Oswestry Paragon CC 2-Up

There’s a terrific tussle in progress in the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series with the reigning champions facing some stiff opposition from just across the border as Bryn Davies and Peter Thomas continue to nibble away at the lead of Nova Raiders’ Ed Middleton and Scott Harris. with a short trip up from Welshpool to the Oswestry Paragon 10 Davies and Thomas made it victory for two rounds in a row in round 3. The Hafren CC pairing stopped the watch on 22 minutes and 1 second on a lovely evening which attracted 18 pairs of riders out to play.

The rolling Queen’s Head – Gobowen course seemed to suit their style down to the ground as they again relegated Middleton and Harris to runner-up spot in what is developing into a big friendly rivalry. Davie commented: “A good night’s racing! We were felling quite confident beforehand but are starting to get pushed by the Nova lads now. It was close racing and it’s going to get interesting in future rounds“. Thomas was also full of praise for the runners-up, adding: “The race went well. The Nova boys put in a good time in second – I am going to push Bryn a bit harder next time I think! We’re beginning to get some continuity, so hopefully it will continue with Bryn’s current good form“.

Harris and Middleton still hold the Series lead but saw that narrow slightly after ending the evening on 22:31, with Hafren riders forming a pincer movement on the pair after Chris Hill and Dilwyn Griffiths finished third in 23 minutes exactly – not that they didn’t have their own back-up with a full five teams from Nova Raiders in competition. Middleton stated: “It was great seeing so many Raiders enjoying their racing. Thanks to Oswestry Paragon for hosting, and well done to the Hafren boys”! Harris added: “It was a tough race, but I loved the course. We knew the Hafren boys would be strong – it’s  turning into a good competition“.

The Series is particularly notable for Mixed pairs riding, with first-time Nova pairing of Jenny Newton and Steve Chapman taking the honours in an excellent 25:47. Newton however wasn’t over-pleased with her ride despite that good time, explaining: “I was definitely not on form, and was making Steve do far more work than he should have, but I still enjoyed and it was great to have a win“!

Another notable feature of this Series is the number of young riders it attracts, with five young riders aged from 12-15 in competition. First team home featuring a youngster was Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ pairing of Ben and Martin Pierce ending the evening on 25:16 with Tim Tansley and 12 year-old Ryan Greaves putting in a fine challenge on 25:59.

Result:

Cumulative Top 10 after three rounds:

• Round 4 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series is the Newport Shropshire CC 10 on 21st June at 7pm.