SB Sports Injuries Series R8: Nova Raiders Tiddly 10

Nova Raiders Tiddly 10

Chris Halford stretched out his SB Sports Injuries Series lead despite a sopping wet, miserable evening in the inaugural Nova Raiders ‘Tiddly 10’ as riders shivered their way around a course with plenty of promise given a better day. Known to hate riding in the cold and wet, Halford steeled himself against the conditions and tried his best to get the experience over quickly on the Cold Hatton – Hodnet – Ellerdine triangle, stopping the watch on 22 minutes 21 seconds to extend his Overall lead from Ian Nisbett to 16 points.

Halford wasn’t finished there either as he also took victory in the Veteran’s competition from the same rider with a fine +4:15 Standard and opened up his lead to 14 points in this Championship. Like many however Halford had to battle the elements down the A53 towards Shawbury as the wind added an extra dimension to proceedings. He stated: “A big thanks to the people standing out in the cold  and wet. My first time on this course, I was fast to the turn then struggled. My motivation was a hot cup of coffee and the car!“

Hafren CC’s Ian Nisbett was also experiencing the course for the first time and finished 26 seconds behind Halford on actual in 22:47; and 31 seconds behind in the Veteran’s on +3:44 when the age-related Standard had been applied, pushing out North Shropshire Wheelers’ Richard Kay into third spot in the Veterans. With the newly re-laid Peplow section garnering a lot of anticipation Nisbett was dismayed to struggle on the A53 section after a solid start, stating: “I thought the course would be faster than it was – though the gusty wind and rain obviously played a part. It was all OK to the roundabout but I felt sluggish on the run in. A big thanks to all the marshals for braving the weather on our behalf“.

Nisbett nearly got usurped by the youngest rider in the field as Henri Bedford not only won the Junior event, he took third place Overall too. 15 year-old Bedford finished just seven seconds behind Nisbett with his light weight a significant advantage on the only drag on an otherwise pan flat course – leaving Hodnet. The Revolutions Racing rider crossed the line in 23:54, pushing Kay down to fourth Overall by 10 seconds as the youngster extended his Junior Series lead to a giant 88 points as he sets about a sterling defence of his 2018 Junior title. Like many riders Bedford was being introduced to this old course that has been brought back into use for 2019, commenting: “First time out for me on the course. I had a good ride and was pleased with my time given the weather which could have been kinder. Well done to all riders, and to Nova Raiders for hosting“.

In the Women’s Championship Round 7 winner Jenny Newton made up further ground on Women’s Series leader Louise Hurdley, beating the Hafren CC rider by 58 seconds in a good time of 26:15. Newton moved up into joint runner-up spot on the strength of her ride, and like many was being introduced to the course – though the wet and cold clearly affected her ride. She stated: “A new course for me. I enjoyed the change and the smooth addition to Peplow, but didn’t feel as strong as in the previous week’s event. I aimed for under 26 but it was not to be, still, happy with the win. Thanks again to team mates for organising and marshalling“.

Result:

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Series – Round 8

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Veterans Series – Round 8

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Women’s Series – Round 8

SB Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy Junior Series – Round 8

Cumulative Standings after eight rounds

Overall

Veterans

Women’s

Juniors

• Round 9 of the SB Sports Injuries Series takes place on 19th June when North Shropshire Wheelers present their Battlefield 25 on the sporting Prees – Battlefield course.