R4 Mower Mec 2-Up Series: Bridgnorth CC 10

Chris Riley and Rob McGregor took another huge step towards regaining the 2-Up Trophies they last won as a pair in 2022 as they made it four wins in a row in Round 4 of the Mower Mec 2-Up Series, the Bridgnorth CC 10. Held within a standard Bridgnorth CC club event on the Bonningale – Shifnal course, 32 riders in total took the line, with three pairs in competition for Series points. This large turnout made for a lively atmosphere, with the Paramount CRT pairing crossing the line in 23 minutes and 3 seconds, their slowest performance so far in 2026. That has a lot to do with the course, which drags much of the way to Shifnal and into the prevailing wind, which was noticeable on the evening; and despite the simple ‘out and back’ design it’s a course that can sap strength, as McGregor found: “It’s a really tough course; there are long sections spent in top gear but some really slow drags to counter them. The last time I rode the course was four years ago with Chris, so it was good to return there and do a technically better 2-Up. We improved our time by 37 seconds as a result, so I’m really happy with the outcome. I was really impressed by the turn out; it was like being at an Open event rather than a Tuesday night club event; thanks to Bridgnorth CC for hosting a fantastic event”. Those comments from McGregor show the attraction of this course, which is close enough to attract Wolverhampton-based clubs.

Riley also won the Series in 2024 with Hayley Wells as partner, and is on stellar form in 2026, still leading three Series: the Mower Mec, Friction and SB. That level of consistent performance takes some dedication, and he was happy to admit taking more of an armchair seat here to avoid snapping the elastic: “Rob is strong this year, and we’re riding a 70/30 split in taking the front position. It takes a lot of concentration to hold a wheel when you’re on your limit, but we’ve stayed together through good pacing and communication. The Bridgnorth event is a good test and that final ramp on the Bonningale course is a leg breaker. I just about clung on, and it’s as fast either of us have been on that course. We both rode this Series together four years ago on our bargain basement time trial bikes. We’ve progressed since then, and it’s been a pleasure to team up with Rob again this year for the Mower Mec Series”.

Two first-time teams made up the rest of the field, with Wrekinsport’s Clive Middleton and Darren Muffitt soon finding each other’s strengths and style to take the runners-up spot with 25:15 on a course both were unfamiliar with. Muffitt has only just joined Wrekinsport and enjoyed the test of the ramps to the turn and the fast second leg back to Bonningale so much he can hardly wait to try again, stating: “I loved it riding with Clive, who is a great time trial partner. We found the course tough in the wind and with the undulations, but want to try it again.  It was the first time we were a pairing; it worked well”. Middleton added: “The first time that both me and Darren had done the Bridgnorth time trial. I found it quite tough, tougher than I imagined, but we both had a fantastic time. It was the first time that Darren had done a 2-Up time trial, and again, he really enjoyed it. We averaged 24 mile an hour, which I think was OK for our first one, and certainly we’ll be doing it again”.

There was a welcome return for Nova Raiders Jenny Newton, 2018 and 2022 Female 2-Up Champion after several years away, and here in a first-time pairing with Nicky Mason, who was also experiencing her first-ever 2-Up like Muffitt. Those Championships were won on time trials bikes, but here Newton elected for the growing area of the sport: a road bike. The pair ended their evening on 30:48, with Newton commenting: “It was lovely to be back having a go at a time trial. No time trial bike, skin suit or aero helmet made for a no pressure relaxed bit of fun. It was Nicky’s first ever one, I enjoyed it, and think she did too”! Mason did indeed enjoy the experience, adding: “The Bridgnorth TT was my first ever 2-Up. The organisers were relaxed, professional and inviting. It was great to really try and give it my all on the bike – quite different from most of the riding I do and surprisingly good fun! Thanks for running a great event”.

Full

Females

Cumulative Standings after four rounds

Overall

Female Team

Mixed Team