R4 SB Sports Injuries Series: SCCA Spring 10 No.3

It’s not often the moment an event starts that it begins to snow, but an arctic blast meant hardy riders and helpers had to endure less than ideal conditions in Round 4 of the SB Sports Injuries Series, Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association’s Spring 10 No.3. Held on the Waters Upton – Hodnet course, thankfully the snow didn’t stick and gave up after five minutes, with a close call for the win. Yet again the chance to race before most clubs have started attracted riders from outside the district, with the organiser of the next day’s Velotik RT 15 taking the opportunity to get his race legs on as Toby Williams took the Overall victory in 21 minutes 49 seconds. That proved difficult thanks to the nip in the air, as Williams attested: “It was a tough, a cold day and the legs weren’t really firing, but was happy to get the win – thanks to the SCCA for another great event”.

Taking the honours for the County Wrekinsport’s Tomos Hales gained maximum points for the second week in a row with a fine effort of 21:57, 33 seconds down on his Round 3 time showing the effect conditions had. Hales has had a great start to the season, seemingly thanks to cross-training as he narrowed the gap to SB Series leader Jonathan Mills-Keeling to 12 points. Hales was supposed to be keeping within himself however, but couldn’t resist going for it: “I was happy to get top SCCA points for a second weekend in a row. I was meant to be taking it steadier due to a marathon the following day, however the temptation was too much and I gave it everything I’d got – thanks to Wrekinsport for hosting the event, and all the marshals that helped out”.

Hales wasn’t the only rider feeling the bite of the wind as Mills-Keeling was 38 seconds down on his Round 3 effort, taking County runner-up spot both Overall and in the Veterans where he recorded +4:22 to edge out Hafren CC’s Bryn Davies on +3:37. He commented: “It was a much colder and slower day than the week before, but I still enjoyed the early season races – thanks to everyone for putting on”.

Despite the Bridgnorth CC rider’s best efforts he had no answer for Wrekinsport CC’s Deb Hutson-Lumb who took her almost customary double win in the Veterans with +5:498 and the SB Women’s Series with 24:20 – good enough for 9^th Overall, but 1:02 down from her Round 3 effort, with her post-race comments showing she had suffered: “The first time I’ve been at a start line when it’s been snowing! The first four or five miles went OK but then I just got colder and slower while regretting the decision to leave my legwarmers and thermals in the car. Huge thanks to those marshalling in such cold conditions”.

Hutson-Lumb faced a good challenge from fast improving 15 year-old Cerys Greaves who took Women’s runner-up spot with 26:52 and the Junior victory too, setting up an intriguing three-way tie at the top of the standings in the closest of all competitions so far. She commented: “I found it hard going in the tough conditions, but it was good to get out on the road for my first time trial of the season – thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for hosting it”.

Full:

Veterans:

Women’s:

Juniors:

Cumulative Standings after four rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women’s

Juniors

• Round 5 of the SB Sports Injuries Series takes place on 4^th May when Wrekinsport CC host their 19 mile event