Oswestry Paragon CC 10

Two of the fastest riders in the County teamed up for the first time to take a big win in Round 4 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series on a glorious evening in the Oswestry Paragon 10. Josh Williams and George Evans flew around the Queen’s Head – Gobowen 10 in a fabulous time of 19 minutes 2 seconds – and that feat was shown as all the more remarkable when compared with the accompanying solo event that saw Ryan Morley lower the solo course record to 20:14. And that wasn’t the only record broken on the night either with 70 riders in competition, a County record for a club event.

The Team Bottrill pairing were delighted with their teaming, with Williams commenting: “A good win, I was pleased with our time on that course. It was a shame to just miss the ’18’. We both worked well together“. Evans agreed, adding: “It was great. We stuck to the plan we had beforehand and it was super smooth. I’m pleased with the result“.

It was another first time pairing that took the maximum 20 points on offer with Luke Pollard and Dan Watts posting a storming 20:29. Pollard is on a serious vein of form having won his previous three events and meshed well with Watts, with the two well-acquainted with each others’ abilities. Pollard commented: “It was an enjoyable night and a great pairing with Dan. Good to see some quick times being put down“!

In an event notable for first time pairings taking the spoils the Nova Raiders Matt Gibbons and Scott Harris meant business, pushing the Series leaders Bryn Davies and Pete Thomas down to an unaccustomed fourth spot, showing the quality of competition on display. Harris is a reigning 2-Up Champion and worked well with Gibbons to take third in 21:18, nine seconds ahead of Davies and Thomas. Harris stated: “A hot evening, a great course. We knew we had to go as hard as Bryn and Pete always do, though not as fast as we wanted. A super fast time by the Team Botrill boys“. Gibbons added: “I was really happy with a good result from a strong field. We went for it from the start and red-lined all the way back. Thanks to the organisers on a very hot evening“.

Nova Raiders weren’t finished there with Jenny Newton and Jane Chapman taking advantage to open up a 26 point lead in the Womens Series. The lack of competition didn’t see them simply amble around the course however as the pair set yet another personal best of 25:34 – although it wasn’t without it’s issues. Newton explained: “We set off too fast and it took a while to settle my heart rate, but another great ride and another personal best for Jane and I. It was a shame Hilary and Liz couldn’t make it as they are on our tail! Thanks to all the organisers and helpers“.

The Mixed Team category wasn’t without competition in contrast with four pairs riding. Series leaders Rachel Storey and Craig Howells saw their lead reduced after the Paramount CRT of Ceris Eslava and Gary Duncan posted a fabulous effort of 23:41 to move up to second in this Series. Duncan was full of praise for his partner, stating: “We paced our ride well, a good strong performance from Ceris” Eslava added: “I was really pleased with the result. There was a bit of a headwind on the return but otherwise great. Well done everyone else, big thanks to the marshals“.

Result:

Mixed Team:

Womens Team:

Cumulative Standings after four rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Womens Team

• Round 5 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place at 7pm on 14th June when Nova Raiders present their 10 mile event on the Cherrington – Newport course. HQ The Lamb At Edgmond.