R14 SB Sports Injuries Series: Ludlow CC Scenic 10

Ludlow CC ‘Scenic’ 10

The course record was broken and the destination of the SB Veteran’s Series title sealed in Round 14 of the SB Sports Injuries Series, the tough as old boots Ludlow CC ‘Scenic 10 at Broome near Craven Arms. Andy Bason’s 23 minute 1 second record had stood untouched since 2010 and tells riders all they need to know about how hard this course is, but it was finally beaten twice in July 2019 in a Ludlow CC club 10 – first by Jake Sparrow by two seconds then by William Truelove by a further second. But with Dan Watts out to challenge for the Overall SB Series he left nothing to chance as he blazed around the swooping, technical circuit in an astonishing 22:51 to slice a further 7 seconds off that benchmark.

This was Watts’ first sight of the Scenic 10, a route deliberately designed to be exactly the opposite of what time triallists normally desire from a course and one which usually leaves first-timers grinning from ear to ear thanks to its sheer originality and variety of challenge presented. Watts moved up to equal second in the Series level with Ian Nisbett on the strength of the 20 points gained on the switchback course, which requires full attention from competitors, as he revealed in his post-race comments: “A course with so much variation you can’t not enjoy it, even if it does throw in some surprises just to check you’re paying attention. Riding the TT bike turned into somewhat of a white knuckle ride at points, but it all adds to the fun. I never expected the course record so to come away with that makes the win even sweeter, and I’ll certainly be back next year to have another go. With a handful of rounds in the Overall left it’s still all to play for“.

Watts had some strong competition on the evening with Holohan Coaching RT rider Matt Davies travelling down from the north of the County to also gain his first experience of this challenging circuit. Davies crossed the line in 23:32 to take the runner-up spot on the night and like Watts he was aware of how alert you had to remain to get the best out of the ride: “It was a nice night on a very sporting and technical course that caught most of us out at one point or another. A great ride from Dan and congratulations on breaking the course record to boot. I was really pleased with how my ride went and enjoyed no longer being on a homemade disk. A big thank you to the generous Ludlow folk for putting on a great TT“.

SB Series leader Chris Halford had got previous experience of the course and knew that riding his usual 60-tooth front chain ring would leave him over-geared, particularly on the section between Purslow and Hoptonheath which has practically no flat stretches whatsoever. Halford opened up his Overall SB Series lead to 40 points with his 24:25 effort and took the win in the Veteran’s event with a fine +2:11, 62 seconds ahead of Ludlow Brewery’s Steve Minton. That 20 point maximum saw Halford take Veteran’s Gold, which he was delighted with, despite having a few issues around the race itself: “I made it my target this year, so I am very pleased. It’s a bonus to be leading the Overall. I tried a compact this time but found myself spinning out on quick parts of the course. Everything went OK – apart from the odd looks from locals of me getting changed in my car in a train station car park in the middle of nowhere“!

In the Women’s event former Ludlow Brewery RT rider Hannah Lancaster, now riding for Halesowen A&CC took the win in 28:18, 36 seconds ahead of County Women’s winner Alison Dockney. Lancaster echoed the sentiments of many with her post-race comments, stating: “The Scenic 10 is my favourite course as I like the hills and I always enjoy it even though it is hard work“. Meanwhile Dockney continues to narrow the gap to SB Women’s Series leader Louise Hurdley, who finished in 30 minutes exactly. Hurdley now holds a 32 point advantage going into the final phase of this Series though Dockney revealed how she nearly didn’t make the event at all: “I went to the wrong train station car park, I couldn’t find the start and almost arrived too late to sign on. I’m glad to have made it in the nick of time and loved the Scenic rolling course. Thanks to Ludlow CC for a fantastic race – I’ll know where to go next time“.

Despite already having won the SB Junior Series Henri Bedford had been told how much fun this event is months previously and curiosity combined with a tenacious ability to always be up for a challenge got the better of him. Bedford ended the evening on 24:31, just six seconds behind Halford to snaffle 4th place overall, with his light weight helping him to get over the lumps and bumps. He commented: “My first time riding the Scenic 10 so I didn’t really know how it would go. I found it tough, but was pleased with my time. Well done to Dan for a setting a new course record, and thank you Ludlow CC for hosting the event“.

Result:

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Series – Round 14

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Veterans Series – Round 14

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Women’s Series – Round 14

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Junior Series – Round 14

Cumulative Standings after fourteen rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women’s

Juniors

• Round 15 of The SB Sports Injuries Series takes place on 21st September and is the first of three SCCA Autumn 10’s on consecutive Saturday’s at 3pm to close the Series, all on the Waters Upton – Hodnet course.