Combined Services Sportive 2009

RNRMCA Riders in Sportive action

RNRMCA riders take the Magnificat Challenge at the annual Sportive event.

Despite lower than normal attendance the 16 RNRMCA riders who took the sportive challenge at Highclere Castle last weekend certainly enjoyed the day. With 3 routes to choose from (46, 77 or 126 Miles) there really was something for everyone.

Now in it’s 3rd year of running the Combined Services Sportive aims to unite members of all three services in the challenge against the course. And what a challenge it was following a night of torrential rain the roads were littered with debris leading to many punctures and a tumble for Simon Wise (happy to report only cuts and grazes). Other riders made it safely round with good praise for the well organised event. Support cars from MAVIC followed the entrants round and there were plentiful refreshment stops to top up water bottles and refuel.

Sportives are designed to be challenging road based rides. Riders are set off in batches of about 50 with a 2 – 3 minute gap between this ensures that generally there will always be someone in the pack who is of a similar ability to you and makes for an enjoyable yet challenging experience.

Completing the ride for RNRMCA this year were

126 Mile Ride

George Arey 8:18:39 Bronze

Jerry Bromyard 8:04:53 Silver

Dan Connor 8:05:00 Silver

Dave Evans 7:42:52 Silver

Andy Plewes 7:06:43 Silver

Andy Phipps 8:05:57 Bronze (2 Punctures)

77 Mile Route

Mark Beverstock 5:11:05 Bronze

Andy Hunstone 5:18:09 Bronze

Bug Wrightson 5:11:06 Silver