Isle of Wight cyclists enjoy successes at Goodwood

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On Tuesday last week, James Veal, Charlie Orchard, Oli Nolan, Chris Marsh and Jason Peach travelled to Goodwood Circuit for the opening round of the RCR Fatcreations Goodwood Races. 

Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team members James Veal, Charlie Orchard, Oli Nolan and Chris Marsh., in action on the Goodwood circuit last week. (Image: Wightlink Wight Mountain CRT)

Despite coming up against torrential rain, which created some difficult conditions, the race was fast throughout. 

All five riders put in excellent performances, with the team represented in many of the frequent breakaways throughout the race. 

However, with just a few laps to go, it was likely the race would come down to a bunch sprint. 

Keen to put their numbers to good use, the team began a full lead out with just under a lap to go, fighting with their competitors for prime position into the final chicane. 

Veal was best placed, putting in a fantastic ride to finish just outside the top ten in a quality Cat 2-3 field, with Orchard and Marsh just behind towards the front of the main bunch. 

Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team members James Veal, Charlie Orchard, Oli Nolan and Chris Marsh, in action on the Goodwood circuit last week. (Image: Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team)

Peach, looking strong in his first race for the team, was hindered by a rider who fell just ahead of him before the sprint.

Two days later, the team were in action again at the Goodwood circuit, with Veal, Orchard, Nolan and Marsh competing in the final round of the Goodwood Summer Series — the team time trial. 

The quartet, well prepared from multiple team training sessions, were keen to finish in the top ten, in a field featuring many of the south’s elite teams. 

All four riders rode excellently to finish in a time of 50.32, which proved fast enough to take seventh.