Mid Shropshire Wheelers 10

Illness played its part in Round 5 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series as Bryn Davies and Pete Thomas took a fine win and moved to the top of the standings in the Mid Shropshire Wheelers 10 at Westbury on a course with a sting in the tail. The Hafren CC pair made it four wins from all four events they have entered, showing their ability at this pairs format by helping themselves to victory in 21 minutes 50 seconds to take over the Series lead from Scott Harris and Ed Middleton.

A conciliatory Davies stated: “It was unlucky for Scott and Ed not being able to compete, it put us on an even number of races though and gave us the overall lead. Pleased with the win again, thanks to all again for organising and marshalling“. Thomas meanwhile was delighted with another victory, but was surprised by the severity of the climb of Shoot Hill near the end, which can catch riders unfamiliar with the course unawares – particularly so if they have been in the red earlier in the event. He revealed: “Yes it was great to get four from four. However I overcooked it into Ford and got ‘beasted’ up the drag to the finish by Bryn. Think he loved it“!

Meanwhile former Series leader Scott Harris was doing his best to limit the damage by teaming up with Matt Gibbons for the evening – and finished in runner-up spot in 22:05. Gibbons rode his first time trial earlier in the season and was a surprise package to many thanks to an Ironman triathlete level of fitness. He commented: “It was great to ride with Scott. The hill was tough. Well done to Hafren, and thanks to all who helped put on the race”. Harris added: “With Ed ill I joined with Matt, who’s very strong on the bike. We both rode as hard as we could on the night but still didn’t stop the Hafren boys. Looking forward to the next round now“.

Thomas and Davies now hold an eight point lead from Middleton and Harris in this best five from eight Series, but there is good competition throughout with Chris Hill and Dilwyn Griffiths; and Nick Pavard and Mark Harrison having a real battle for the Bronze medal position. Hill and Griffiths came out best on the night in 22:27 for third, with Pavard and Harrison just 22 seconds behind. These teams are split by the narrowest possible margin, two points, in what is likely to be a good tussle to the end.

In the Mixed Team Championship the reigning Champions once again put in a shift, with Delwyn Jones and Amanda Witty finishing 10th overall in 24:43. The Wrekinsport pair clearly have an eye on retaining those trophies, despite suffering on the night. Witty stated: “Not the best ride for us – although we PB’d by over 4 minutes. Thanks to Mid Shropshire Wheelers for the event”.

Meanwhile in the Ladies Championship Nova Raiders’ Jenny Newton and Jane Chapman teamed up again to stop the watch on an impressive 26:29, with both enjoying their evening. Newton commented: “Great conditions and a good fast pace – until the last turn when my legs just gave up! Still, pleased with our time“. Chapman added: “A fast course with a little kick at the end. Helped by the nice evening – thanks everyone“!

Result:

Cumulative Top 10 after five rounds:

• Round 6 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place at 7pm on 19th July when Ludlow CC promote their 10 mile event on the fast Brimfield – Ludlow by-pass course.