Page 81 - RAPTC Year of 2019

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UK MIDLANDS WATTBIKE LEAGUE
SSgt (SSI) D Woolridge RAPTC
FOS 30 Signal Regt Regiment – Bramcote
Another busy yet promising season for Wattbike competitions within the Midlands Region. When the league started in the small suburbs of Telford, Shropshire within Donnington Support Unit (DSU) back in 2017, the secretary felt that the league had the legs to grow and it certainly did. As the UK Midlands Wattbike Secretary, my aim was to make all events inclusive and professional. Three successful and very well participated events took place last season: the UK Midlands Wattbike League, Wattbikethlon (Cycle followed by Run), Wattbike individual and Team Time Trial (TT).
The UK Midlands Winter Wattbike League 2019/20
Currently has just under 80 competitors competing on a monthly basis from November – March. In order to make the league fair to all abilities the league utilised a watts per kilo ratio implementation. This is an individual monthly league in which competitors are awarded an overall position for the 5 set challenges. The overall average power is calculated based on the 5 challenges entered and competitors are awarded prizes in various age categories; currently Male open <39, Male Masters 40> and Female all.
The Wattbikeathlon (10km Cycle followed by 2km run)
This is a highly regarded event in the Midlands for Festival of Sports (FOS). Over 30 mixed ability competitors entered the FOS in Bramcote which was deemed to be a huge success, capturing a
Competitors Race on Battleback
wider audience for the 2019 / 20 Winter league. A Wattbikeathlon is planned to be hosted at the FOS & FFOS in July 2020 where scoring is based on a slowest to fastest time basis. A total of 3 entries from a unit counts towards points, however a maximum of 8 can attempt the race.
UK Midlands Individual and Team Time Trial (TT)
To gain more interest for the 2019 / 20 League, the Midlands Secretary also hosted an Individual and Team Time Trial (TT) in Oct 19, this was also deemed to be a great success for the region with just over 50 entries. Furthermore, this has been the perfect platform for Unit MLD and MND personnel to set new goals and compete in a low impact sport to both challenge and enhance their fitness levels.
Participants were required to complete a 10km TT in the individual event, a combined 30km and 20km in the male and female team events respectively (3 participants per team) and 30km in a mixed team event (3 participants per team).
Overall another fantastic year for the Wattbike events within the West Midlands Region and a special thank you goes out to all RAPTCI’s within the Midlands Region for supporting the event throughout the year. The proposals for an Army wide winter league are already in discussion.
WO2 (QMSI) T Obrien RAPTC leading the way for team battleback
Trophies