Page 55 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2017
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 53
lowing an injury to Lance Corporal Murphy, ended the race in a highly commendable 30th in the solo finishers, demonstrating considerable skill in the downhill sections. All team members endured considerable suffering with temperatures in the valley reaching a daily 36 degrees Celsius.
During the race there were four helicopter casevacs. Fortunate- ly, there were no fatalities but it brought it home to the riders just how dangerous the sport can be. Only mere cuts and bruises were suffered by the Lancer teams, Lieutenant Luke coming off more than most and Major Foot-Tapping taking his first fall since breaking his back in Cyprus some 300m from the final fin- ish line. Nevertheless, the teams and support crew celebrated in the water at Lake Garda having climbed near-on 19,000m in a little over 540kms over seven days.
Entry is already open for the 2018 event and Corporal Yorke is eager to ride again [Ed. not what he said on D+3!]. It was a hugely enjoyable and well-run event (in hindsight) and I would strongly recommend it as a great introduction into stage racing.
EJL
Celebratory champagne (regimental, of course) in the lake
Finished
