R3 UK ICT 2-Up Series Nova Raiders 10

A first-time pairing hit brought out the best in one another as Revolutions Racing’s Henri Bedford teamed up with Oswestry Paragon’s David Griffiths to see what he could learn from the four time Scottish Team Time Trial Champion in Round 3 of the UK ICT 2-Up Series, Nova Raiders 10 held on the Waters Upton – Hodnet course. The pair took the win by a clear margin of 1 minute 39 seconds as Bedford experienced dipping past the benchmark 20 minute/30mph barrier for the first time by five seconds with a fabulous 19 minutes 55 seconds. That win immediately advanced them to a busy joint second in the Overall standings with four teams unable to be split. An ecstatic Bedford placed all the praise on his team mate, stating: “My first time under 20 minutes! I was really thankful to David for dragging me round on a windy night. I felt out of my depth being paired with him as he is such a good cyclist – thanks to Nova Raiders for hosting the event”. Griffiths saw thinks differently however, adding a complementary comment about Bedford: “He absolutely wasn’t out of his depth”!

Two Nova Raiders teams battled it out for the runners-up spot with Graeme Donnell and Andrew Lacon getting the better of Andy Rose and Mark Pritchard by seven seconds in a tight contest. Donnell and Lacon moved to the head of the Overall standings thanks to the 18 points added on the evening after stopping the watch on 21:34. Donnell was in no doubt that Lacon had been the rider keeping the pressure on as he beat the 22 minute mark for the first time – and by a substantial margin: “Superb weather conditions and organisation by the Raiders; thanks to that freak of nature (my partner, Andrew) I was dragged round to my first sub 22! We really enjoy this competition”. Lacon was also pleased with the time posted and the level of team work on display: “Happy with our time and effort on a good evening for racing. We worked well together and hoping the times will get quicker in the next rounds – thanks to Nova Raiders for great organisation; and to the volunteers who make these events possible”.

In the Mixed Team Championship there was a family feel to the winners as Charlotte Chapman and dad Steve teamed up for the second race in a row to cross the line in 24:22. The Chapmans took over the lead in this Series on the strength of their ride, an were one of the four teams jostling for Overall runner-up spot – although that family dynamic meant there was no fear telling each other to dig in, as Charlotte revealed: “It’s great doing 2-Ups with my Dad because I’m not worried about screaming at him “Go faster!” or “Get your head down!”  It felt a lot smoother this time round, we’re still learning but we’re getting there; and its great fun”!

Meanwhile Mum Jane was also in competition in the Women’s Championship with partner Jenny Newton – and as past winners they shook the ring-rust off with a 26:17 effort that knocked 1:07 off their comeback ride in Round 2. Newton stated: “Another enjoyable 2-Up, we worked well together as always. Thanks tons for all organisers”. Whilst Chapman added: “Enjoyed the race and the lovely weather -thanks to the organisers and volunteers”.

Full result:

Women’s

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after three rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team