Ludlow CC 10

Just two days after an epic ride in the Shropshire Championship 100 Matt Gibbons somehow pulled a win out of the hat in Round 7 of The Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series with partner Scott Harris. The Nova Raiders pairing moved up to third in the Overall standings with a superb effort of 20 minutes 50 seconds in the Ludlow CC 10, taking place on the fast Ludlow by-pass. This win set up a fabulous head-to-head battle over the final three rounds with absent Series leaders Bryn Davies and Pete Thomas. Gibbons started the Series with a different partner but has flown up the standings thanks to two wins and a second in this best 5/10 Series, and with Davies and Thomas currently on three wins backed up with two third places it’s all to play for.

Gibbons’ effort so soon after the longest race on the County calendar came at a price as he suffered for his labours, revealing: “My legs were tired and I relied on Scotty a lot to put some big turns in. We needed the win to make it an interesting last few races. I had to dig deep bit it was a personal best for a 2-Up. Hopefully I’ll get some recovery before next week’s events“. Harris was more generous about Gibbons’ efforts adding: “It was a tough cross wind in places, but I felt strong. We both put some big turns in on the front. It was good to take the win, looking forward to the next race“.

Gibbons and Harris saw off a strong challenge from a new pairing of Ludlow Brewery RT riders Steve Minton and Jack Wilson. In only their second race together the pair clicked with a personal best for Wilson of 21:02 for runner-up spot, 20 seconds ahead of Chris Lines and Dan Cutting. They both sounded an ominous warning that they may have reserves in the tank, with Minton stating: “It worked well with new partner Jack Wilson. We were a bit disappointed not to go under 21,  but there’s lots more to come from us“. Wilson added: “Only my second 2-Up with Steve, but I was pleased with the time, a big personal best for me. Much more to come from us“.

With three Mixed Pair teams in competition it was a close call between first and second, with the Hereford Wheelers pairing of Mike Williams and Roxy Woodfield coming out on top by just three seconds over Gannet CC’s Luke Churchus and Alison Fryer-Jones in 25:26.

Result:

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after seven rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team

• There’s a double-header of Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series action next week with Tuesday seeing Paramount CRT promote Round 8, their 10 mile event on the Westbury – Shrewsbury – Shoot Hill course at 7pm. HQ is The Lion at Westbury. The following evening Round 9 sees Wrekinsport CC promote their 10 mile event on the Shawbirch – Crudgington – Cotwall Bank circuit, also with a 7pm start. HQ is The Woolpack, Shawbirch.