Wright-Bowditch combine to take the mixed honours

THERE were three podium finishes for Guernsey in the prestigious Duo Normand. The Channel Islands produced a large contingent of riders for one of the favourite events of the season, which is held in Marigny, France.

Jersey contributed the higher number of teams at 17, with Guernsey fielding six, yet the Sarnians were highly competitive over the 54km course.

The day started off cold at just 5C on parts of the route, but it was calm. However, by late morning the temperature had risen but the wind had picked up.

The mixed category saw Guernsey represented by Ann Bowditch and Terry Wright. The latter set off at a good pace against a strong headwind and the Sarnians caught their first set of competitors less than a mile into the course.

Wright was showing great strength as they overtook team after team with Bowditch taking shorter turns to allow him some rest. Halfway around the course the riders hit Bowditch's favoured terrain of hills and she looked comfortable throughout.

Wright was fighting cramp on the final 12km, but managed to ride through the muscle spasms. The end result was a Guernsey win in a time of 1-23-35. This is a second win for Bowditch and for Wright, his first in the mixed category to add to his previous two veteran wins.