R3 Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series: Oswestry Paragon 10 – report

Oswestry Paragon CC 2-Up 10

Matt Gibbons and Scott Harris made it three straight wins in as many events in Round 3 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series – on a course that proved popular with riders and spectators alike. The sun brought out a big field for the Oswestry Paragon 10 taking place between Queen’s Head and Gobowen, with a huge crowd roaring the competitors on at Whittington.

The encouragement certainly spurred Gibbons and partner Harris on as they posted a strong time of 21 minutes 25 seconds to push team mates Ed Middleton and Nick Long into the runner-up spot, with Long making his first return after crashing out in Round 2. Gibbons revealed: “We pushed an extra 10% through Whittington with the sun out and loads cheering as every rider passed through. Scott was looking good and left me twice on the fast return leg. It was good to see Nick out after his crash in the previous round. Thanks to Oswestry Paragon for a good race and a packed field“. Harris added: “A great course. We both pushed hard from the start with Matt putting in some huge efforts, and we finished with nothing left in the tank“.

Long and Middleton set an excellent time of 22:11 to push out the Junior pairing of Ben Pierce and Kieran Morris by just 10 seconds. Despite missing out on points in Round 2 they managed to move up to Overall runner-up spot in the Series on the strength of this ride.  Long was pleased to be back in the saddle and enjoyed his evening out despite some reservations: “It was great to be back racing on a fantastically fun course. However I felt nervous to be back on the bike after my spill in Round 2. My time trial bike is still out of action, fortunately I could rely on some big turns from Ed“! Middleton meanwhile was delighted to be racing with his partner again, adding: “I loved being back out racing with Nick after his second round emergency evacuation mishap. It was tough out, but fun back. Well done to other Nova Raiders for taking the win“.

Middleton was commenting on team mates Bernard and Deb Hutson-Lumb, who set a fine 24:29 to beat Market Drayton CC’s Matthew Harrison and Alice Mackie by 59 seconds in the Mixed Team Series. This ride propelled the pair to the top of this Series – although Bernard was startled to hear the news: “We didn’t realise that we won so it was a pleasant surprise! It was a well organized, great event, with nice weather on a lovely, though actually quite hard course. The first time for us on the course and the applause at Whittington was much appreciated“. Deb also enjoyed her race, adding: “A very enjoyable event. I had a good ride managing turns on the front better than in earlier rounds. Unfortunately Bernard was suffering with the pollen so wasn’t going as well as usual. Look forward to next one – hopefully by then I’ll have mastered getting around a roundabout at speed“!

In the Women’s Series traffic played a vital part as Alison Dockney and Sarah Grant took the win in 25:46 – just seven seconds ahead of Women’s Series leaders Jane Chapman and Jenny Newton. These pairs look closely matched, and Grant is already anticipating the battles ahead in future rounds: “We are so pleased with our performance. A beautiful evening, thanks to Oswestry Paragon for putting on such a great, well attended event. We especially enjoyed riding through Whittington with all the support there! We are really looking forward to the upcoming events“.

Newton meanwhile was left rueing ‘if only’ after that vital delay but still enjoyed her race: “I love that course. We were happy with our overall performance but unfortunately we were held up by two trucks on the return. Thanks to all the organisers and helpers“.

Result:

Mixed Team

Women’s Team

Cumulative Standings after three rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team

• Round 4 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place on the same Queen’s Head – Gobowen course on 7th June when Marches CC run their 10 mile event.