Gibson is top rider in the fire service
ANDY GIBSON claimed some welcome silverware at the third time of asking in the Emergency Services National Road Race Championship.
After achieving solid results in 2019 and 2021, the veteran cyclist won the Colin Townsley Memorial Trophy for top fire service rider, on top of finishing second overall, in Bobbington, Staffordshire. His position as Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service watch commander had made him eligible to compete.
The race unfolded in temperatures pushing 34C and incorporated six laps, each 13.6km with one main climb – which Gibson (pictured) likened to L’Eree hill – and with a field of 49 entries, mainly from the fire, police, ambulance and prison services.
The Guernsey racer featured in an early breakaway of 16, but they had to let Category One rider Ben Millar go on the second lap.
The NHS’s Millar maintained a strong solo push to the finish, but after the remaining contenders entered the final lap, Gibson put in his own break with Dorset Police’s Tom Clements.
A strong sprint allowed him to get the edge on Clements.
‘Third time lucky,’ Gibson said. ‘I was reasonably confident of getting some sort of place going into it, on previous performances, but to win the fire services and get second overall, I am over the moon with it.’
