R6 UKICT 2-Up Series: Ludlow CC 10

Graeme Donnell and Andrew Lacon took another huge step towards sealing the UK ICT 2-UP Series Championship with a maiden win in Round 6, Ludlow CC’s Brimfield 10. The Nova Raiders pair encountered the bowl-shaped course for the first time and took full advantage of the initial 1.8 mile descent whilst battling up the climb to the turn at Sheet island, flying back to finish in 21 minutes 14 seconds. This was a personal best for the pair at the discipline who enjoyed their trip into the unknown, with Donnell particularly appreciative of the course, stating: “First time racing this course and wow! It was perfect for Andrew and I, being slightly larger than average, and we took full advantage on the fast return in warm and fast conditions. Very personable Ludlow CC organisers – definitely recommended”.

Despite gaining a Personal Best Lacon was a little disappointed that they didn’t go faster with the northerly wind sapping strength towards the turn. He added: “We were hoping for a slightly faster time, but really happy with the win and a Personal Best time for a 2-Up. Our first time riding the course and I really enjoyed the fast sections on a good evening for racing”.

Runners-up spot went to two of the promoting club’s riders Dan Cutting and Robbie Disney, making their debut in the 2021 Series with a fine effort of 22:03 – although things did not go exactly to plan thanks to a last minute bike change for Disney as he explained: “Unfortunately I had a mechanical with the time trial bike leaving the house so it had to be the road bike. It was always going to be a tough one for me as I’m not very good at short courses and Dan is. It was hard work keeping up with Dan especially on the down hills, but I gave it everything I had, though he ended up dropping me in the last 500 metres. It’s probably the hardest I’ve pushed myself in a while, shame the time doesn’t reflect the effort as it was a slow night”. Cutting added: “It was a nice evening, but really hot, really tough conditions on the way out. We were a bit mismatched with Robbie on his road bike and me on a time trial bike, plus I’m old enough to be his dad, but we went well on the way back”.

The other Ludlow team Ludlow Brewery RT took third spot by five seconds with Rhys Jones and Andrew ‘Ernie’ Evans stopping the watch on 22:08. Jones commented: “Both Ernie and myself were pleased with our result in the 2-Up time trial considering it was such a hot evening. Thank you to Ludlow Cycling Club for hosting the event”.

The first medals of the Series were settled in the Mixed Team Championship with Hafren CC pair Emma Serjeant and Mark Hill defending the title for the third year running. The pair also lie a strong third in the Overall Series thanks to some great efforts and clearly love the format, crossing the line in 23:17, with Serjeant commenting: “I love the Ludlow course, Mark and I found our flow even on a very hot evening and worked well together to get a season personal best. The 2-Ups are my favourite Series, a good mix of courses and lots of banter with the other teams. I’m so happy to take the Mixed Team win and be racing 2-Up again. Thank you to all the organisers and helpers who make it happen and run so smoothly”. Hill added: “A boiling hot evening, 30ºc: not so much warming up as too hot! Emma went off first taking the descent at a steady pace. A strong headwind down and all the way to the turn kept us pushing. Once round the turn and downhill again we sped up quickly, both enjoying the return speed, and crossing the line together absolutely exhausted with the temperature. Love that event”.

Full result:

Mixed Team:

Cumulative Standings after six rounds

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team