Hafren CC 2-Up 10

It was a straight shootout for medals in the 8th and final round of The Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series with  Bryn Davies and Pete Thomas in pole position as Ed Middleton and Scott Harris looked to retain their Championship. With Davies and Thomas having home advantage in the Hafren CC 10 taking place between Buttington and Four Crosses Middleton and Harris knew the size of the task ahead of them – they had to win and hope Davies and Thomas finished third or lower. In the end those positions were reversed, with the Hafren pairing blazing around the course to take the win in 21 minutes 38 seconds – and end the Series with the maximum 100 points.

For Davies this was his second Gold medal in as many days after sealing the SB Series the night before, and he was clearly delighted with his success. He stated: “I was very pleased to win and to take the Series with maximum points. It’s been a great seasons racing, I’ve loved the Series and atmosphere, but I think it’s going to be a little tougher next year – can’t wait“! Thomas’ comments took a similar line, as he added: “I’ve loved competing in this Series for the last three years so I’m well chuffed to win it. I’m already looking forward to next year. The Series seems to be growing in numbers, which can only be a good thing. I love the atmosphere at these events, they’re always a laugh with a competitive side as well. Ed and Scott made the season for me, pushing us hard but always having the craic“.

Thomas’ last comment shows the extent of the friendly rivalry which has developed between the Hafren team and the Nova Raiders’ pairing of Middleton and Harris. Despite posting a superb time of 22:08 for third spot on the night they had nothing but praise for their rivals, with Middleton commenting: “The proof’s in the pudding and Hafren CC served up quality cake and a fast time. Well done boys, the same again next year“! Harris was also effusive with his comments, adding: “It’s been a brilliant Series, and Ed’s been brilliant all season. Congratulations to Bryn and Pete who rode strong all season, and also Chris and Dilwyn“.

Harris’ last comment referred to Mid Shropshire Wheeler’s Chris Hill and Hafren’s Dilwyn Griffiths, who were also in their own battle for medals with another Nova squad, Nick Pavard and Mark Harrison for Bronze. It was Hill and Griffiths who took that medal after taking 4th spot on the night in 22:35 as they have steadily improved through their first season as a pair. Indeed Hill saw further improvement on the horizon with his tongue-in-cheek comment: “I’m chuffed with a podium in our first season. Bryn and Pete need to watch out next year“! Griffiths added: “I’m so happy to have got Bronze in our first season. Training starts today for next year“!

Sandwiched in between the main Hafren and Nova protagonists were another Nova pairing – with one member a former 2-Up Champion himself. A first-time pairing for Richard Nickless and Matt Gibbons immediately brought dividends as they finished just 15 seconds behind Davies and Thomas to sound an ominous warning for the 2017 season. Gibbons stated: “I was happy with second as it was only my first time out with Rich. I’m sure we have a lot more to come for next season. Well done Hafren on the win“. Nickless meanwhile is on the comeback trail after time out but already has this Series in his sights, adding: “I dipped my toe into the time trial scene before the season end and found a solid partnership with Matt. We were well matched and synchronised very well for a maiden outing. Roll on 2017 for me“!

There were other medals in play down the field with Delwyn Jones and Amanda Witty putting up a successful defence of the Mixed Team Championship, instigated in 2015. Not quite mathematically assured of that title pre-race, the Wrekinsport pair put in a fine effort of 24:39 to ensure those Gold medals, with Witty commenting: “We were chuffed to win again this year. We both really enjoy the 2-Up and the great atmosphere that goes with it“.

Meanwhile Nova Raiders also captured Ladies Gold – to the delight of Harris who commented: “Top marks for our Ladies team who just keep getting faster“! However only one of the winning team being in competition on the evening. With Jenny Newton abroad 2-Up partner Jane Chapman rode instead with daughter Charlotte to finish in 29:08. Newton still managed to take time out to talk of winning Gold, commenting: “The 2-Up has been the most enjoyable part of the season for me. We got better each time and so I am very pleased with our result”. Chapman added: “I’m very pleased to get Gold, though we need more Ladies teams to compete with next year“!

Result:

Final cumulative Top 10 after eight rounds: