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varying ability and two jumps. All four obstacles would need to be
performed on to get an overall good result. The team comradely
was fantastic, each supporting each other in the common focus
of seeing people, regardless of service, doing well. The Army
were looking strong and my hopes were up for a winning result.
Sgt Philip Lewis managed a double front lip to roars from the
crowd and LCpl Athony Romans styled out a corked 5 which was
equally as technical and looked awesome. In the end though for
the men it wasn’t enough. The Navy men won the event with the
only iniltration being myself, SSgt J Craig, in third spot on the
podium. With the win they took the overall title for the irst time in
Navy History and this was the irst time that the Army men didn’t
win in eight years. The reprieve was the Army women winning the
slopestyle and the overall title with Sgt Sarah Marriott winning the
overall Combined service champion.
At the end of one season the preparation starts for the next. The
focus will be on more freestyle training so as to give the Navy real
competition in the future and to win back our title.
SSgt Craig 3rd Medal SS-SSI
7 PARACHUTE ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
16X MOUNTAIN BIKE COMPETITION
SSgt (SSI) T Horton RAPTC
I
t has long been tradition that sport has been a major feature, The Urban Time Trial was a test of speed; those that were involved
fundamental to the morale of the soldiers. It engenders in this element completed one lap of the route in the quickest
competitive spirit and teamwork whilst underpinning a whole
possible time. Teams were allowed as many attempts as possible
myriad of qualities associated with and demanded of the Soldier, within the two hour time limit, which created a terriic competitive
from the greenest Private to the most seasoned veteran in a spirit. A thrilled, yet tired Maj Wilson 16 Medical Regiment was the
Regiment. One needs to look no further than the 16X for evidence winner of this event. Indisputably, the most popular event was the
of that, in spite of the Brigade currently engaged in programmed trials and this was a test of skill; competitors mastered a succession
and contingent operations and the rest of the Brigade supporting of obstacles to score as many points as possible. Participants were
the Airborne Task Force (ABTF) as the lead component of UK Land allowed to have numerous attempts within the two hour time limit
Forces’ Very High Readiness capability; enthusiasm for sport and and this was extremely popular with all riders, particularly 2Lt Peek,
all that comes with these remains as healthy as ever. Therefore, it 7 Battalion REME and Rgr Stewart, 1 Royal Irish whose spirited,
was no surprise that the 16X Mountain Biking was welcomed and enthusiastic performances’ were fantastic for all watching. Rgr
encompassed all units within and afiliated to the Brigade.
Stewart emerged triumphant after a well-fought battle.
Mountain Biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, Mountain biking is growing in popularity and should be encouraged
often over rough terrain, using specially adapted mountain bikes. as a sport within units. This sport requires endurance, core strength
The event was broken down into multiple categories: cross country and balance, bike handling skills, and self-reliance, which is one of
phase, Urban Time Trial and Trials. The Cross Country phase was the many reason’s it is now a recognised Adventurous Training activity
an endurance event and participates from each unit completed as within the British Army. Participating in events such as this may entice
many full laps as possible of an arduous and challenging route in individuals to take up the sport and get others involved along the
Friday Woods within the time limit of two hours. It began with a way. The next planned event is Spring 2013 and I look forward to
mass start and resulted in a delighted and satisied WO2 Waitt 13 witnessing another immense competitive edge from all riders.
AA emerging the victor in this gruelling phase of the Competition.
16X Mountain Bikers
after the event