R3 Mower Mec 2-Up Series: Hafren CC 10

A father and son team took a fine win in Round 3 of the Mower Mec 2-Up Series on home soil as Mike and Sam Holwill blazed around the Berriew 10 mile course in near perfect conditions, ensuring some fast times. The Holwill’s took victory by well over a minute – although things weren’t so comfortable as that margin suggests. Well used to each other’s riding styles the improved fitness of Sam caused his dad a few problems in something more representative of the rarely seen ‘Grand Prix De Gentleman’ format with Mike holding on for dear life, as he explained: “It was fun to race a 2-Up with Sam again. These days I only have one job though – don’t get dropped”! Sam’s post-race comments echoed his father’s, in a scenario that could have caused issues with some pairs: “No domestic disputes, Dad was too busy holding onto my wheel for that! It was good fun to race together, and I was very pleased with the sub-22 considering I was on a road bike”.

That ‘Grand Prix De Gentleman’ format also came good for the runners-up, with Chris Lewis and Carl Spencer of Hafren CC holding off a strong challenge from Oswestry Paragon’s Peter Fletcher and Jack Young by nine seconds to record a fine 22:59. The reasons were more to do with Spencer belatedly riding his first event of the year, as Lewis explained: “Myself and Carl did the 2-Up for the second year together and were 40 seconds faster compared to last year. This was Carl’s first race of the season, so it was decided that I would ride the front for the entire ride, and riding with a negative split strategy – really pleased to achieve second place, and to better last year’s time”.

Fletcher meanwhile rotated well with partner Young – although he enjoyed the shelter provided when on the back from the elements, stating: “Surprise, surprise, it was windy, but thankfully the course wasn’t too exposed and at least I could hide behind my partner Jack who possesses a greater stature than I! We started a bit too hard but soon settled to our intended minute intervals which worked out quite well with the odd micro rest. Towards the finish we were vociferously encouraging each other as we were convinced a decent time was on, alas we just missed it but we were certainly happy with our final result considering the conditions and on to the next round! I’d like to thank all involved, organisers, fellow riders and especially the marshals who, as we are all blatantly aware, we are unable to compete without them at whatever level we choose and last of all, thanks to Jack for his sparkle of youth on the evening”.

Four teams were in competition in the popular Mixed Team format with all four covered by just 43 seconds in a tight contest – with two of those pairs now tied for first place in both the Overall and Mixed Team standings. Reigning Mixed Team Champions Jan Davies and Mark Hill took a great win in 24:30, with sole leaders of both Championships after Round 2 Karl Lombardi and Sorrel Williams joined at the top by Davies and Hill after finishing in 25:13. Davies and Hill have now become more used to each other’s style and that benefited them on a course they know well, as Davies explained: “Our second season as Mixed Team partners, and it finally clicked on our home turf. Conditions were great for the evening. Mark was really encouraging and I managed to hang on to him – I even took a few turns on the front! Great social fun events, thanks to all involved”. Hill added: “Good weather and a relaxed atmosphere on the Hafren course helped myself and Jan ride closely to get our first win this season so far. Thanks to Jan, and Hafren CC for the event”.

Result:

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after three rounds

Overall

Mixed Team: