R14 SB Sports Injuries Series: Bridgnorth CC 10

Just one second separated first from second in Round 14 of the SB Sports Injuries Series as Bridgnorth CC presented their 10 mile event on the Bonningale – Shifnal course. This is an unfamiliar course to many riders, although it has been used in the Series before, but with Bridgnorth CC promoting on it for the first time. Riders expecting a flat out and back were in for a shock, as the course rolls – and at racing pace can catch out the unwary, particularly the climb near the turn on the edge of Shifnal. Dean Callister was back to winning ways after a terrific battle with Revolutions Racing team mate Henri Bedford, with Callister just getting the better in 22 minutes 29 seconds. He was pleased to see the 18 year-old back after the best part of the season out studying for A levels, although the youngster clearly hasn’t lost any of his form as Callister testified: “My first time racing on that course, actually quite enjoyable. I was pleased with my effort and had a good ride. It was great to have Henri back on the scene hot on my tail, thanks to Bridgnorth CC for putting the event on”.

Bedford was pleased to be back now he finally has some time free from study, with 22:30 a terrific effort for a late entry to the 2022 season. He enjoyed his evening out, stating: “My first time out on the course and I loved the challenge of the rolling hills! An absolute killer first half leg to the roundabout was made bearable by the pleasantness of the return journey. Well done to Dean for the win, and thanks to Tim and the guys at Bridgnorth for hosting the event”.

SB Series leader Tomos Hales had to be content with third spot on the night after a busy couple of weeks racing, and finished with a fine 22:39 effort. Hales extended his lead at the top of the Series standings to 36 points to keep the pressure on with three rounds remaining. Like Callister and Bedford he commented on the surprising nature of the course, which at a steady pace doesn’t seem to cause any difficulties – very different to flat out: “It was a tough 10 miles with two drags before the downhill to the finish. Good to see Henri back on the TT bike after his exams, and thanks for Bridgnorth and Tim for organising”.

The event drew riders from Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and the Black Country thanks to its proximity, with Mark Spruce      of Wolverhampton Wheelers CC taking the Veterans win with +4:47. Taking the 20 points on offer in the SB Veterans standing however was Bridgnorth CC’s Paul Bywater, posting +0:13 just beating his Standard, but with seven riders missing their benchmark it shows just what a tricky course this can be. Bywater summed things up succinctly: “It was a tough ride. I’m not a big fan of lumpy time trials, and the K21/10 is certainly a lumpy one! The last climb at eight miles in is a killer, but I managed to crawl over it and drag myself to the finish”.

In the Women’s race Emma Horne took the win in 27:55 from Bridgnorth CC’s Robin Jones who went home with the maximum 20 points on offer in the SB Women’s Series. Horne was another rider caught out by the nature of the course: “It was first time on the course and I had mistakenly thought it was going to be flat!  A bit windy in places too. I didn’t have a bike computer so couldn’t tell how I was doing, but felt I was working hard all the way. Very friendly riders and I felt very welcome, so thanks to all”.

Full:

Veterans:

Women’s:

Juniors:

Cumulative Standings after fourteen rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women’s

Juniors