R4 Mower Mec 2-Up Series: Mid Shopshire Wheelers 10

A first time pairing won the day as the curse of a season blighted by road works struck again in Round 4 of the Mowermec 2-Up Series as Mid Shropshire Wheelers were forced to move from the planned Whittington course to the Waters Upton to Hodnet one – attracting a number of local riders in a good turnout of nine pairs; and seeing a welcome return of popular husband and wife timekeeping team Dave and Jenny York after an illness-affected start to 2024. More seen at the sharp end of the field in solo events, Tomos Hales partnered with Oli Freeman to win the event in a fabulous time of 20 minutes 50 seconds.

For Freeman, who only joined Wrekinsport earlier this year this was his first taste of the pairs format on a lovely evening, and the thrill of going faster than ever before wasn’t lost on him: “It was my first experience of a 2-Up time trial and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to pull me along! Tomos and I went out well with a slight tail wind to the half way point; after that it was a case of tucking up and holding on to Tomo’s wheel, and occasionally trying to pull a stint on the front! We were both very pleased to duck under the 21 minute mark and take the win. Thanks to Mid Shropshire Wheelers for hosting a great event”. Hales comments noted the significant size difference between the pair as he added: “The Mid Shropshire Wheelers 2-Up went really well with Oli. I knew if we went well we could go sub-21. Oli pulled his fair share and gave me some good breathers. I do feel sorry for him sitting behind me as I am not much of a wind block for him. Thanks Mid Shropshire Wheelers for hosting; and wonderful to see Jenny and Dave back doing what they do best. They are a huge part of the SCCA cycling scene and so good to have them back”.

Another new pairing are already making a huge impression in only their second event together as Hayley Wells and Chris Riley not only took the win in the Mixed Team competition ahead of Overall and Mixed Team Series leaders Jan Davies and Mark Hill; they also took the Overall runner-up spot as well in a powerful performance. Wells and Riley crossed the line in a solid 21:40, 16 seconds ahead of Phil Roberts and Ben Southgate thanks to Wells winding things up and making Riley’s legs scream in the final mile, as he explained: “I’ve not been that fast in either a 2-Up or solo effort before. I was suffering horribly toward the end, but the lady wasn’t for slowing! It was a great evening from Mid Shropshire Wheelers, and I look forward to another whipping in the next round”. For Wells it was also a fastest-ever ride over 10 miles as the pair get more used to each other’s styles: “The second time racing a 2-Up with Chris, and what a ride it was! We made huge improvements on this ride with our tactics, and it’s the quickest I’ve ever gone over 10 miles, lots of fun – thanks to Mid Shropshire Wheelers”!

Davies and Hill managed to pull away slightly from the pair they shared the joint leads with, Sorrell Williams and Karl Lombardi after finishing in 24:06 with an 18 seconds advantage. Both Series are highly competitive at the top, with Wells and Riley making a charge into third spot in both Series after a belated teaming.

In third place on the night was another Wrekinsport pairing of Phil Roberts and Ben Southgate, who recorded a fine 21:56. Having raced as a pair before this was their first appearance in the 2024, and Roberts seems to have enjoyed his evening and was looking forward to a double-header on the horizon as the Series enjoys a packed July: “We have had the 2-Up series pencilled in for a while, and it’s fantastic to race with your mates. Sub-22 was an ambitious target we set, and we managed to achieve it, which was pleasing. There is a little bit of work to go on the tactics and pacing for the upcoming races, and we may have gone a little too hard, too early. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Series; Tom and Oli, and Chris and Hayley had cracking times”. For Southgate meanwhile it was all about preparation on the right bike: “It went well, I just need to get more time on the time trial bike”.

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after four rounds

Overall

Mixed Team: