R4 SB Sports Injuries Series: Wrekinsport CC Hannah Phipps-Jones 18

Both the overall and female course records were smashed in Round 4 of the SB Sports Injuries Series on a windy evening in Wrekinsport CC’s Hannah Phipps-Jones 18. Held on a reserve course between Shawbirch and Hodnet, the last time this had had to be called into use was in 2022 – but the records both date back even further to 2020. Tomos Hales took a huge win in 38 minutes 8 seconds to knock 21 seconds off the record of the rider who finished as runner-u on the night, Dan Watts; whilst Hayley Wells continues to break records with a fabulous 42:24, slicing 50 seconds off Deb Hutson-Lumb’s benchmark.

Riders expressed getting a rare chance to ride this course as a refreshing change – so much so that the club committee are considering making it the main choice in 2027. Hales’ comments echoed this sentiment: “I haven’t done this course for over four years, so it was nice to do it again. I felt very good on the ride and managed to deal with the difficult crosswind which persisted for the whole ride. Clearly the new roundabout didn’t slow me up as the new tarmac made me quicker. It’s good to have the course record; and thanks for Wrekinsport for hosting they do a great job”. The reigning Series Champion lifted himself to the top of the standings as a result of this ride, but only has a narrow two point lead over previous leader Chris Riley.

Wells was delighted at lowering yet another female course record in a feat that is almost becoming routine this season as she builds on the success of 2025 and has come back even stronger. Like Hales, the conditions looked like playing a significant part, but she surprised herself: “It was a breezy night which threw me off my rhythm a bit so I was not expecting much! I found the ‘out’ leg quite tough, but then managed to claw back a bit of time on the return leg. Excellent organisation and atmosphere as always from Wrekinsport; and it was good to ride a course which isn’t used very often”. Reigning Female Champion Wells lifted herself back to the top of the table on the back of this effort after missing two earlier rounds and is clearly making up for lost time with a ride good enough for eighth spot overall from a 29-strong field.

Watts is more normally seen racing a Road Bike, but dug his Time Trial bike out on another tricky evening which gave him some issues as the deeper-section wheels took the brunt. He was generous in his post-race comments about his record falling after taking the runner-up spot in 39:16: “There’s nothing like reintroducing yourself to the handling of a Time Trial bike than to ride on an extremely strong crosswind evening! All in all I’m pleased to take second, and still trying to find those time trailling legs of old. Congrats to both Tom and Hayley for their course records, even if it does see my time from 2020 fall”.

Another rider also making his 2026 debut took third spot as Jonathan Whittaker stopped the watch on 41:01 to see off the challenge of Wrekinsport’s Ben Wood by 16 seconds. Whittaker explained his absence so far: “This was my first opportunity for an outing on my Time Trial bike in 2026; and this was my first time doing this course, but no better place to do it as it’s a section of road that makes up so much of our yearly time trials. It was nice to come away with third position, being my first event of the year. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, albeit a little windy on course. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season’s time trials along the Shropshire roads – thanks to Wrekinsport and all the volunteers for putting the event together”.

In the SB Veterans Series Paramount’s Chris Riley added another 20 points for his win to put a firm stranglehold on the championship as he extended his lead to 30 points after finishing with a +7:39 standard; 11 seconds better than Wrekinsport’s Chris Halford. Unlike other comments about the wind hampering progress, Riley’s perspective was positive, particularly with some warmth finally thrown in: “My third bash at this course and a little faster than 2022. The fresh easterly wind was the right kind of air, and the warm conditions made for a great evening of racing. There was a good turnout, some superstar performances and a lovely atmosphere, which is standard at the Wrekinsport events. I’m enjoying the SB Series this year which I’d recommend for its range of races and friendly welcome – thanks everyone”.

Another rider making hay whilst the sun shines was North Shropshire Wheelers’ Richard Simpson, who stretched his lead at the top of the SB Road Bike Series with his third win from four events. Simpson now has a 22 point lead over George Coombes after finishing in an adjusted 42:22 to Coombes’ 43:16. He stated: “Very strong crosswinds, especially in the first 5 miles or so made for challenging riding at times, but I was pleased with my performance despite being held up slightly at the turn“.

Full:

Veterans:

Females:

Road Bikes (on handicap):

Cumulative Standings after four rounds

Overall

Veterans

Road Bike

Females