SB R6: Nova Raiders 10

Torrential rain and miserable conditions put off 50% of the field starting in Round 6 of the SB Sports Injuries Series, with a course change due to road works, biting cold and standing water to negotiate thrown in for good measure in Nova Raiders’ 10 on the Waters Upton – Hodnet course. The eleven riders who braved the worst of it had the chance of earning big points – with Overall SB Series leader and SB Junior Series leader putting distance between himself and the chasing pack after beating off the rider laying in the Silver medal spot, Dean Callister by five seconds.

Thoroughly wet conditions are often accompanied by easy passage through the air, but not here as riders battled against a fearsome wind to ensure the feeling of having the kitchen sink thrown at them was complete. Bedford was a full minute down on his times set in the SCCA 10’s utilising the same course back in April, stopping the watch on 21 minutes 23 seconds and showing the struggle to make progress. Bedford stretched his lead by two extra points over Callister in the Overall standings and by a huge and very welcome maximum 20 points in the Juniors, taking advantage of other’s reticence. His comments spoke volumes: “The weather was hands down the worst I ever raced in, chucking it down, standing water and brutal wind. It was certainly character building, but I’m pleased to come away with the Overall – thanks to Nova Raiders for putting the event on”.

Callister took the honours amongst the promoting club’s riders with a fine 21:28 to put distance between himself and the chasing pack, adding 18 points to his tally and opening up a 34 point advantage. He stated: “Possibly the worst weather I have raced in, very wet and windy but actually had fun. Well done to Henri with a top effort in tough conditions. Big thanks to the Nova Raiders for standing in the cold and wet and making it happen”. Callister’s closest challenger was Wrekinsport’s Tomos Hales, who crossed the line in 22:17 and elevated himself into joint third Overall on the strength of this ride.

In the SB Veteran’s Championship there was one clear winner, with Rob Jones on the comeback trail after a decade away from racing. Jones crept into the Top 10 in the Veteran’s standings with a fine +2:55, beating Paramount CRTs Chris Riley into the runner-up spot on +0:57. Jones’ post-race comments were both amusing and revealing, including a name check for the embattled organiser Fliss Connor and the stalwart helpers who made an evening of it for those who raced: “My third event this year after about a 10 year lay off. Cold, wet and windy – ideal conditions for a time trial! I tried to talk myself out of doing it but couldn’t let all the hard work of organisers and marshal’s giving up their evening to stand in the rain down, so sign on it was to be. Soaking wet and shivering on the start line you’ve got to ask yourself – why!? Once the timekeeper counted 5-4-3-2-1 go that was it, focus on getting the job done. Bit of a tail wind on the way out so push hard, but hold back just enough to get back into a strong head wind – easier said than done. Turn at the Hodnet island then grind it out into a headwind for the return leg leaving just enough air in your lungs to shout ‘Number 10’ as you cross the finish line A tough night but as Fliss said ‘It’s character building’ – never a truer word said!”

Also on the comeback trail is Charlotte Chapman after a much shorter time away and who despite still finding her form took the SB Women’s win even though it was not at her usual zippy pace that she will surely regain as the season progresses. Chapman ended her evening on 29 minutes exactly, beating team mate Marie Llewellyn by 13 seconds. She stated: “The wettest time trial I’ve ever done! I had to wring out my socks after! But I was there and ready; so I wasn’t going to wimp out (I did keep the raincoat on however) – massive kudos to the marshals.” Meanwhile Llewellyn elevated herself into the lead of the SB Women’s Series after this ride and now holds a 14 points lead.

Full:

Veterans:

Women’s:

Juniors:

Cumulative Standings after six rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women

Juniors