UK Armed Forces cyclists test endurance in two-day Ronde van Wymeswold event

Four UK Armed Forces cyclists have been involved in their first stage race at the National B Ronde Van Wymeswold in the East Midlands.

The 4x rider team consisted of Captain Pippa Inderwick, Sergeant Laura Furness, Air Specialist (Class 1) Technician Laura Sheppard and Able Rate Jess Morrish.

The race was run over two days with three stages, including a testing 104-mile challenge across the whole race.

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Day one involved a 45-mile Road Race followed by a five-mile individual Time Trial with AB Morrish leading the way for UKAF in fifth.

Sgt Furness dealt with technical issues after an incident early in the stage but managed to cross the finish line.

The final day saw the cyclists tackle a 54-mile marathon, which included a steep 2km climb on each lap, and some of the UK's best riders were involved.

It was AB Morrish who grabbed the headline result for UKAF as she finished in 12th overall, while Capt Inderwick will be pleased with a 32nd finish.

Sgt Furness continued to be dogged down with problems, but battled through to get the Lantern Rouge, which is finishing last rather than retiring from the race.