Cycle Centre at the start of September.
All of the team are looking forward to getting riding again in 2019 in the Yorkshire Dales. Preparation for another Alpine trip and the Army Cycling Road Race Series begins with earnest.
The view into France from Col Agnel
The summit of Col Agnel – France/Italy border
JNJ
Lake Brienz – excellent views, coffee and cake
Corporal York
The team at the summit of Col d’Iozard: Warrant Officer Class II Nyambira, Captain Jibb, Lieutenant Cave, Trooper Howells, Trooper Goodliffe, Corporal Yorke, Sergeant King and Lance Corporal Toyne