Jersey’s men have won team gold and in the mountain bike criterium at the 2025 Island Games, whilst neighbours Guernsey earned themselves a silver medal.
Jersey’s James Dilks acquired an individual bronze medal after finishing third in a huge field of 34 riders. An excellent run finishing with a time of 47mins 23.5s secured his podium finish.
Jay Cracknell contributed hugely to the gold medal success of the Jersey team coming in fifth place just 11 seconds behind his teammate Dilks. Ben Richards also chimed in with an impressive eighth place finish at 48:19.5s.
Liam Cadoret and Jacob Mauger finished in 15th and 17th, the all-round brilliance from the Jersey team was enough to warrant a gold medal.
Dilks spoke about the difficulty of the course: “The course was tight and twisty, it didn’t play to my strengths really, I’m more of a technical rider. I managed to get up into the top group early and made a gap from the Guernsey lad who was with me for a bit.”
Dilks continued: “I’m really happy to take the individual bronze, it’s been a goal of mine for quite a while and it makes all the sacrifices worth it.”
The bronze medalist doffed his cap to reigning Island Games champion Rhys Hidrio who was unable to compete in this year’s Games due to the birth of his child.
The ‘Christ the Redeemer’ pose as he crossed the finish line was dedicated to Hidrio.
“We joked if the opportunity arised then I would do that celebration,” he said.