North Shropshire Wheelers 2-Up

The Shropshire time trialling season unusually opened with a fast and furious format that acted as a severe shock to the system – both due to the chilly temperature and a tweak to a familiar course to add an uphill start. 2-Up’s are notorious for stretching riders to up their game, and last year’s Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series Silver medallists Matt Gibbons and Scott Harris had to go above and beyond to take the win at the head of a good field of 17 teams despite Harris feeling distinctly under par.

The Nova Raiders’ pairing stopped the clock on 22 minutes 45 seconds in the North Shropshire Wheelers’ 10 at Prees to set the benchmark performance – but as Gibbons explained it nearly didn’t happen: “Scott has not been well and nearly didn’t start. A tough race with an uphill start in cold, wet and foggy conditions. However it’s good to be back racing and I enjoyed the win“. Harris added: “I’m full of a cold and the new uphill start was a shock to the system for the first race of the season. It was good to take the win thanks to Matt putting in some big turns. Thanks North Shropshire Wheelers, marshals and timekeepers“.

Harris’ former 2-Up partner Ed Middleton was back with a new partner after a season away from the format – and the teaming with Nick Long proved an effective combination as the pair finished 52 seconds off the pace in runner-up spot. Both indicated there was more to come as they get used to each other’s style, with Long stating: “It was great to find my time trial legs after a winter of crit racing. I’m looking forward to a successful 2-Up partnership with Ed – plenty to learn over the season! Thanks to North Shropshire Wheelers for marshalling in the cold“. Middleton added: “My first ride with Nick so we have plenty to work on. Thanks to North Shropshire Wheelers for hosting, and well done to all who raced on a chilly morning“!

Long and Middleton pushed out the experienced Hafren CC pairing on Neil Vose and Mark Hill by 18 seconds as last season’s Bronze medallists look to get in amongst the medals once more.

The Mixed Team category had an excellent level of competition with seven squads taking the line, with Father and Daughter Andy Collins and Lucy Hart posting an excellent time of 25:40 despite a few teething problems brought about by new bikes. Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Collins explained: “We were both on bikes we had never ridden before and now realise our positions are all wrong so I am busy modifying them for our next event. We were happy with our first outing but hoping to do much better! It was great fun, a bit chilly at the start but you soon warmed up. Overall a great morning and nice because everyone is very friendly“.

Collins’ comments echo the friendly rivalries that spring up in this format, with their win of 41 seconds pushing another Nova Raiders pairing, the husband and wife team of Bernard and Deb Hutson-Lumb into runner-up spot in this category.

The winners of the Women’s Championship for the last two years set out their stall in defence of that title with a win, albeit with a time they will surely improve on. Jenny Newton and Jane Chapman crossed the line in 28:14 to beat the Evolve pairing of Jo Coombes and Charlotte Wellsbury by over five minutes, with both Nova Raiders indicating it was a tough start. Newton commented: “I’m not feeling quite race ready yet, however we kept a steady pace and I enjoyed it overall. Good to be back to it“. Chapman added: “A shock to the system but good to be back. A great turn out for the first 2-Up“.

Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series – Round 1

Overall

Mixed Team

Women’s Team

• Round 2 of the Coaching Revolutions 2-Up Series takes place on 22nd April when Coaching Revolutions promote their 10 mile race on the very fast Nesscliffe bypass course. Start Time 9:00, Course Details D10/22