With the mercury and the roads rising a tough morning was guaranteed to competitors in the longest event on the SCCA calendar – with some stoic performances resulting. The carnival atmosphere was in full swing for The Brian Mear (Bricks) Shropshire Championship 100 despite an enforced course change due to road works which meant 2,820 feet of climbing was in prospect to anyone with designs on County medals.
Taking Gold in a superb 3 hours 47 minutes and 47 seconds was Victor Chetta, who has been putting in plenty of long training miles with this event one of his targets. Chetta’s winning margin was astonishing – just a few seconds off half an hour as he showed a clean pair of heels to all comers over two laps of a new Battlefield – Prees – Hodnet course. Also looking to retain the CountyB.A.R., Chetta revealed he has even longer rides in his sights, commenting: “It was a painful morning on a tough course, but well worth it. Very well organised and marshalled, good practice for the National 24 Hour next weekend which includes the same roads“.
But if Chetta had been getting in the miles, the Silver medallist had been doing the exact opposite, with Richard Kay still putting in a great effort of 4:17:24. The North Shropshire Wheeler revealed: “I don’t mind the heat or the rain – just big miles! Because I do very little mileage I thought I’d go off quick for two hours and then just survive the rest! The wind was cruel on the later riders. I liked the course, although it was quite brutal. Really pleased with my placing, although there is a gulf between Victor and myself“.
Whilst there was a gulf between Gold and Silver it was a close call between Silver and Bronze, with Kay just outpacing Andy Tamplin by 22 seconds. Tamplin was one of the riders who suffered towards the end as the heat and the road climbed, and that suffering was instrumental in him fading slightly towards the end. Nevertheless Tamplin was pleased with his effort, commenting: “I felt really strong and things were going to plan to finish in 4 hours 10, but in the last 25 miles I had cramps on the climbs to Battlefield and had to slow down. Great support from Nova Raiders and everyone on course – thanks“.
Tamplin wasn’t the only rider to single out the barrage of horns, whistles and general encouragement at the Hodnet turn from Nova Raiders who briefly gave the riders something to smile about on their two passages around Espley island – Ian Hobley had kind words too. One of two riders backing up Chetta for Team Gold in a combined 13:12:57, the Mid Shropshire Wheeler was 5th overall in 4:30:17. He commented: “A tough, fair course I struggled in the heat from 80 miles. Team Gold was a bonus. Thanks to Dave York and the marshals, Nova at Hodnet were superb“.
But if Hobley was pleased with taking Team Gold the other winner, Jenny York was little short of delighted. York wasn’t finished there either as she took both Ladies Gold and Veteran’s Gold too for the biggest haul of the morning. Stopping the watch on 4:54:53, this superb ride ensured York became the first female to capture a County Team Gold medal, as well as elevating herself into the lead of the Veteran’s Championship thanks to a +35:44 effort. “Where do I start”? she began. “I had a fabulous, unexpected day. Not knowing how I was going to fare on this course and not having done a 100 for three years I took off steady and saved some for later and it paid off. The thought of the Veteran’s points kept me going! I was pleased with my time and the Veterans award, but really chuffed to get in the winning team, a first for me“!
York’s winning margin in the Veterans was a slim 16 seconds, with a first time ‘ton-up’ rider shocking himself with a Silver medal at his maiden attempt. North Shropshire Wheeler David Wilson set an excellent +35:28 with a ride that Kay, who also gained Veteran’s Bronze in +29:52 declared as “A tremendous effort by my club mate“. Wilson was effusive about his morning out, declaring: “I was quite amazed, it was the first 100 I’d ever done. I only started racing this year at 74, I must be mad! Nova Raiders were fantastic, the amount of noise that came out of them was really good. Indeed all the marshals were excellent. The second time down to Battlefield was quite a trek, especially on the way back. The coffee and cake was much appreciated when we got back“!
With York taking the Ladies’ Gold the heat played it’s part in the remaining placings, with Helen Tudor winning Silver in 5:08:14 by 66 seconds from Ladies Series leader Pauline Hughes – and revealed it was a close-fought battle. Tudor stated: “It was a tough race, the Anfield is a sporting 100 but this has 900 feet more climbing. A fantastic ride by Jenny, Pauline got me early on but I just about got back in front. Fantastic marshalling and organisation – all credit to Dave York and all the SCCA clubs involved“. Hughes meanwhile suffered in the rising heat, adding: “I struggled in second half, it may be heat related. Strong rides by Jenny and Helen. Massive thanks to all marshals and time keepers who got up early – brilliant support“.
Result
Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series – Round 13
| Position | Name | Club | Time | Points |
| 1 | Victor Chetta | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 03:47:47 | 80 |
| 2 | Richard Kay | North Shropshire Wheelers | 04:17:24 | 75 |
| 3 | Andrew Tamplin | Revolutions Racing | 04:17:46 | 70 |
| 4 | Nigel Keyworth | Paramount CRT | 04:28:36 | 65 |
| 5 | Ian Hobley | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 04:30:17 | 60 |
| 6 | Ed Middleton | Nova Raiders | 04:33:57 | 55 |
| 7 | Jonathan Goh | Paramount CRT | 04:53:19 | 50 |
| 8 | Jenny York | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 04:54:53 | 45 |
| 9 | Alistair Hatton | Wrekinsport CC | 05:05:54 | 40 |
| 10 | David Wilson | North Shropshire Wheelers | 05:06:23 | 35 |
| 11 | Helen Tudor | Oswestry Paragon CC | 05:08:14 | 30 |
| 12 | Pauline Hughes | Revolutions Racing | 05:09:20 | 25 |
| 13 | Tracey Billington | Nova Raiders | 06:03:04 | 20 |
| – | Nick Pavard | Nova Raiders | DNF | |
| – | Mark Fenn | Evolve | DNS-A | |
| – | William Baugh | Ludlow CC | DNS-A | |
| – | Rob Kennard | Revolutions Racing | DNS |
Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship – Round 13
| Vets Pos’n | Name | Club | Vet +/- | Vets Points |
| 1 | Jenny York | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | +35:44 | 80 |
| 2 | David Wilson | North Shropshire Wheelers | +35:28 | 75 |
| 3 | Richard Kay | North Shropshire Wheelers | +29:52 | 70 |
| 4 | Andrew Tamplin | Revolutions Racing | +28:21 | 65 |
| 5 | Nigel Keyworth | Paramount CRT | +23:56 | 60 |
| 6 | Ian Hobley | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | +19:09 | 55 |
| 7 | Pauline Hughes | Revolutions Racing | +14:32 | 50 |
| 8 | Helen Tudor | Oswestry Paragon CC | +8:44 | 45 |
| 9 | Alistair Hatton | Wrekinsport CC | -4:57 | 40 |
| 10 | Tracey Billington | Nova Raiders | -48:19 | 35 |
Friction and Hydraulic Services Ladies Championship – Round 13
| Ladies Pos’n | Name | Club | Time | Ladies Points |
| 1 | Jenny York | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 04:54:53 | 80 |
| 2 | Helen Tudor | Oswestry Paragon CC | 05:08:14 | 75 |
| 3 | Pauline Hughes | Revolutions Racing | 05:09:20 | 70 |
| 4 | Tracey Billington | Nova Raiders | 06:03:04 | 65 |
Top Club Award – Round 13
| Pos’n | Club | Points |
| 1 | Mid Shropshire Wheelers |
185 |
| 2 | Paramount CRT |
115 |
| 3 | North Shropshire Wheelers |
110 |
| 4 | Revolutions Racing |
95 |
| 5 | Nova Raiders |
75 |
| 6 | Wrekinsport CC |
40 |
| 7 | Oswestry Paragon CC |
30 |
Cumulative Standings after thirteen rounds
Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series
| Position | Name | Club | Cat | Best 12 |
| 1 | Matt Davies | Rhino Velo RT | S | 545 |
| =2 | Andrew Tamplin | Revolutions Racing | S | 485 |
| =2 | Victor Chetta | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | S | 485 |
| 4 | Richard Kay | North Shropshire Wheelers | V | 305 |
| 5 | Tim Beardmore | Bridgnorth CC | V | 300 |
| 6 | Devon Round | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | J | 260 |
| 7 | George Evans | SCCA Private Member | S | 235 |
| 8 | Matt Garthwaite | Rhino Velo RT | S | 210 |
| 9 | Bryn Davies | Hafren CC | V | 205 |
| 10 | Kirk Vickers | Rhino Velo RT | S | 195 |
Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship
| Vets Pos’n | Name | Club | Best 12 |
| 1 | Jenny York | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 480 |
| 2 | Tim Beardmore | Bridgnorth CC | 415 |
| 3 | Andrew Tamplin | Revolutions Racing | 380 |
| =4 | Pauline Hughes | Revolutions Racing | 370 |
| =4 | Richard Kay | North Shropshire Wheelers | 370 |
| 6 | Gary Duncan | Paramount CRT | 270 |
| 7 | Andy Hazell | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 265 |
| 8 | Terry Icke | NewportShropshire CC | 250 |
| 9 | Bryn Davies | Hafren CC | 225 |
| 10 | David Drew | North Shropshire Wheelers | 190 |
Friction and Hydraulic Services Ladies Championship
| Ladies Pos’n | Name | Club | Best 12 |
| 1 | Pauline Hughes | Revolutions Racing | 715 |
| 2 | Jenny York | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 650 |
| 3 | Ceris Eslava | Paramount CRT | 410 |
| 4 | Helen Tudor | Oswestry Paragon CC | 390 |
| 5 | Tracey Billington | Wrekinsport CC | 345 |
| 6 | Amanda Whitmore | Revolutions Racing | 265 |
| 7 | Susan Jeffery | Wrekinsport CC | 185 |
| 8 | Jade Chapman | Nova Raiders | 120 |
| 9 | Jennifer Morris | Wrekinsport CC | 90 |
| 10 | Amanda Witty | Wrekinsport CC | 85 |
Friction and Hydraulic Services Junior Championship
| Junior Pos’n | Name | Club | Best 12 |
| 1 | Sam Morris | Revolutions Racing | 450 |
| 2 | Devon Round | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 355 |
| 3 | Kieran Morris | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 115 |
| 4 | William Hints | Ludlow CC | 105 |
| 5 | Matthew Tilson | Ludlow CC | 95 |
| 6 | Jamie Holmes | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 60 |
| 7 | James Bell | Mid Shropshire Wheelers | 45 |
| 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 | 1390 |
| 2 | Rhino Velo RT | 950 |
| 3 | Revolutions Racing | 930 |
| 4 | Nova Raiders | 590 |
| 5 | SCCA Private Members | 545 |
| 6 | North Shropshire Wheelers | 455 |
| 7 | Paramount CRT | 385 |
| 8 | Hafren CC | 335 |
| 9 | Wrekinsport CC | 300 |
| 10 | Bridgnorth CC | 290 |
| 11 | Ludlow Brewery RT | 190 |
| 12 | NewportShropshire CC | 165 |
| 13 | Ludlow CC | 150 |
| 14 | Oswestry Paragon CC | 115 |
| 15 | Clee Cycles | 65 |
| 16 | Evolve | 30 |
| 17 | Oswestry Peloton | 20 |
- Round 14 of the Friction Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series takes place on 26th July when Oswestry Paragon CC run their 10 on the Arddleen – Buttington course.