Successful Spring for Cycle 360 Supported Athletes

It’s been a successful Spring for Cycle 360 Supported Athletes!  From local races, UK rounds and international events, our supported athletes have been pushing their limits and achieving great results the past few months. With the cycle race season now well underway, Cycle 360 supported athletes: Brad, Elliot, Isaac, Mark, Mike and Sacha are inspiring us all to take on a cycle challenge this Summer.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the successes of our athletes and how they are continuing to strive for bigger and better results.  From the thrill of victory to the lessons learned from defeats, we’ll explore the journey so far for each of our Cycle 360 Supported Athletes.

Ultra-distance endurance cyclist, Brad Woodruffe

Brad has taken on two major challenges recently: an Everest up Injebreck and the Lighthouses Fondo.  Not stopping there, Brad took on the Race Through Poland last week: 1,000 miles of riding, all completely unsupported. We’ve done a whole blog dedicated to Brad’s big achievements, you can have a read of them all here.

In addition to Brad’s big rides and endurance accomplishments, Brad’s also been a competitive rider in the Cycle 360 MTB Series getting involved in Round 2 of the series, which was held in South Barrule last month. A different style of riding that Brad’s used to, he still managed to race competitively and gain a 14th in the elite/expert male field.

Former British Champion & World Cup cross-country mountain biker, Elliot Baxter

Elliot kicked off the season at the British Cycling National Points Series held in Tong, UK. Despite starting at the back of the grid, Elliot managed to make his way to a top 5 position before getting a puncture that forced him to abandon the race. An impressive race for the elite rider as the conditions were some of the toughest he’s ever raced in!

Elliot also achieved successes in the local Cycle 360 MTB Series: in Round 1, he earned a 2nd place finish in Archallagan, and gained a 1st place podium finish in Chibbanagh plantation in Round 3.

His continued success even at 45 has been noticed as he joins four other athletes in the upcoming International Island Games mountain bike team. An opportunity for Elliot to showcase his skills and prove he is a top contender in the sport.

CC Isle of Man road cyclist, Mark Horsthuis

Mark achieved an incredible feat this month as he was selected to join the International Island Games road cycling team and selected to race in the 5–day stage race, Rás Tailteann in Ireland for Cycling Club Isle of Man (CC IOM).  Considering the competition that Mark faced to even make it onto both teams, is credit Mark’s commitment to his training and drive to succeed.

The Rás Tailteann is a notoriously tough race over a gruelling five stages incorporating multiple categorised climbs. The set up resembles that of a professional race with support cars, rolling road closures and spectators curb side.

In addition to his road cycling achievements, Mark has been racing competitively on an xc bike too, taking part in Round 1 of the National Points Series in Tong, UK as well as local XC races run by the Cycle 360 MTB Series team.  Top five finishers in the xc local races just prove his exemplary bike skills and the engine that he is!

PMBA’s U18 Series Enduro Champion, Isaac Batty

The British National Downhill and Enduro Series took place last month and the first round of the series was held at Rheola Wales and Peebles respectively. For the first round of the series, Isaac put in an impressive performance in a super strong field, taking second in the Youth category. In Peebles, he managed to secure a first place in the 16 and under category, pushing the limits of the course to reach a podium finish. His skill and speed was on full display and he was able to keep his lead over the rest of the field despite a rear flat tyre!

As the national enduro championship race draws closer, Isaac is readying himself by racing as much as possible with fresh competition. He took on the Pierce Cycles Downhill round at Llanfyllin last weekend coming in 6th in the end after clipping a pole near the bottom of the track and unfortunately coming off.  Not one to be defeated, a solid result for Isaac at a venue he’d never been to before.

Isaac is looking forward to taking on the National Championships in Ryad-y-Felin in August, which will be against some of the best riders in the country.

Local Enduro top contender and XC racer, Mike Chatel

Armed with his enduro mountain bike and taking on the xc races, Mike has challenged himself in the local Cycle 360 mountain bike races, defying the odds as a formidable contender despite his bike’s uphill limitations.  His two thirds and one fourth in the Sport category of the XC and also his great results within the Manx Viking Wheelers crit road races in Jurby, are testament to Mike’s unwavering determination and love for the sport!

As the Isle of Man enduro racing season approaches, Chatel eagerly anticipates the opportunities it holds. Unfortunately, the first round has been cancelled, delaying his chance to compete. However, he’s not let this setback dampen his spirits. Instead, he has embraced the joy of riding and has been exploring the fun-filled world of enduro trails in his spare time with his mates and enjoying the freedom of two wheels with his kids too.

International Island Games mountain biker, Sacha Horsthuis

Sacha made her debut at the first round of the British National Points Series in March, securing a fifth place in the Expert category.  A tough race didn’t deter her determination to finish and fight for a top 5, despite the unforgiving conditions and many mechanicals she faced.

Other successes for Sacha have come from the local Cycle 360 MTB series where she’s racing as a top female contender and top 5 finisher overall with males in the Sport category also in the mix. 

Her recent success, hard work and dedication to training have led to her being selected to represent the Isle of Man at the upcoming International Island Games this July, and she’s eager and ready to take on that next challenge!