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During the NatWest International Island Games cycling events, a tantalising mix of speed and tactics will play out on and off the roads.
Monday of the Games will see the time trial on the west coast, before the mountain bikers get their first taste of action the following day at the Guernsey Velo Club’s home at Delancey.
On Wednesday the unpredictable road races will play out on circuits around the south west and on Thursday mountain bikers are back in action across a picturesque and challenging course at L’Ancresse.
Action closes out with the frantic road criterium on a tight circuit on the town seafront.
One of the major innovations organisers have made for this year is closed road racing.
“It really means that the competition is not as affected by outside factors,” said Guernsey team manager Alex Wilson.
“Aside from it being fair, it's also just a lot safer. 99% of people are so, so welcoming of cycling events, but if you suddenly have a rider coming at you at 30mph, it can be quite a shock. So having close roads is an absolute game changer.”
L’Ancresse offers the perfect combination for both spectators and competitors.
“It's a beautiful part of the island, for starters, but it's also very expansive and accessible for spectators, that was a key part in it being chosen. It provides so much variety as well. There's technical parts where you've got lots on the stones, and you've got the quick bits as well. So you've got a really varied course, which I think is fair for an Island Games.”
Competition is expected to be strong from the likes of Saaremaa, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
“I think this year my key takeaway from the Guernsey squad selection is the strength in depth. Every Games we've had in the past, we've had really strong riders going, but everyone who's got in has really had to earn that place.”
Guernsey 2023 organisers have embarked on a second awareness campaign about the road closures this week.
Listen to the full interview focussing on cycling including team members Alex Van Katwyk and Hannah Brehaut as part of Express’ 'Beyond the Games' podcast series, a daily insight into the Island Games proudly sponsored by SG Kleinwort Hambros Bank Limited, Jersey branch and Guernsey branch:
Monday
9am Women’s time trial. West Coast.
11am Men’s trial. West Coast.
Tuesday
2pm Women’s MTB criterium
3.30pm Men’s MTB criterium
Wednesday
9am Women’s road race. West Coast.
11.45am Men’s road race. West Coast.
Thursday
11am Women’s MTB XC. L’Ancresse.
2pm Men’s MTB XC. L’Ancresse.
Friday
12pm Women’s road criterium. Town seafront.
1.30pm Men’s road criterium. Town seafront.
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