Mid Shropshire Wheelers 30

Bryn Davies sealed the SB Sports Injuries Series Veterans Championship in the longest event of the Series – but couldn’t stop a powerful ride from Dan Watts. The Hafren CC rider ended up as runner-up in both Overall and Veterans events at Westbury in Round 13, the Mid Shropshire Wheelers 30 held over two laps of a challenging circuit with a fine effort of 1 hour 7 minutes and 8 seconds which converted to a +13:31 Veteran standard. It was that standard that put him in an unassailable position with a 96 point lead and just a maximum 60 points remaining from the final three events.

Davies was delighted with his efforts, commenting: “I was really pleased with the result and to have sealed the Veterans SB Series. I felt ok on the first lap, pacing where I would expect; but I struggled on the second lap and was not able to produce the level I would have expected. Nonetheless I was still a shade quicker than last year and would have struggled to match Dan even on full form with the performance he produced, a cracking ride and a well deserved win, thanks to Mid Shropshire Wheelers and all involved for a great morning’s racing“.

SCCA Private Member Watts did indeed put in a powerful performance to take the win, throwing himself across the finish line in 1:06:33. An old, traditional distance, 30 mile events often surprise those not used to them and can cause issues for those who pace them like a 25, with the extra five miles coupled with the testing terrain which included two climbs up Windmill Hill giving Watts difficulty judging his effort. He explained: “A rolling course coupled with an odd distance always makes for difficult pacing strategy! Thankfully I got it right and  enjoyed the time spent on the bike. I’m really pleased with my ride and hope to carry the good sensation to my next events“.

Taking third place overall with a fine 1:08:12 to outpace Nova Raiders’ Matt Gibbons by just 10 seconds Stuart Proctor went better in the Veterans winning the event with +13:54. The Revolutions Racing rider was encountering the course for the first time in anger, although he revealed like all the best time triallists he had done his homework beforehand: “It was my first time on the course, although I’d reconnoitred it the previous day. An absolutely gorgeous morning to be up and out racing! I didn’t feel particularly strong, especially the second time up Windmill Hill! I’d targeted 1:10, so was delighted to get just over 1:08! Great organising as always from Dave and Jenny York and Mid Shropshire Wheelers, and well done to Bryn and Dan on their incredible times“.

Watts and Proctor now find themselves tying for second place in the Overall Championship which Davies wrapped up in Round 12, with both on 124 points. With three rounds remaining the pair will be battling things out at Waters Upton in a month’s time. However they will have to watch out for Scott Harris who is just eight points off the pace in the Overall standings and only four behind Proctor in the Veterans. Harris finished third Veteran on the day with a fine +11:53 after a week relaxing, which explains the shock he expressed getting back to things: “My first race after a holiday and I found it tough going. I loved  the course and was happy for the points. The road surface is very good as well which helps“.

Despite the challenging nature of the course Pauline Hughes was out to extend her lead in the Women’s Series, which she duly did with a fine time of 1:18:47. This was a standout ride with Hughes beating Women’s runner-up Helen Tudor by 5:10 as well as adding four points to the gap between herself and Jenny Newton who ended the morning on 1:27:24 despite mechanical problems. Hughes stated: “Great weather conditions, but I was tiring the second time up Windmill Hill. It was my first time on the course and I was pleased with time. Well done women’s, especially Jenny who had mechanicals! Thanks to Jenny and Dave and all the volunteers“.

Results:

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Series – Round 13

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Veterans Series – Round 13

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Women’s Series – Round 13

Cumulative Standings after thirteen rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women’s

Juniors

• Round 14 of the SB Sports Injuries Series is the first of three SCCA ‘Autumn 10’s’ to close the Series, taking place at 3pm on 16th September utilising the Waters Upton – Hodnet course.