Revolutions Racing 10

(report courtesy of SCCA Secretary – Dave Fletcher)

Revolutions Racing ran a successful first ever time trial and brought a popular course back into use in round 3 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series – which saw the Series leaders taken by surprise. The Nesscliffe by-pass saw 13 pairs of riders take the line for the 10 mile event, many experiencing the smooth tarmac for the first time in six years on a still morning.

Overall winners were visiting Rugby CC pair of Simon Bayliss and Craig McKee, taking immediate dividends in their first ever attempt at the format after an early start. Both were pleased but surprised at their victory, ridden in a fine time of 20 minutes 50 seconds, with Bayliss commenting: “A thoroughly enjoyable event, with very friendly and helpful volunteers. Having never ridden a 2-Up before we were happy with the result“. McKee added: “It was a really friendly, well run event that we thoroughly enjoyed“.

But the surprise was to come amongst the three Nova Raiders squads, with Series leaders Ed Middleton and Scott Harris usurped by a first-time father and son pairing of Ian and Luke Pollard. The triathletes made an immediate impact to grab the full 20 points on offer and debut at 5th place overall with a fine effort of 21:17. Both were clearly straining for the finish line, with Dad Ian commenting: “I was really pleased. Luke was awesome, I had armchair ride the whole way and couldn’t get on the front. A really well organised event“. Son Luke added: “I was happy to come away with a good result on a cracking course. It was awesome to see the Nova Raiders out in force“!

Middleton and Harris had to settle for third place with a nonetheless excellent 21:48, and opened up their Series lead to 14 points over team mates Mark Harrison and Nick Pavard whose 22:42 took 5th place on the morning behind Hafren CC’s Paul Bufton and Ian Coe in 22:16. Middleton was pleased with his efforts and full of praise for the County winners, stating: “A great event on a fast course. I was happy to bank 18 points. It was a great ride by the Pollard’s to take the County win in their first 2-Up“! Harris was also full of praise, but hinted that they may not take defeat lying down, adding: “It was a great course. I’d been injured all week but felt up for the event. Ian and Luke were on fire, it’s good to have them as part of the racing team“.

The 2-Up format has so far been particularly popular amongst ladies and amongst newer clubs, with three mixed teams and two all ladies teams featuring Revolutions Racing, Evolve and Marches CC. Leading the way home for the mixed pairs were Revolutions Racing’s Amanda Whitmore and Tim Byatt, stopping the watch on 24:01 and working well together, with the surprise return of former Shropshire Ladies Champion Julie Moore representing Marches CC and partnered by Simon Burgess just 20 seconds back. Meanwhile in the all Ladies squads Revolutions Racing again took the honours with Sara Northover and Rosie Homer putting in a fabulous 24:28.

Result:

Cumulative Top 10 after three rounds:

Round 4 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place at 7pm on 9th June when Ludlow CC run their 10 mile event on the popular Brimfield course, which utilises the A49 Ludlow by-pass.