Nova Raiders 10

A dead heat for first place on a red hot night saw a huge challenge to the leaders in the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series with Bryn Davies and Pete Thomas; and Matt Gibbons and Scott Harris inseparable. Both pairs threw themselves across the finish line with superb efforts of 22 minutes 10 seconds in the Nova Raiders 10 on the rolling Cherrington – Newport course despite problems for both teams before the start. Davies trapped a stone between his frame and rear wheel taking the line that proved problematic to budge; whilst Harris had to resort to safety pins to hold his skin suit together after the zip failed. Nevertheless they put these issues aside to both beat the solo course record by 12 seconds, showing the keenness of competition.

Davies commented: “It couldn’t have been any closer! A great result by Scott and Matt. I’m usually stronger than Pete on the hills but struggled up Cheney Bank, my legs are feeling a little over cooked at the moment. Fantastic support by the Nova Raiders along the route made for a great nights racing, thanks to all involved“. Thomas meanwhile revealed the Hafren CC pair could have gone faster, adding: “A great night, though I panicked down Cheney Bank so sat up a bit. I thought Bryn was easing off on the hills to wait for me“.

Harris is in the unusual position of having individually earned four more points than the Series leaders, but with two different partners. His kit disaster didn’t deter him from a fine effort, roared on by a large, rowdy bunch of spectators which are a growing feature of Nova Raiders’ events. He stated: “Brilliant support on the course played to our strengths putting in some big efforts. I knew it would be close between the Hafren boys and ourselves. Always a pleasure partnering Matt“. Gibbons meanwhile made a tongue in cheek reference to Harris’ kit issues, adding: “It cost us at least a second! A cracking night of racing, it felt faster than what we managed with Scott cruising up the hills and me trying to take it up on flatter parts“.

A feature of the race was a number of first-time pairings – as well as first-time time triallists throughout the field, showing the format attracts newcomers. Two of these were brothers Richard and Robin Guy, making a great combination to finish third in an impressive 24:01. And it was another first-time pairing who took the win in the Women’s Series, with Revolutions Racing’s Pauline Hughes and Amanda Whitmore in a close battle with Women’s Series leaders Jenny Newton and Jane Chapman. The strength of Newton and Chapman is evident as they not only won the first four rounds, they continued to set new personal bests – but they did not have it their own way in Round 5. Whitmore, riding her first time trial in over a year and Hughes, attempting her first ever 2-Up worked well together for a six second advantage over the Nova Women’s, stopping the watch on 26:51. A delighted Whitmore commented: “My first time trial in over 12 months and boy did it hurt! Thankfully Pauline managed to drag me to the finish. A great course, and as always great support from the Nova Raiders – looking forward to the next one“! Hughes added: “My first 2-Up so I was apprehensive, but it was great fun. I think we will be better next time. It was great to get Amanda out racing again“.

In the Mixed Team standings the Nova pairing of Craig Howells and Rachel Storey are building up a considerable lead, having almost twice the points of their nearest rivals. They combined well together again with a 29:05 effort, with Howells complementary about his partner’s ability on the tough 10% climb of Cheney Bank, stating: “The course was brutal but enjoyable. Rachel definitely showed who’s boss on the climbs! Great support, and a well organised race“. Storey added: “I dread each time trial, but this one was surprisingly my favourite. It is a brilliant course with top marshals, and thanks to Craig for the encouragement“.

Result:

Mixed Team:

Women’s Team:

Cumulative Standings after five rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team

• Round 6 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place at 7:30pm on 4th July when Mid Shropshire Wheelers promote their 10 mile event from Westbury.