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Riders were on the limit as the tight turns and sharp climbs of the Delancey Park criterium quickly sorted the field in the women’s race.
In the end it was a silver for Guernsey the team event, having finished level on points with the Isle of Man their rivals gold by virtue of having their leading rider in a higher position.
Guernsey took important places outside the podium, cheered on by a vocal crowd surrounding the course with cow bells, banners and boosted by children from the nearby St Mary & St Michael school.
They were tied on points with the Isle of Man with the best two riders counting, but they lost out because the IoM had a higher placed rider. With only four teams entered, no bronze was awarded.
The race start was fast and furious, as riders fought for position going into the tight single track section.
“Everyone just went for it,” said Guernsey’s Megan Dowinton, who finished sixth, one place behind her teammate Jade Packham.
Pictured: Jade Packham (l) and Megan Dowinton.
There was no let up over a demanding course.
“It was full power. So you're either going up or you're concentrating going down. And even on the flat, you're trying to keep the power up to keep your position and keep the speed all the way around.
“I really wasn’t expecting it to go that well. I really gave it my all and felt good.”
Describing the atmosphere as absolutely amazing, she said it was great to see the school children out supporting the different sports around the Island Games.
“It's really good inspiration for them to see some high level competition right on their doorstep.”
Pictured: Johanna Petit.
Guernsey's other riders were Johanna Petit, Kylie Vaudin and Chloe Woods.
In the individual, there was a comfortable victory for Menorca’s Nuria Pico who had gapped Western Isles Kerry MacPhee. The battle for individual bronze went deep into the race between Jersey’s Emily Bridson and Isle of Man’s Kirree Quayle.
A decisive moment came when the Western Isles rider fell on a climb causing Bridson to dismount to give her space and run. That left Quayle on her back wheel and eventually she surged past for the final podium spot.
Having just finished her university course, Bridson has only managed to complete one cross country race before the criterium.
“I had no idea where my form was coming into it. So I decided to take the pressure off, do my best on the day and have no expectation,” she said.
“I know Kirree quite well. We've been racing together for quite a few years. She's super strong. I have so much respect for her. So to be even on her wheel was a nice feeling. I wished it was for silver and bronze or gold and silver rather than bronze and fourth. But it was nice to be in contention for it.
“It definitely gives me a bit of grit and drive for Thursday, that's for sure.”
MTB action moves to the cross country at L’Ancresse on Thursday.
Pictured top: Jade Packham celebrates crossing the line.
Cycling features in our Island Games update: Day 3 podcast:
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