The off-road terrain of Norton Manor saw Army riders produce a dominant display to reign supreme at the Inter-Services Cyclocross Championships.
The soldiers headed to Somerset on a mission to dethrone the Royal Air Force as champions and signalled their intent early on as Capt Simon Hale (R Anglian) and Sgt Rich Jennings (RAPTC) opened a comfortable lead at the front.
With Sgt Danny Preece (RE) holding third place and Capt Amy Drysdale (REME) storming the women’s field, the Reds looked set for a sweep of the podium places.
Jennings broke clear of Hale on the third lap as he went on to secure the individual honours, however, Preece was pipped to third by Sgt Rich Summerbell (RAF) in the closing stages.
Drysdale was crowned women’s champion, with the Army taking the team prize.
“The course was extremely challenging, with a variety of surfaces ranging from tarmac to sand with technical sections including off camber and slippery woodland,” said team manager Maj Jon Robinson (AGC (SPS)).
“It was the first time in recent memory that we have won the title and we are delighted.”
