Coaching Revolutions Shropshire Championship 10 promoted by

Nova Raiders

 

A strong field set up the prospect of a mouth watering battle for County medals with Shropshire’s best time triallists lining up to enter the finale of the Friction Hydraulics Series, The Coaching Revolutions Shropshire Championship 10 promoted by Nova Raiders – and they didn’t disappoint. With Friction and Hydraulics Series winner Matt Davies; multiple County course record holder Josh Williams; Williams’ team mate George Evans, winner of three Friction Series rounds and runner-up in a further two; and Coaching Revolutions Hill Climb Series leader Kirk Vickers all present and correct fast times were guaranteed – despite a roaring westerly wind custom made to sap the strength. In the end just seven seconds separated Gold from Silver with Matt Davies pushing through the gale to take a fabulous win in 19 minutes 54 seconds.

Davies was not expressing confidence before his start, citing the ominous presence of Williams as giving him the most worry. In the end Davies coped best with conditions to not only take a well-deserved overall Gold and The Gordon Davies Trophy, he also led Rhino Velo home to Team Gold too thanks to excellent support from Vickers and Chris Pook. Davies stated: “I am so happy with a truly unexpected result. I really tried to control it going out, and just rode on what I had left home. Great riding from Dave, Josh, George and Kirk. It was also a great effort from Rhino Velo, thanks to Nova for organising and for some cracking marshalling and time keeping. I’m also secretly glad it’s the end of the season now“!

Williams found himself in an unaccustomed runner-up spot which shows the strength of Davies’ ride as he just failed to beat the 20 minute mark by a single second. The characteristics of the Hopton Chapel – Tern Hill course can catch out the unwary, with Williams riding it for the first time. He was generous in his post-race comments stating: “I am happy with Silver, I’ve never ridden that course before but enjoyed it. Well done to Matt for doing a storming ride to take the overall win and County Gold“.

Meanwhile just eight seconds behind team mate Williams on 20:08, George Evans helped himself to Championship 10 Bronze and was happy with his efforts after realising a battle royale was about to take place. He commented: “After looking at the start sheet I knew it was going to be very close between five of us. I rode the best I could in the conditions and I’m pleased with the result“.

With the overall medals settled Vickers crossed the line in fourth spot overall but was delighted to take Team Gold, based on the aggregate time of a club’s fastest three riders. With Vickers finishing in 20:49 and third counter Chris Pook stopping the watch on 22 minutes exactly for 7th, Rhino Velo registered a fine combined 1:02:43 to take those medals. Vickers suffered in the wind but was delighted to go home with a medal stating: “A great team performance, well done to Matt on the win. I went to pieces on the return but held on for 4th in a strong field“. Pook was also full of praise for Davies adding: “I’m really chuffed for Matt. He knew he was up against it today given the quality of the field. It was very satisfying to see Rhino Velo get the team award and we hope to get more involved with the Series next year“.

In the Veterans’ Series there were not only 10 Championship medals in play but two series medals to resolve the destination of as well. taking a commanding win of +6:42 Newport Shropshire CC’s Terry Icke outpaced the nearest competition by 2:14 showing he is the rider to watch in this Series in 2017. The 72 year-old was pleased with his 22:44 ride, commenting: “The Veteran’s 10 Championship is great news, if unexpected. A special thanks to the organiser and marshals, they always do a excellent job. It was a day with a fast tailwind out, so I saved a little into headwind back, but on reflection I should have gone quicker on way out. There where some great rides, but oh to be a bit younger“!

Icke’s nearest challenger was Paramount CRT rider Stuart Proctor, who took Veteran’s Silver by a single second from Andy Tamplin in +4:28. His 22:13 effort was good enough for 9th spot overall and he was pleased with his efforts battling conditions, commenting: “I saw the wind forecast, but not prepared for the battering from Tern Hill! A strong start sheet, so chuffed with 9th & Veteran’s Silver“! Despite Tamplin having to settle for Veteran’s 10 Bronze he took home a Silver medal anyway as his +4:27 cemented his runner-up spot in the Veteran’s Series. This was just one of three Series medals still in play at the start of the race and this achievement in his first season in this category is a mjor one for the Revolutions Racing rider. A delighted Tamplin stated: “I went out hard with the wind and had the luck of having all the islands clear. I didn’t feel the pain as much as I usually do in 10 and can only put that down to great nutrition. I’m thrilled with my time in a quality field“.

Tamplin has had a season-long battle with Bridgnorth CC’s Tim Beardmore, who by his own admission has seen his times drop away towards the end of a long season. Beardmore however was elated to win Veterans Series Bronze and was effusive in his post-race comments: “It’s been a tough end to the season, with my form really dropping over the last month or so, but to get the Veteran’s Bronze in my first full season is amazing – far better than I could ever have hoped for. A massive thanks to all organisers, timekeepers, marshals and volunteers who make it happen. Also my family and friends for supporting me, but most of all thanks to my fellow competitors for their encouragement and inspiration that have made it such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to race in. Time for a rest, and then training starts for next season“.

The Gordon Davies Ladies Trophy will have a nee name engraved on it after Ceris Eslava took the Ladies Gold with a fine effort of 25:34, taking victory by 1:04. The Paramount CRT rider was surprised to take the win after suffering in conditions, as she explained: “I’m pleased with the result albeit bit shocked as I found the leg back from Tern Hill really tough in the wind. Thanks to all the helpers“. Things were much closer in the battle for Silver with Helen Tudor just pushing Jenny Newton into the Bronze position by two seconds after crossing the line in 26:38. SCCA Chair Tudor stated: “I was pleased to get Silver on a good course. It was tough on the way back, congratulations to Ceris on getting Gold. Thanks to Ed Middleton and Nova Raiders for putting on a great event and to Friction and Hydraulic Services for their continued sponsorship of the Series“. Newton added: “It was a great ride for me despite the wind. I’m very happy with my time & more so to get Bronze to end the season with“!

That left just one Series medal to be decided, with Junior Bronze going to Kieran Morris who commented: “I’m shocked to get Bronze. Next year I will ride the full calendar. Well done to all prize winners and thank you to the event organisers“.

Result

Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series – Round 18

 

Pos’n First name Surname Club Cat Time Points
1 Matt Davies Rhino Velo Race Team S 19:54 60
2 Josh Williams SCCA Private Member S 20:01 55
3 George Evans SCCA Private Member S 20:09 50
4 Kirk Vickers Rhino Velo Race Team S 20:49 45
5 Andrew Tamplin Revolutions Racing V 21:32 40
6 Richard Kay North Shropshire Wheelers V 21:43 35
7 Chris Pook Rhino Velo Race Team S 22:00 30
8 Bryn Davies Hafren CC V 22:04 25
9 Stuart Proctor Paramount CRT V 22:13 20
10 Alex Leek SCCA Private Member S 22:24 15
11 Terry Icke Newport (Shropshire) CC V 22:44 10
12 Ian Coe Hafren CC V 22:47 5
13 Scott Harris Nova Raiders V 22:50 5
14 Andrew Rose Nova Raiders V 22:52 5
15 Andy Maxwell Nova Raiders S 24:05 5
16 Tim Beardmore Bridgnorth CC V 24:26 5
17 David Drew North Shropshire Wheelers V 24:39 5
18 Andy Nicholas Mid Shropshire Wheelers V 24:46 5
19 Ceris Eslava Paramount CRT LV 25:34 5
20 Dave Vart Oswestry Paragon CC V 25:59 5
21 David Wilson North Shropshire Wheelers V 26:07 5
22 Helen Tudor Oswestry Paragon CC LV 26:38 5
23 Jenny Newton Nova Raiders LV 26:40 5
24 Ian Carson Oswestry Paragon CC V 28:08 5
25 Ned Millington Oswestry Paragon CC V 28:12 5
26 Dave Nicholas Mid Shropshire Wheelers V 28:59 5
27 Ronald Perks Wrekinsport CC V 30:33 5
28 Mel Griffiths Mid Shropshire Wheelers V 32:46 5
29 Barry Ralphs North Shropshire Wheelers V 35:53 5
  Andy Hazell Mid Shropshire Wheelers V DNS-A  
  Pauline Hughes Revolutions Racing LV DNS-A  
  Fraser MacKinnon Wrekinsport CC V DNS-A  
  Rebecca Richardson Hafren CC L DNS  
  Simon Harrison Mid Shropshire Wheelers V DNS  
  Gary Duncan Paramount CRT V DNS  
  Andrew Hellowell Revolutions Racing V DNS  
  Rob Kennard Revolutions Racing V DNS  

 

Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship – Round 18

 

Vets Pos’n First name Surname Club Cat +/- Vet Std Vets Points
1 Terry Icke Newport (Shropshire) CC V +6:42 60
2 Stuart Proctor Paramount CRT V +4:28 55
3 Andrew Tamplin Revolutions Racing V +4:27 50
4 Richard Kay North Shropshire Wheelers V +4:21 45
5 Bryn Davies Hafren CC V +4:09 40
6 Ian Coe Hafren CC V +4:07 35
7 David Wilson North Shropshire Wheelers V +3:46 30
8 Andrew Rose Nova Raiders V +3:44 25
9 Scott Harris Nova Raiders V +3:33 20
10 Ceris Eslava Paramount CRT LV +3:19 15
11 David Drew North Shropshire Wheelers V +3:12 10
12 Helen Tudor Oswestry Paragon CC LV +2:01 5
13 Jenny Newton Nova Raiders LV +1:54 5
14 Tim Beardmore Bridgnorth CC V +1:52 5
15 Andy Nicholas Mid Shropshire Wheelers V +1:46 5
16 Dave Vart Oswestry Paragon CC V +1:15 5
17 Dave Nicholas Mid Shropshire Wheelers V +0:54 5
18 Ned Millington Oswestry Paragon CC V +0:40 5
19 Ronald Perks Wrekinsport CC V +0:07 5
20 Ian Carson Oswestry Paragon CC V +0:06 5
21 Barry Ralphs North Shropshire Wheelers V -4:36 5
22 Mel Griffiths Mid Shropshire Wheelers V -4:04 5

 

Friction and Hydraulic Services Ladies Championship – Round 18

 

Ladies Pos’n First name Surname Club Cat Time Ladies Points
1 Ceris Eslava Paramount CRT LV 25:34 60
2 Helen Tudor Oswestry Paragon CC LV 26:38 55
3 Jenny Newton Nova Raiders LV 26:40 50
  Pauline Hughes Revolutions Racing LV DNS-A  
  Rebecca Richardson Hafren CC L DNS  

 

Top Club Award – Round 18

 

Pos’n Club Points
1 Rhino Velo Race Team 135
2 SCCA Private Members 120
3 North Shropshire Wheelers 50
4 Revolutions Racing 40
5 Hafren CC 30
6 Paramount CRT 25
=7 Nova Raiders 20
=7 Oswestry Paragon CC 20
9 Mid Shropshire Wheelers 15
10 Newport (Shropshire) CC 10
=11 Bridgnorth CC 5
=11 Wrekinsport CC 5

 

Final Cumulative Standings after eighteen rounds

Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series

 

Position Name Club Cat Best 12
1 Matt Davies Rhino Velo RT S 725
2 Victor Chetta Mid Shropshire Wheelers S 600
3 Andrew Tamplin Revolutions Racing S 550
4 Richard Kay North Shropshire Wheelers V 385
5 Tim Beardmore Bridgnorth CC V 360
6 George Evans SCCA Private Member S 340
7 Devon Round Mid Shropshire Wheelers J 295
8 Bryn Davies Hafren CC V 275
9 Matt Garthwaite Rhino Velo RT S 260
10 Kirk Vickers Rhino Velo RT S 240

 

Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship

 

Vets Pos’n Name Club Best 12
1 Jenny York Mid Shropshire Wheelers 595
2 Andrew Tamplin Revolutions Racing 530
3 Tim Beardmore Bridgnorth CC 475
4 Richard Kay North Shropshire Wheelers 445
5 Pauline Hughes Revolutions Racing 420
6 Gary Duncan Paramount CRT 390
7 Terry Icke Newport Shropshire CC 370
8 Andy Hazell Mid Shropshire Wheelers 320
8 Bryn Davies Hafren CC 320
10 David Drew North Shropshire Wheelers 255

 

Friction and Hydraulic Services Ladies Championship

 

Ladies Pos’n Name Club Best 12
1 Jenny York Mid Shropshire Wheelers 725
2 Pauline Hughes Revolutions Racing 715
3 Helen Tudor Oswestry Paragon CC 585
4 Ceris Eslava Paramount CRT 515
5 Tracey Billington Wrekinsport CC 345
6 Amanda Whitmore Revolutions Racing 265
7 Susan Jeffery Wrekinsport CC 185
8 Jade Chapman Nova Raiders 165
9 Lucy Davies Hafren CC 145
10 Jenny Newton Nova Raiders 130

 

Friction and Hydraulic Services Junior Championship

 

Junior Pos’n Name Club Best 12
1 Sam Morris Revolutions Racing 570
2 Devon Round Mid Shropshire Wheelers 415
3 Kieran Morris Mid Shropshire Wheelers 115
4 William Hints Ludlow CC 105
5 James Bell Mid Shropshire Wheelers 100
6 Matthew Tilson Ludlow CC 95
7 Jamie Holmes Mid Shropshire Wheelers 60
8 Ewan Grivell – Mellor Mid Shropshire Wheelers 40
=9 Ben Pierce Mid Shropshire Wheelers 35
=9 Matty Redworth Mid Shropshire Wheelers 35

 

Top Club Award

 

Position Club Total Points
1 Mid Shropshire Wheelers 1690
2 Rhino Velo RT 1255
3 Revolutions Racing 1175
4 SCCA Private Members 795
5 Nova Raiders 695
6 North Shropshire Wheelers 640
7 Paramount CRT 575
8 Hafren CC 430
9 Bridgnorth CC 370
10 Wrekinsport CC 305
11 Newport Shropshire CC 215
12 Ludlow Brewery RT 190
13 Oswestry Paragon CC 180
14 Ludlow CC 150
15 Clee Cycles 65
16 Evolve 30
17 Oswestry Peloton 20

 Race Report from Dave Fletcher SCCA