Five teams lined up for the third round of the 2022/2023 season on Makuri Islands Chain Chomper, which was a festival of hill climbing.
Best team performance of the night was from Buzz (men’s category B team) who were promoted at the end of the last round into Division 3. But this was no challenge to them, and they rode straight into second place in that higher league, placing 3 riders in the top 6, with a great performance in particular from Hamish Hunter who was just pipped at the line for a win. They also welcome Jahan Hunter to the team.
Rider of the night has to be Vikki Sutcliffe who rode two back-to-back races on the same night to ensure the women’s C teams had 4 riders each. Both Cranks and Cadence rode strong and placed well given that they had only 4 riders; in Cadence Jen Astall placed highly on her first race with the team, while Jen Dawson rode her way to her highest placed finish yet, in 10th.
Bees (men’s B category) are now in Div 1 after promotion last round and noticed the step up in quality. James Peckham, though, didn’t let that put him off, and snagged a top 10 finish.
We welcomed back SotoniAs (men’s A category) to the team roster; they rode with just 5 riders and made a solid start, with Will Weynberg taking the most points for the team. More to come from them in future weeks, I think.
Now we have 5 teams, there’s space for more riders to join. Just speak to a current rider, leave a message below, or email us at info@sotonia.co.uk
Next week is team time trial week: a test of communication, strategy and determination. Come join us.
