R1 Friction Hydraulics Series: Nova Raiders 25

The Friction Hydraulics Series got off to a belated start two months late with Covid restrictions finally eased enough to allow competition, with The Nova Raiders 25 on the rolling Prees – Battlefield course. The event was bittersweet as it was unfortunately blighted by an accident still under investigation which resulted in the partial abandonment of the race, affecting later starters; but saw some terrific rides from those who finished. 

There was a rare appearance in a domestic race for professional continental team rider for AVC Aix En Provence George Mills-Keeling, here racing for his amateur UK team Bridgnorth CC. The 19 year-old was getting his first taste of the switchback Prees – Battlefield course and posted a great winning time of 51 minutes 56 seconds, 1:45 outside the 2019 course record of another professional, Steve Cummings, but this was a superb effort on a tricky course. Mills-Keeling had done his homework whilst coming to the event courtesy of dad Jonathan who registered a very handy 58:24 for 8^th spot on a course where beating the hour is not easy. He stated: “It was a good day with very little wind. I was told it was a hilly course with a few short climbs – Dad and I drove the reverse on the way to the HQ and the rumours were correct. It was a hard race but interesting, and made a break from dual carriageways. I liked it, thanks to Nova Raiders for putting on the event”!

It was definitely youth to the fore as Mills-Keeling’s nearest challenge came from Kieran Morris, just a year older. Back racing for Oswestry Paragon CC, Morris stopped the watch on 52:29 and expressed the sentiments of many who find the nature of the course hard to judge. He was however satisfied with his race and full of praise for the winner: “George is class so no complaints. I felt I paced it well although I maybe had a bit too much in the tank at the end. It’s not really my type of course! All in all a good start, and I’m looking forward to the fast courses. I hope the rider injured is OK – thanks to Nova Raiders for putting on the event”.

Morris fought off a hard challenge from Holohan Coaching’s Kirk Vickers, who is taking more of an interest in time trialling with his preferred road racing still not back on the agenda. As a hill climbing specialist the seemingly never flat course suits his abilities well, as he finished in 53:05, 1:14 ahead of the promoting club’s Dean Callister. Vickers’ comments identify the issue for most riders more accustomed to non-sporting course: “A very hard course to pace with it being rolling. Some strong rides on the day, but it’s great to be racing again, thanks Nova Raiders”.

In the Veteran’s category Victor Chetta is a familiar name at the top of the standings, taking the win from Tim Beardmore by +2:31 with a superb Veteran’s Standard of +11:52. For many years Shropshire Best all Rounder, Chetta normally prefers the long-distance events, but set out a great benchmark performance for his first Shropshire Open of 2021 despite being held up at times as he explained: “The weather conditions seemed surprisingly quick going out, but heavy traffic with tailbacks impeded progress at times on the return leg. Some impressive times recorded by some of the young riders – thanks to Nova Raiders for running the event”.

In the Women’s event Market Drayton CC’s Alison Dockney was also making her season debut in an Open, and saw off a strong challenge from Oswestry Paragon’s Leonie Keeling to take the win by 3:01. Dockney stopped the watch on 1:02:47 for a course Personal Best in spite of being anxious before starting, as she revealed: “My first Open of the year, super happy with the result despite major pre-race nerves and a cold start on the day! It was a big course PB for me so my training is paying off – thanks to Nova Raiders for hosting; and best wishes to the injured rider for a speedy, full recovery”.

Full result:

SCCA:

Veterans:

Women’s:

Top Club Award: