R7 Friction Hydraulics Series: Anfield BC 100

It was a war of attrition for Shropshire riders in the classic Anfield BC 100 as a tricky and rare north-easterly wind, illness, heat and mechanical issues meant just five County riders completed the oldest extant time trial in the world. Introduced in 1889, this long-distance race has always featured Shropshire roads, but with a new course receiving first use based upon Hodnet – Shawbury and Shawbirch a nagging wind sapped competitor’s strength on the long 9.5 mile slog from Shawbirch to Hodnet, which had to be endured four times, with the temptation of the Ellerdine Village Hall HQ always reasonably close by.

Containing Round 7 of The Friction Hydraulics Series, Wrekinsport’s Tomos Hales took the win, and was the only County rider to beat 25mph average with an excellent effort of 3 hours 55 minutes 43 seconds. This moved him up to 4^th Overall in the Friction Series with none of the leading trio in competition – Series leader Tim Beardmore citing back issues and current second placed team mate Jonathan Mills-Keeling desirous of a short break to recharge his batteries. Hales took full advantage to make up ground lost whilst training in Majorca, and used the strength gained from quality miles in the sun. Strategy is all important in a 100 mile race, with correct feeding as big a part as pure power, with Hales striking the right balance: “I was happy to be quite comfortably under the four hour mark for the 100. I fuelled a lot better this time and didn’t fade as much as I normally do towards the end. The top section of the course was enjoyed each lap with an amazing tailwind – thanks to the Anfield 100 mile organisers and all the marshals that helped out”.

Paramount’s Rob McGregor also took full advantage of the bonus points on offer for long distance events to move into the Top 10 standings thanks to crossing the line in 4:18:27; but suffered in the wind on what is a surprisingly sporting circuit, incorporating 1522 feet of climbing – just 69 feet less than the 2022 version. McGregor stated: “It was another great event by Anfield BC! I think the new course felt harder than last years, but it wasn’t helped by the north westerly wind that got stronger throughout the day. I’m really happy with my ride – thanks to everyone involved in running the event”.

Also moving into the Top 10 Overall was North Shropshire Wheelers’ James Neale, helping himself to 3^rd spot in 4:31:02, and taking runner-up Veteran’s spot with +11:20, showing the toughness of the morning. Many riders state that they go through a bad patch at this distance, often between 60-70 miles in which takes determination to keep battling and come out the other side. Correct feeding is part of that strategy but taking every distraction available from roadside support and other competitors, drinking at regular intervals from bottles handed up by helpers, and trying never to think further than the end of the current course leg shows the mental tactics required. Neale hit that bad patch at 60 miles and showed how tricky things can get when you hit the wall of pain: “I bonked at about 60 miles just as the breeze seemed to pick up. I struggled to get any real momentum going and I was glad just to finish. Thanks to the volunteers and my supporters Steve and Linda who kept me motivated on a pretty tough day. The gusting wind was a nightmare and I was hardly on the aero bars second half – some hairy moments with the wind whipping up through gates and cut hedges”.

Neale was beaten to Veteran’s honours by Oswestry Paragon’s Helen Tudor, who also took the Women’s win and stretched her lead at the top of the Women’s standings to 115 points thanks to an 80 point winning bonus. Tudor is well versed in coping with long distance races and finished in 5:03:55, with a winning Veteran’s +18:29. She commented: “A classic event, great marshalling and brilliant support around the circuit on our doorstep, so a shame to see just five SCCA riders finishing. It was tough from Shawbirch to Espley; I didn’t feel great but happy to get a course best.”

Taking the final place in the five-strong line-up was Hafren CC’s Simon Jones, ending his morning on 5:13:44. Jones amply demonstrated the difference supporters roaring on riders around the course can make, with the long distances often attracting many spectators both out on the course and at key locations. He stated: “I thought the course was good and would make a good 25. 100 miles is tough to do on any bike if not alone and against the clock, but it was made more manageable by all the marshals, spectators and fellow competitors support when passing. A big thank you should go out to all involved in organising the event – yes the wind did make it harder in places, but all in all it was a good day”.

SCCA result:

Veterans:

Women:

Top Club Award:

Cumulative Standings after seven rounds

Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series

Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship

Friction and Hydraulic Services Women’s Championship

Friction and Hydraulic Services Junior Championship

Top Club Award