R14 SB Sports Injuries Series: Ludlow Scenic 10

The toughest 10 mile course in Shropshire was the host for Round 14 of The SB Sports Injuries Series as Dean Callister piled on the pressure at the top of the standings in Ludlow CC’s ‘Scenic’ 10. Held on some of the quietest roads in the County the course lives up to its name when riders could take their eyes off the road in this most technical of challenges. Times are usually 2-3 minutes down on normal, with Callister getting his first look at the circuit – and coming out the winner by a slight three seconds to extend his lead by a further two points to 14 points over Henri Bedford. The Nova Raider stopped the watch on 22 minutes 51 seconds, coping well with a circuit of Long Meadowend – Purslow – Hoptonheath – Clungunford that really tests the mettle despite not being able to scope out the challenge beforehand. His post-race comments show the thrill awaiting riders: “My first time riding the course and also had to ride it blind as I didn’t get change to drive the course beforehand. I actually enjoyed the course a lot; it’s a great little course with a mix of everything. I was pleased to take the win, thanks to Ludlow CC for putting the event on”.

One rider who knows the course and the challenge ahead was Henri Bedford. Already SB Junior Champion Bedford is breathing down Callister’s neck in the Overall standings, and used his knowledge and light weight to full advantage to finish in 22:54. He stated: “I love the scenic route of the Ludlow course. The hills and technical course didn’t disappoint; a nice change from flat and straight time trials. Well done to Dean for the win and thanks to Ludlow CC for organising”.

With plenty of first-timers experiencing the course Rob Jackson who finished 10^th in 26:04 perhaps best summed it up: “A real challenge with constant gear changes to find any sense of rhythm so you really have to ride on feel rather than power.  Old school racing at it’s very best”. Wrekinsport team mate Tomos Hales was also getting his first taste of the swooping, twisting challenge on offer and used his Garmin computer to help anticipate what was coming up to guide himself to third place in 23:39, just four seconds ahead of Jonathan Mills-Keeling. Hales enjoyed the trip south, commenting: “My first time on the Ludlow Scenic 10, very undulating and technical. I spent most the time with my maps on my headset to navigate the corners. A nice change to the A442, thanks for Ludlow CC for hosting”.

Bridgnorth CC’s Mills-Keeling didn’t go home empty handed, extending his lead in the SB Veteran’s Series with a +2:58 ride, 29 seconds ahead of another Wrekinsport CC rider Chris Halford and doubling his Series lead to a still slim four points in a terrific battle between the pair. Another first-timer, Mills-Keeling liked the variety on offer which is far from what time triallists usually encounter: “I really enjoyed the course, very different to normal. I was lucky to do a lap beforehand, many thanks to Ludlow CC for putting it on”.

In the SB Women’s Series it was a straight head-to-head between Market Drayton CC’s Alison Dockney and Wrekinsport’s Clare Cotterill, with Dockney taking the win in 27 minutes exactly. Have taken a brief gap from racing Dockney liked the peace and quiet the course throws up, with riders barely encountering cars on these rural roads: “A super evening for racing, great conditions and quiet roads. I love the Scenic course and was excited to pin a number on again. I really enjoyed the event and happy to come away with a course personal best – thanks Ludlow CC”!

Full:

Veterans:

Women:

Junior:

Cumulative Standings after fourteen rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women

Juniors