Navy Cycling Team trained and ready to win in 2008

Ever keen to continue the success witnessed in 2007 a team of the RNRMCA's top flight cyclists have just completed a weeks team training in the Brecon Beacons. Set in a remote location with little distraction other than riding bikes the team emerged buoyant considering the week to be a "job well done". Utilising "in-house" talent the week consisted of a series of training methods. Long endurance rides were interspersed with hard interval sessions including a visit to a local club for participation in their evening 10 mile time trial.

Group 1 ascend the "Travelator" and still find time to smile.

Seasons Plans Confirmed

Cyclists often find juggling busy home lives and working patterns a trial so the opportunity to get a large representative from the RNRMCA Senior Squad together to discuss tactics and goals for the season was always going to be beneficial. For the road cyclists attending the camp the first of these events is only a week away with the time trial team defending their title at the Inter Services 10 and 25 mile championships in the Portsmouth area over the weekend 26/27 April. Having held the crown for several seasons the team has had some changes of late. The training camp gave the newer team members the opportunity to clearly state their intentions for the season ahead and it's no secret we're aiming high with several big events the team will be working flat out to win.

The way ahead. Sean Childs, Director of Training briefs the team in the lecture room.

Race Training the RNRMCA way.

2008 marked the second year the RNRMCA have conducted "home grown" training camps and having capitalised on last years camp efforts were made to ensure the athletes were able to fully concentrate on the job at hand. With a three person support crew the camp ran smoothly. Food was plentiful with a varied menu being superbly co-ordinated and prepared by Sally Dean ably assisted by trainee chef Adam Lang. Both have now been made members of the association and it is envisaged the club will see much more of them in the future.

The run for home. Group 1 begin last leg of a long day on the road.

To work so hard all week without the opportunity to relax could prove to be counter productive. The camp concluded with an evening meal and the chance to reflect on some of the highs of the week. With the team spirit high and moral soaring a series of awards were made to riders who had significantly contributed to the groups moral throughout the week. The evening concluded with the award of the clubs Yellow Jersey to Sean Childs whose vision it was to conduct training in this way and build the squad to what it is today.

John Twine (Green Jersey Winner) congratulates Sean Childs following the award of the Yellow Jersey.

 Looking ahead.

The season is still in it's infancy however rest assured the RNRMCA Committee will not rest on their laurels and planning will soon be underway for the 2009 training camp. So if you plan to represent the RNRMCA in competition and think the training camp will benefit you keep checking back for details of next years camp.

Navy Cycling Team 2008