A TRIO of Isle of Wight cyclists took on some tough tests on the mainland and showed why they are among some of the region's leading talents on two wheels. 

Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT riders James Brett, Oli Nolan and James Veal were in action again.

Veal competed in the Portmore Classic Road Race in Dorset — a 57-mile course around the  Monkey World circuit, comprising a rolling section, fast downhill and a long, false, flat finish session.

It was a fast-paced race with multiple attacks early on, which Veal either covered or started.

Then a couple of riders managed to slip off the front, and a gap quickly formed.

With little or no help from the larger teams, Veal made several attempts to jump across to the lead group, but other riders were not keen to let this happen.

He eventually managed to force his way into the top ten with an exceptional long-range sprint.

After the race, Veal said: "I’m very happy with the result. It’s a fitting end to the year, but I
think my body is now in need of a few weeks’ rest after a long race season!"

On Sunday, Brett and Nolan travelled to the New Forest for the second round of the Wessex Cyclocross Series, hosted by Fareham Wheelers Cycling Club.

The conditions on the day were changeable, with multiple heavy rain showers, resulting in a slippery, grassy surface.

Brett was first to race — finishing 29th out of 75 starters in the competitive Vet 40-49 category, improving upon his first round performance.

Nolan, aiming for a top ten finish after last week’s 12th place, struggled with the relentless nature of the course, crossing the line in 19th among a stacked field.

Afterwards, Nolan said: ‘Overall it was a fantastic day of racing. I’m really looking forward to the next round."

All the riders are supported with travel by Wightlink.