Wightlink marks 30 years supporting Island cycling talent

Wightlink is marking three decades of partnership with the Wightlink Cycle Racing Team, helping generations of Isle of Wight riders compete at regional, national and international level.

The relationship began in 1996 when local cycling enthusiast, Chris Weston, formed the original Wightlink-MCS team, recognising the potential of talented young riders emerging from Island
cycling clubs.

With mainland racing essential to their development, but the cost of travelling off the Island a significant barrier, Chris approached Wightlink for support. The company agreed to sponsor the team, helping riders get to races and gain valuable experience.

Over the past three decades, the team has gone from strength to strength, racing under a number of names including Wightlink-MCS, Wightlink-SP Systems, Wightlink-LCM and Wightlink-Wight Mountain CRT, before becoming Wightlink CRT.

Along the way, its riders have achieved success across road racing, circuit racing, mountain biking, cyclo-cross and time trials.

Among the team’s notable alumni is Kieran Page, one of the Isle of Wight’s most successful cyclists, who progressed from Island racing to the Great Britain squad before moving to France to race professionally. More recently, Kev Chant broke Kieran’s long-standing Island 10-mile time trial record in 2022 before making Island Games history the following year by winning the first cycling gold medal for the Isle of Wight.

The team’s current riders continue that tradition. Ewan Cook has enjoyed success at regional, national and international level, including winning the Southern XC MTB Series in 2025 and securing Elite MTB status – becoming the first Island mountain bike rider to hold an Elite licence.

Wightlink CRT is now turning its attention firmly towards the next generation. With around 20 to 25 regular racers, three qualified British Cycling coaches and a planned new local training venue, the team is developing a pathway for young riders aged five to 16, with fun, low-pressure sessions designed to introduce children to cycling and help them progress.

Wightlink CRT Team Manager Julie Cooper, said: “Thirty years is a fantastic milestone, and we’re incredibly grateful to Wightlink for supporting generations of Island riders. Their backing has helped our riders get to mainland races, gain experience and fulfil their potential. Over the years our team members have been recognised and well respected by other riders across the board. We’re now excited to build on that legacy by creating opportunities for the next generation of young cyclists coming through.”

The team has also played a wider role in supporting cycling on the Island, organising rounds of the Southern XC Championship MTB races and establishing a successful local Evening Time Trial Series and Hill Climb Championship. In 2023, it also worked tirelessly to bring an annual regional road race back to the Island after a 20-year absence. These events now attract mainland riders keen to race on the Isle of Wight.

Sam Woodman, Wightlink’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have supported the team for 30 years and helped Island riders develop and compete beyond the Isle of Wight. It’s fantastic to see the talent coming through today, and we’re delighted to continue supporting the team as it looks to inspire and nurture the next generation of cyclists.”

With more than 400 riders now involved in its events and over 1,000 social media followers, Wightlink CRT’s influence extends well beyond its racing team.

Thirty years after the partnership began, Wightlink CRT is now looking to inspire a new generation of Island cyclists. Anyone interested in joining the team should contact [email protected].