Crits in the Park
On Saturday The Medway Velo Club hosted four races at Cyclopark, Gravesend.
The conditions were difficult with rain making the course slippery and played into the hands of the riders with the best technical ability.
First up was the women’s race. The majority of the field staying together until the final few laps when the race was split by some strong attacks. The victory went to Kathryn Gohl of Nice Brew Cycling who sprinted away from Marta Coll of Spokes BPC racing in 2nd. The final step on the podium was filled by Orla Shields of Islington Racing.
The 4th Cat men’s race was an interesting affair with a convincing win by Stuart Jordan of Woolwhich CC who rode away from the field. 2nd was Tommy Aylmer of Islington CC with Fraser Duff Moray of Firth Cycling Club in 3rd.
The Velo had some local interest in this race with Jonathan Graciano riding in the red, white and green of the Medway Velo CC. He did not disappoint spectators and took a good 8th place earning some BC points.
Next up was the 3rd Cat men’s race which was won by William Hunnam of Islington CC. Local rider Neil Harrigan of Gravesend CC took 2nd with Matt Noble of Octave in 3rd.
The final race of the day was the 2/3/4 Cat men’s race had one of the fuller fields of the day and the men raced through deluge, cheered on by the many volunteers from the Medway Velo. It was won by Adam Cotterell of Project 51 with Richmond Rogers of Artic TACX taking 2nd and Jongs Rooze of CCL 3rd.
The event was organised by Tom Knight with many members of the club giving up their day to marshal, run sign on and line judge. After the event Tom said: ‘It was a smashing effort by the club. I would like to thank everyone who supported the club, without the volunteers the event wouldn’t be possible.’
Tom swaps his cleats for running shoes
After a busy day of organising the Crits in the Part on Saturday, Tom Knight found himself on the start line of the Sittingbourne 10-mile running race on Sunday.
The event, which is hosted by The Sittingbourne Striders, involves around 200 runners taking in a hilly countryside loop of Sittingbourne which takes the athletes up Stockers Hill before heading towards Kingsdown and back to the finish at Highstead School.
Tom showed he is more than pure pedal power putting in a very strong performance completing the course in 1hr 10mins 35secs. This time saw him take 13th place overall in a hotly contested event and was also a personal best time for the distance.
Afterwards he said: ‘I really enjoyed the event, it was a personal best time for me both over 10km and 10-miles. It really helped that I have cycled the course a lot so I knew the roads, what was coming and how to prepare for it.’
