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Royal Air Force News Friday, August 21, 2026 P27
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CYCLING
Summerbell proves the best of bunch at Inter-Services
RAF riders have Crit between their teeth
Daniel Abrahams DOUBLE RUNNER-UP spots were the hard-earned prize for the Service’s road cyclists at this year’s Armyhosted Inter-Service Circuit Championships. Aviator Sgt Rich Summerbell shone brightest for the RAF at Redbridge Cycling Centre for the Criterium on a technical, 2km course with a 9 per cent climb on each lap. The race started fast and hard with each Service looking to eke out an advantage, but it was Summerbell who broke away first with an Army rider and the pair were never seen again for the rest of the event. FENCING
Behind the two leaders attacks continued to take place, with various breaks having moments but each ultimately drawn back into the chasing pack. Each surge in pace whittled down the main bunch and with superior strength in depth, the Army team had the numbers to mark and disrupt the RAF’s favourite rider. In the last few laps Summerbell continued to work for the win but was eventually pipped on the last climb by the strong Army rider, who took first place. The reduced pack was finally broken when another Army rider went solo to take the last place on the podium. Remaining places were hotly
CRIT-ICAL MASS: Strength in depth proved decisive for the Army riders
contested, with every rider’s position counting towards the outcome of the team race.
As it was, the aviators ultimately came up short against the Army, who took both the
individual and team crit prize. ● Follow RAF road cycling on Instagram @rafcycling.
victorious in the three-Person Inter-Unit Team competition.” Men’s captain Cpl Liam Deneley, who won a gold in Men’s Triangular and an individual silver, said: “Once again, another great Inter-Services and always a pleasure to attend, especially this year with it being first as RAFFU Men’s Captain. “It’s a privilege to lead such a talented group of fencers into this competition. Well done to everyone who fenced and achieved second just behind the Royal Navy, it’s a solid place to build on to win next year.” Sqn Ldr Elsa Phillipson, Interim Women’s Captain, who collected a gold in the InterUnit Event, plus two individual silvers and a bronze, said: “Being
selected to represent the RAF is always a point of pride, and the competition week is always a lot of fun. The Inter-Services was a great mix of high-level competitive fencing, friendships and rivalry, and of course fun socials. Although this year wasn’t our most successful, that just gives the whole team more drive for next year. “We had a really encouraging spread of experience from those who have fenced since childhood through to those who only learnt to fence from RAF grassroot events in the last year, so we’re always looking to recruit some new faces to help us claim back some silverware.” ● Follow RAF fencing on Instagram @raffencing.
Elsa's on point at Henlow A MEN’S team runner-up slot, Inter-Unit win and a healthy scattering of individual medals was the return from this year’s IS fencing championships at RAF Henlow. The week-long championships saw High Wycombe win the InterUnit event, and men’s team victorious in the epee discipline. There was also a haul of four triangular event gold medals, three individual silver and bronzes and three MOST Inter-Unit golds. MEDALS: Winner of two individual Interim bronze medals, Flt Lt women's captain, Warwick Mitchell-Gough, Sqn Ldr RAF Fencing Union Deputy Elsa Chair, said: “Another hardPhillipson
BEST UNIT: RAF High Wycombe PHOTOS: SPONGE BEATTIE
fought Inter-Services for the RAF. The team did incredibly well to secure a strong second place finish and there were some fantastic individual results too and High Wycombe being