R10 SB Sports Injuries Series: Newport Shropshire CC 10

Dean Callister narrowed the gap at the top of the SB Sports Injuries Series as he too a fine win in Round 10, Newport Shropshire CC’s ‘Tiddly’ 10. Held on the popular Tiddly triangle taking in Cold Hatton, Espley island and Stanton crossroads, riders had to endure a howling wind on the toughest part of the circuit, the A53, which features a long drag to the Shooing Ground turn. That didn’t stop Callister however as the Nova Raider dug deep to beat Series leader Henri Bedford by seven seconds in 21 minutes 10 seconds with a huge personal best. Callister has been making an impression in this Series, taking his fourth win to pull within 10 points of Bedford. He was pleased with his evening’s work, stating: “I paced it well with a strong headwind on the back end of the course. Just over a two minute course personal best, so I was happy with that. A very well run event by Newport, thanks to everyone involved”.

Bedford still holds the Overall lead as well as a massive 88 point advantage in the SB Junior Series as he stretched his lead in that Series by two more points over Harry Corney after crossing the line in 21:17, with Market Drayton CC’s Corney 2:30 back. Bedford was happy to have a ride on this quiet circuit, revealing: “It was my first time doing the Tiddly triangle this year. A strong headwind made the Shrewsbury road very tough, but it was nice to have a crack on it after a while – thanks to Newport CC for putting on the event”.

There was an unusual tie for third spot as two Wrekinsport CC team mates tried to settle a season-long battle for supremacy – and failed. Chris Halford and Tomos Hales have been trying to outdo each other in a friendly rivalry all year, but couldn’t be split on 21:46. Halford was pleased with his effort, whilst revealing for the first time why he has been slightly off his 2020 level of form: “I paced it well, but was due knee surgery two days later hopefully rectifying the problems I’ve had this season – great course”. Hales meanwhile was another rider who found the A53 leg a difficult prospect: “The race went well, a tough head wind on the top section off the course which made my average power numbers look good. I thought I would have done enough to beat Chris but he obviously had a good race too – thanks to Newport CC for putting on an SB Series race, well organised like always”.

Whilst Halford is struggling with an injury another rider is on the comeback trail and getting over her season-stopping one, with Nova Raiders’ Deb Hutson-Lumb taking the double win in both the SB Veterans and SB Women’s Series. Hutson-Lumb recorded a fine 24:31 to see off a challenge from team mate and Women’s Series leader Marie Llewellyn who ended her evening in 26:26; whilst she took the narrowest of victories in the Veteran’s race after finishing in +5:30 just one second ahead of Bridgnorth CC’s Jonathan Mills-Keeling, with Halford third in +5:00. Hutson-Lumb was relieved to finally be back racing, although she revealed she’s got a little bit of work to do to be back on absolute top form: “It was great to be back racing after injury. I’m a good few watts down and changes to the bike made the ride a bit too interesting. I was pleased with the result though and looking forward to the rest of the season”.

Full:

Veterans:

Women:

Juniors:

Cumulative Standings after ten rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women

Juniors