Wrekinsport CC Chris Edwards Hilly 17 – Report

The Overall and Female course records were smashed in the opening round of the 2026 Friction Hydraulics Series, with Kirk Vickers knocking 41 seconds off Thomas Bill’s benchmark; and Hayley Wells slicing 1 minute 46 seconds off her own female course record, both set in 2025. And there was further reason to celebrate for organisers Wrekinsport CC in their Chris Edwards Hilly 17 promotion as the entry level leapt 45% – with road bikes making up 62% of the field in the fastest-growing sector of time trialling.

Just three years ago the club was thinking of pulling the plug on this event with entries in the teens; but a change to the new Atcham – Ironbridge bypass course, along with the road bike initiative saw a strong field of 51 making the best of a fine, if slightly chilly early spring day. Featuring an actual hill climb course within it, this race was a natural to attract hill climbing specialists, with current and former Shropshire Champions well represented – as well as the welcome sight of a travelling double National Hill Climb Champion.

Four time BBR Champion Kirk Vickers riding for Holohan Coaching took a solid win to become the first ever rider below 40 minutes, stopping the watch on 39 minutes 26 seconds in his first ever attempt at the course. He had an advantageous draw however, starting one minute behind 2022 BBR Champion Tomos Hales – something that spurred on both riders to greater heights both metaphorically and in actuality as Vickers fought hard to reel Hales in. He stated: “I really enjoyed the undulating course, exactly my kind of effort. It was a chilly day, but the legs felt good. Well done to everyone who rode, it was a great turnout”.

Hales knew he was in for a battle, commenting about the field layout in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but there was little doubt that it meant he was going to strain ever sinew to stave off the challenge and knocking a huge 1:41 off his 2025 effort in the process, finishing runner-up in 40:45. Newly signed for Aerologic, Hales had a plan the make Vickers work for it, and crossed the finish line just 19 seconds later. He commented: “I was keen to improve my time from last year on this new course. The plan was to try to hold him off until at least half way point, and to attack on each climb. I felt really good, but not good enough to hold off Kirk who caught me up the climb to Leighton on the return. Well done to him with an awesome time on a relic of a time trial bike, it just shows you need good legs to win and set a course record! Thanks for Wrekinsport for hosting; and great numbers of entries for the first time trial of the year”.

The privilege of attracting 2014 and 2017 National Hill Climb Champion Dan Evans to Shropshire was a real bonus for the event, as he won the Road Bike category overall in 41 minutes exactly. Marshals at the foot of the Ironbridge bypass reported watching in awe as Evans tackled the climb visibly faster than any other competitor. The question was – why would a National Champion be attracted to travel? Evans explained: “I really enjoyed the course; it was a nice flowing route with the obvious sting in the tail up to the turn. I appreciated the lack of traffic too; it was nice and quiet out on the roads. I’m trying to focus on some road bike time trials this year with one eye on the British Hill Climb up Porlock Toll at the end of October. That’s a real TT type effort, so it’s an area of my riding that I need to concentrate on”.

Taking the Road Bike honours for Shropshire was Dave Scott Coaching’s James Pearce, crossing the line in 42:01 and taking 1:14 out of another Holohan Coaching rider, Chris Pook. Pearce’s sights were set slightly further a field though, as his sole goal was to beat another four-time BBR Champion, the current holder and owner of his team – Dave Scott, in a friendly rivalry. Pearce stated: “The plan was simple – go hard on the way out, go even harder up the climb, and then go hard again on the way back! I finished second overall in the road bike category, which is OK. Clearly I should have pushed harder, so I’ll remember that for next time. But most importantly – I still managed to beat Dave Scott, which is really the only metric that matters!” Scott ended his afternoon on 44:04.

The Female record was shattered by 2024 BBR Female Champion Hayley Wells, also making her second attempt at the course. With a benchmark of 46:16 from 2025 to beat, she did that easily, throwing herself across the finish line in 44:30 for 9th SCCA overall, a fabulous result. Wells is clearly on form right from the off, but revealed that this course plays to her strengths: “It was great to be back racing on Shropshire roads. Hilly time trials suit me well, so the slog up Buildwas Bank was a welcomed challenge! I felt strong, and paced this rolling course well – great motivation to start the season!

But things didn’t go as well for Simon Romei, the 2025 event winner as a mistake at the turn cost him time he had worked hard to gain by battling into the modest headwind. With a turn at the top of Jiggers Bank, Romei somehow took the turn a junction early and had to frantically turn around after realising, aided by shouts from the marshals, showing the red mist and narrow focus that can descend during competition. Fortunately for Romei the estimated 15 seconds he lost correcting his course didn’t cost him the Veteran’s win – just – as he kept Pook out by a solitary second, finishing with +1:33 to Pook’s +1:32. Romei expressed a mixture of disbelief and relief when told he had still managed to secure the win, commenting: “I was super happy to have secured first Veteran, what a great, testing course this is. I went out pretty hard knowing it was going to be a tail wind back in. I went super hard up Buildwas Bank, which in turn made me have a lapse in concentration and I took the wrong exit off the island! I really did have to dig deep to get back on track. Also I’d like to say massive thank you to the timekeepers and marshals who did a fantastic job of arranging this event and running a safe race. The cakes were great back at HQ”!

The first use of the new ‘Best Score’ method of gaining Top Club Award points showed graphically the major contribution Road Bike riders, Females – and potentially Juniors – can make to this competition, with Paramount gaining 375 points, ahead of Dave Scott Coaching on 240.   

Pos’nForenameSurnameClubCatMachineTime
1KirkVickersHolohan Coaching Race TeamSTT0:39:26
2TomosHalesAerologic RTSTT0:40:45
3DanEvansThe Black Cat Cycling ClubVRB0:41:00
4JamesPearceDave Scott CoachingSRB0:42:01
5ChrisPookHolohan Coaching Race TeamVTT0:43:15
6OliFreemanWrekinsport CCSTT0:43:30
7MikeSeniorWrekinsport CCVTT0:43:44
8SimonRomeiParamount CRTVTT0:43:55
9DavidScottDave Scott CoachingSRB0:44:04
10HayleyWellsAerologic RTFTT0:44:30
11PhilipRobertsWrekinsport CCSTT0:44:59
12NateDoddVelo6 RacingSRB0:45:00
13PaulEdwardsWrekinsport CCVTT0:45:06
14RobertMcGregorParamount CRTSTT0:45:12
15NiallKenyonDave Scott CoachingSTT0:45:19
16LukeTaylorDave Scott CoachingVRB0:45:26
17ChristopherRileyParamount CRTVTT0:45:42
18ChrisSpencerVelo6 RacingVRB0:45:50
19StuartProctorDave Scott CoachingVRB0:45:56
20JonathanGohParamount CRTVRB0:46:19
21DominicHillBec CCVRB0:46:31
22ThomasGittensRuthin Cycling ClubSRB0:46:47
23MitchellFletcherParamount CRTSTT0:47:06
24PaulBaileyBridgnorth Cycling ClubVRB0:48:05
25AdamMumfordWrekinsport CCSTT0:49:10
26KarlMoseleyBridgnorth Cycling ClubVRB0:49:15
27JamesElgarParamount CRTVRB0:50:15
28JohnProudloveVelo6 RacingVRB0:50:16
29MarkFennShropshire CCAVRB0:50:39
30GrahamDonnellyRuthin Cycling ClubVRB0:50:45
31LeeProctorDave Scott CoachingVRB0:51:19
32PeterJukesWrekinsport CCVRB0:51:48
33IanConnollyLudlow CCVTT0:52:15
34AndrewDawsonParamount CRTVRB0:52:29
35TheaOsmund-SmithParamount CRTFVRB0:53:56
36AllanHendersonWrekinsport CCVRB0:54:22
37ClaireBlackwell-SmythParamount CRTFVRB0:54:52
38TimEvansNewport (Shropshire) CCVTT0:55:23
39BenBeachellRhos-on-Sea CCVTT0:56:11
40DavidCannellParamount CRTVRB0:57:02
41MichaelHaddonBridgnorth Cycling ClubVRB0:58:09
42AshleyKirkhamWrekinsport CCVRB0:59:05
43PeterRickardParamount CRTVRB0:59:44
44RebeccaPughParamount CRTFRB1:00:13
45NickHickmanParamount CRTVRB1:01:01
46GillSnelsonParamount CRTVRB1:01:02
.AndrewClarkeNorth Shropshire WheelersVRBDNF
.EvieFletcherParamount CRTFTTDNS-A
.NickGilesPocomotion Road ClubVRBDNS-A
.ChrisDebensVTTA (Midlands)VRBDNS
.IanLaverieWrekinsport CCVTTDNS

Friction Hydraulics Series Round 1: Wrekinsport CC Chris Edwards Hilly 17

Start list:

NumberForenameSurnameClubClassCatMachineStart Time
1ChristopherRileyParamount CRTOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:01:00
2AndrewClarkeNorth Shropshire WheelersOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:02:00
3ClaireBlackwell-SmythParamount CRTFemaleVeteranRoad Bike14:03:00
4MichaelHaddonBridgnorth Cycling ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:04:00
5JohnProudloveVelo6 RacingOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:05:00
6AllanHendersonWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:06:00
7NickHickmanParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:07:00
8MarkFennShropshire CCAOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:08:00
9GillSnelsonParamount CRTFemaleVeteranRoad Bike14:09:00
10DanEvansThe Black Cat Cycling ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:10:00
11NickGilesPocomotion Road ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:11:00
12AshleyKirkhamWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:12:00
13RebeccaPughParamount CRTFemaleSeniorRoad Bike14:13:00
14PeterJukesWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:14:00
15ChrisSpencerVelo6 RacingOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:15:00
16PaulBaileyBridgnorth Cycling ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:16:00
17JamesElgarParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:17:00
18NateDoddVelo6 RacingOpenSeniorRoad Bike14:18:00
19ChrisDebensVTTA (Midlands)OpenVeteranRoad Bike14:19:00
20DavidScottDave Scott CoachingOpenSeniorRoad Bike14:20:00
21DominicHillBec CCOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:21:00
22DavidCannellParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:22:00
23StuartProctorDave Scott CoachingOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:23:00
24PeterRickardParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:24:00
25JamesPearceDave Scott CoachingOpenSeniorRoad Bike14:25:00
26AndrewDawsonParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:26:00
27KarlMoseleyBridgnorth Cycling ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:27:00
28TheaOsmund-SmithParamount CRTFemaleVeteranRoad Bike14:28:00
29ThomasGittensRuthin Cycling ClubOpenSeniorRoad Bike14:29:00
30LukeTaylorDave Scott CoachingOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:30:00
31GrahamDonnellyRuthin Cycling ClubOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:31:00
32LeeProctorDave Scott CoachingOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:32:00
33JonathanGohParamount CRTOpenVeteranRoad Bike14:33:00
34TimEvansNewport (Shropshire) CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:34:00
35PhilipRobertsWrekinsport CCOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:35:00
36RobertMcGregorParamount CRTOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:36:00
37IanLaverieWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:37:00
38BenBeachellRhos-on-Sea CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:38:00
39EvieFryer-JonesParamount CRTFemaleSeniorTime Trial Bike14:39:00
40TomosHalesAerologic RTOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:40:00
41KirkVickersHolohan Coaching Race TeamOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:41:00
42AdamMumfordWrekinsport CCOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:42:00
43IanConnollyLudlow CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:43:00
44OliFreemanWrekinsport CCOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:44:00
45NiallKenyonDave Scott CoachingOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:45:00
46HayleyWellsAerologic RTFemaleSeniorTime Trial Bike14:46:00
47PaulEdwardsWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:47:00
48MitchellFletcherParamount CRTOpenSeniorTime Trial Bike14:48:00
49MikeSeniorWrekinsport CCOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:49:00
50SimonRomeiParamount CRTOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:50:00
51ChrisPookHolohan Coaching Race TeamOpenVeteranTime Trial Bike14:51:00

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.14

A tough evening saw the final medals decided in the Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport as the 14th round saw riders having to cope with a stiff westerly wind that made things difficult on the hardest part of the course – the climb of Cotwall Bank. Times were well down on usual, evidenced by the winning time of 23 minutes 1 second recorded by Oli Freeman, which saw him move into the overall Silver medal position at the last gap, overtaking Ben Wood. Freeman’s nearest competition came from a great effort by Ian Laverie, finishing in 23:30.

All interest was on the Road Bike competition, which has been keenly fought this season. Won overall by Wolverhampton Wheelers CC Junior Tom Oxley in 24:31, good enough for 3rd overall; It was a straight head-to-head between Peter Jukes and Allan Henderson, with Jukes edging out Henderson by 24 seconds in 26:04 to win Silver outright by just two points, whereas a reversal would have seen them share that medal. However that didn’t stop Matt Price taking the Road Bike honours among the Wrekinsport contingent on the night in 25:25, missing out on a medal by five points.

With no females in competition on an evening attracting a modest 11 riders the Silver medal went to Victoria Doran whilst Bronze was taken by Karen Sherriff. Meanwhile in the inaugural 2-Up competition Dave Moore made it a brace. After riding most of the season with Price he rode a final event with a different partner, Dave Seager to win both Silver and Bronze.

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.14

Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeNo.
1Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCSTT23:011
2Ian LaverieWrekinsport CCVTT23:3010
3Tom OxleyWolverhampton Wheelers CCJRB24:319
4Cameron Coley-SmithWrekinsport CCSTT24:4111
5Matt PriceWrekinsport CCVRB25:258
6Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB26:043
7Allan HendersonWrekinsport CCVRB26:282
8Chris MarrsMid Shropshire WheelersVTT27:444
9Franco Della MuraWrekinsport CCVTT27:577
10Vince EvansWrekinsport CCVTT28:166
11Paul DucommunMid Shropshire WheelersVRB28:445

Final Cumulative Standings after fourteen rounds

Solo – Overall

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Tomos Hales48
2Oli Freeman42
3Ben Wood38
4Hayley Wells31
5Chris Halford29
6Peter Jukes16
=7Phil Roberts15
=7Rich Smith15
=9Allan Henderson13
=9Cameron Coley-Smith13
=9Ian Laverie13
=9Matt Price13

Solo – Road Bikes

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Rich Smith61
2Peter Jukes49
3Allan Henderson47
4Matt Price42
5David Seager24
6Chris Halford12
=7Chris Dunn5
=7Sarah Bradshaw5
9Dave Moore3

Solo – Women

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Hayley Wells54
2Victoria Doran20
3Karen Sherriff16
4Sarah Bradshaw8
5Emma Horne5

2-Up – Overall

Pos’nNameTop 5
1Oli Freeman & Phil Roberts30
2Dave Moore & Matt Price23
3Dave Moore & Dave Seager6

Willomoor Bank Hill Climb

Riders pointed their bikes skywards in the opening round of the BBR Hill Climb Series as Dave Scott took a narrow win in Round 1: Wrekinsport CC’s climb of Willomoor Bank – and female winner Hayley Wells lowered a club record that had stood for 12 years. Heading from the foot of The Wrekin towards Little Wenlock; the one mile course changes gradient frequently on the approach before ramping up to 15% after the final bend – not that that fazed Scott who stopped the watch on 3 minutes 38 seconds in a strong opening defence of a Championship he has made his own for the last two years, pushing out Tomos Hales by two seconds. Scott sounded an ominous warning to competitors with a course personal best, helped by a northerly tailwind. He commented: “It was nice to kick off the hill climb season with a personal best on the Wrekin. I paced it conservatively for the first half and finished strong up the steep ramp, which was the aim. I’m looking forward to another close battle with Tomos throughout the Series”!

Hales took runner-up spot and is looking for a strategy to overhaul Scott, who beat him by just two points in 2024 – the narrowest margin possible. Part of that strategy was giving a dedicated hill climb machine its first outing in anger; a type of steed with every weight-saving selection keenly researched and sought out to gain advantage given times are often split by fractions of a second. Hales was grateful for encouragement from club mates yelling encouragement and ringing cow bells, often associated with supporters on hill climbs. He stated: “My favourite hill climb of the year. My first attempt on it with the hill climb bike, and it felt good. I managed to save some for the steep finish, but definitely faded near the top. Well done to Dave with the win; and to the Wrekinsport guys that put on the show. It was nice to have a tail wind this year”.

Third place went to Junior winner Alex Hart of Mid Shropshire Wheelers in a discipline tailor-made for youngsters, who have the energy, weight advantage and often the audacity to take on climbs older riders struggle with as if they were nothing. Hart crossed the line in 3:44, the only other rider to beat four minutes; and is looking forward to later rounds after a short absence in this best 5 from 10 Series. He was generous in his comments about the quality of opposition stating: “I had a good ride against some tough opposition with great times by Dave Scott and Tomos Hales. I had forgotten how hard the hill climbs are! I’m going to miss the next couple as I’m in France riding downhill, but will be back to continue the battle; thanks to all the helpers who make these possible”.

Hart wasn’t the only rider who commented on the short-term pain for long-term gain prevalent in this format as Female winner Hayley Wells lowered Karen Summers’ 2013 Wrekinsport club record by 16 seconds to reset the benchmark to 4:28 in a superb opening defence of her BBR title, with closest challenge coming from Tammy Lewis-Jones of Clwb Beicio Egni Eryri in 4:55. Wells commented: ”The pain of hill climbs never get easier! Having ridden this climb a couple of times before I had a game plan; and with 90% tailwind it was going to be a quick night. Setting off strong and taking a small recovery in the middle allowed me to execute a solid ride which I’m proud of. An honour to not only take the win, but also hold a new club record; many thanks to Wrekinsport for a wonderful short, sweet evening of racing”.

In the Veterans classification the overall win was taken by regular visitor to Wrekinsport events, Hamish Maclean of Musselburgh RCC; with the County win taken by Wrekinsport’s Chris Dunn in 5:16. Maclean was surprised at winning on his first attempt at the course: “I was really surprised to be first Veteran – hill climbing isn’t normally my thing. It was a great event on a nice course. I didn’t pace things very well and had far too much left at the end. Thanks go to all the officials, marshals and bell ringers, a great night, I really enjoyed it”; Dunn has plenty of experience of the course however as a regular training route, but here he excelled himself with a personal best: “I have been riding that climb for a number of years now and according to my Strava times this was my best time up that hill; although on the day it felt like I had gone off to hard at the start, I managed to hold on to get a good time for me. All in all it was a great ride if a little tough, but I enjoyed it”.

Pos’nNameClubCatTimePointsNo.
1Dave ScottParamount CRTS3:382015
2Tomos HalesWrekinsport CCS3:40186
3Alex HartMid Shropshire WheelersJ3:44165
4Phil RobertsWrekinsport CCS4:15141
5Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCS4:18122
=6Ben WoodWrekinsport CCS4:211017
=6Jack YoungOswestry Paragon CCS4:21109
8Jonathan WhittakerSCCA Private MemberS4:24620
9Jack McGarryDave Scott TrainingS4:26.16
=10Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCF4:2847
=10Sam MessinghamWesterley Cycling ClubS4:28.10
12Hamish MacleanMusselburgh RCCV4:47.13
13Adam MumfordWrekinsport CCS4:51221
14Tammy Lewis-JonesClwb Beicio Egni EryriFV4:55.3
15Andrew IbisonDave Scott TrainingV5:06.19
16Chris DunnWrekinsport CCV5:16211
17Peter FletcherOswestry Paragon CCV5:1928
18Andy CollinsMid Shropshire WheelersV5:2124
19Clare Blackwell-SmythParamount CRTFV5:56214
20Rebecca PughParamount CRTF6:21218
21Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCV6:22212

Gordon Davies 19

The first medal of the 2025 SB Sports Injuries Series was sealed in Round 12, the Wrekinsport CC Gordon Davies 19 held over two laps of the Shawbirch – Cotwall Bank circuit as Hayley Wells took Female Gold with four rounds still remaining. Wells has been a dominant presence throughout the season and also tightened her grip on the Overall Bronze medal position with an excellent effort of 44 minutes 11 seconds, helping herself to fourth spot on the evening and taking her ninth win from her ninth event in the SB Sports Injuries Series, retaining her title. Wells’ total of 186 points gives her an unbeatable lead of 116 points with a maximum 80 remaining.

Wells opened with comments on how her race went before moving on to that impressive medal win: “I was conscious not to overcook it on the first lap. I set out at a sensible pace with the intention to ramp it up. Sadly not enough gas for a negative split, but control was maintained! It was a lovely evening of racing with a good turnout of riders; many thanks to Wrekinsport. I do love the variety of courses the SB Series offers across the season. Being able to race on some roads across the county we only use once or twice a season keeps things interesting and a great test! I was chuffed to have taken the overall Female Gold for this Series; special thanks to all the promoting clubs throughout the year who continue to allow each race to go ahead”. 

Dean Callister took an impressive overall win in 39:58, coping best with changeable conditions that saw the wind turn mid-event on a warm evening even though his time was down 33 seconds from Round 4 held on the same circuit. This pushed SB Series leader Tomos Hales into the runner-up spot despite bettering his Round 4 effort by 40 seconds to narrow the gap. Callister was pleased with his efforts, stating: “Good conditions again this year for this course, but slightly more wind than last time which definitely picked up on the second lap. My legs felt good, so I was happy with my effort and pleased to win; thanks to Wrekinsport for putting the event on”. Callister however had not had the best preparation, mistakenly thinking the race started at 7pm rather than it being advanced to 6:30pm due to available light, and missed his planned start time as a result, having to go off at the back of the field, whilst fortunate to avoid a late start penalty due to the more relaxed format here, but which is standard in Open events.

Hales stretched his lead slightly in defence of the SB title against the same rider who pushed him hard in 2024, Jonathan Mills-Keeling with his 41:07 ride and now holds a 50 point lead. He definitely noticed the strengthening wind and the change of direction to the north along the A442 mile straight towards the finish at Long Lane, a stretch that has to be navigated three times on this version of the circuit. He commented: “I do like the challenge of the Wrekinsport 2-lap 19 mile time trial The first lap seemed rather quick; however the wind direction changed for the second and was really in my face up Cotwall Bank. It also felt like a long slog up the finishing straight of the A442. Well done to Dean for a cracking time, even though he thought it was a 7pm start! Also thanks to Wrekinsport and all the marshals”.

Mills-Keeling took third spot overall in 43:23 and extended his lead at the head of the SB Veterans Series by six points with +8:03, but ended his race frustratingly stuck behind a slow moving artic, which thankfully didn’t affect his position on the night. The Aerologic rider is the third defending a title successfully, albeit with a slimmer eight point advantage over John Westhead who took fourth Veteran on the night with +3:53, behind the Wrekinsport pair of Clive Middleton and Ian Laverie in +7:46 and +6:58 respectively. Mills-Keeling stated: “Nice to see some friendly faces at the Wrekinsport 19. A decent first lap but got held up on the second lap bit which was disappointing, but it’s just the way it is in open roads. I was pleased with third overall and first Veteran”.

In the SB Road Bike Series Dan Watts made an impression in his second appearance of the season to take his second win. Watts stopped the watch on 46:08 to beat Matt Price who registered an adjusted 47:17 in this handicapped competition, but suffered as the temperature sizzled and the wind rose: “With the heat and the wind on Cotwall Bank it made it feel like riding into a hairdryer. The first lap was tough, but the second lap really pushed me to my limit, so I was happy to bring home the Road Bike win. Great rides again by Dean and Tomos; it’s been a great season-long battle to watch from afar; and kudos Hayley for a short 44 on that course”.

In the SB Junior Series Newport’s Ben Bramford-Hale crossed the line in exactly 46 minutes to knock 52 seconds off his Round 4 effort and chalk up a 40 point lead in this Series. The 15 year-old has got better and better as the season has gone on, often riding the one lap version of this course, and had words of thanks to the organisers of the regular club series: “Happy with the time overall, and it’s good to have that improved since the last 19 mile time trial I raced on this course earlier in the season. I’ve really enjoyed racing the time trials this year, and it is great to be leading the SB Junior Series. Massive thanks to the Wrekinsport organisers and volunteers to putting on the weekly events through the season”. 

Full:

Pos’nNameClubCatBike10 MilesTimePoints
1Dean CallisterAerologic RTSTT20:4639:5820
2Tomos HalesWrekinsport CCSTT21:2041:0718
3Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RTVTT22:2643:2316
4Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCFTT23:0244:1114
5Ben WoodWrekinsport CCSTT23:0044:5712
6Ian LaverieWrekinsport CCVTT23:1845:1810
7Ben Bramford-HaleNewport Shropshire CCJTT23:5546:008
8Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CCVTT23:3646:046
9Dan WattsSCCA Private MemberSRB23:4746:084
10Adam MumfordWrekinsport CCSTT23:4746:282
11Tim BurnSitwell CCSRB24:5248:13.
12Matt PriceWrekinsport CCVRB25:1249:002
13Hayden BeebeeTotal Tri TrainingSTT26:0550:04.
14Tom OxleyWolverhampton Wheelers CCJRB25:3350:07.
15Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB25:5750:292
16Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB26:2051:212
17Chris DunnWrekinsport CCVRB26:2551:412
18John WestheadParamount CRTVTT26:2451:562
19Mitchell FletcherParamount CRTSRB26:3851:572
20Paul O’BrienUnattachedVRB27:3052:53.
21David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB27:0253:092
22Franco Della MuraWrekinsport CCVTT27:3554:022
23Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCVTT27:5055:342
24Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB28:5656:552
25Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB29:2657:322
.Paul CoupeUnattachedVRB.DNF-P.

Veterans:

Vets Pos’nNameClubCatBikeVet +/-Vets Points
1Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RTVTT+8:0320
2Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CCVTT+7:4618
3Ian LaverieWrekinsport CCVTT+6:5816
4John WestheadParamount CRTVTT+3:5314
5Matt PriceWrekinsport CCVRB+2:3812
6Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB+2:1610
7Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB+1:098
8David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB-0:246
9Franco Della MuraWrekinsport CCVTT-1:024
10Chris DunnWrekinsport CCVRB-1:322
11Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB-1:492
12Paul O’BrienUnattachedVRB-2:16.
13Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCVTT-4:482

Females:

Female Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeFemale Points
1Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCFTT44:1120
2Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB57:3218

Road Bikes:

RB Pos’nNameClubCatBikeRB Adj TimeRB Points
1Dan WattsSCCA Private MemberSRB46:0820
2Matt PriceWrekinsport CCVRB47:1718
3Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB47:3916
4Tim BurnSitwell CCSRB48:13.
5Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB48:4614
6Tom OxleyWolverhampton Wheelers CCJRB50:07.
7David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB50:1912
8Chris DunnWrekinsport CCVRB51:2710
9Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB51:448
10Mitchell FletcherParamount CRTSRB51:576
11Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB52:084
12Paul O’BrienUnattachedVRB52:11.

Juniors:

Junior Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeJunior Points
1Ben Bramford-HaleNewport Shropshire CCJTT46:0020
2Tom OxleyWolverhampton Wheelers CCJRB50:07.

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.13

It was a close call at the top of the standings in Round 13 of The Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport as Oli Freeman was left cursing his luck after a dead stop at Shawbirch island due to passing traffic cost him the win – as Tomos Hales sealed the Evening 10 Series despite taking the opportunity to ride 2-Up. Taking the honours on the night was Chris Halford, making this his third win of the Series, this time in 22 minutes 26 seconds, pushing Freeman out by two seconds. Freeman got the better of his regular 2-Up partner Phil Roberts however, who had to settle for third spot in 22:44.

Conditions were not overly favourable, with a northerly breeze hampering riders down the A442 around the 9.1 mile circuit, and with 0.9 miles having to be repeated to make the distance into the wind, that made all the difference to an attempt to beat 20 minutes on this testing circuit by Dean Callister and Tomos Hales, something that has never been done before. They came close at 20:18, but were left rueing the tough conditions which hampered their attempt. Hales at least went home with the consolation of now being in an unassailable position with a 10 point lead with just six points available from the final round after the rider lying in second place, Ben Wood gained just two points for a fifth-placed finish in 24:05, behind Female winner Hayley Wells in 23:29.

In the Road Bike Series overall plaudits went to Sitwell CC’s Tim Burn, tying with Wood for fifth in 24:05, with maximum points going to Road Bike Series winner Rich Smith. No further medals were sealed on the night, leaving all the solo Silver and Bronze awards going down to the wire in the final round. However with club Chairman Dave Moore already assured of 2-Up Silver he also made a cheeky play for 2-Up Bronze as well with a different partner, Dave Seager, finishing in 25:45.        

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.13

Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeNo.
1Chris HalfordWrekinsport CCVTT22:266
2Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCSTT22:2812
3Phil RobertsWrekinsport CCSTT22:4411
4Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCFTT23:294
5Ben WoodWrekinsport CCSTT24:0519
5Tim BurnSitwell CCSRB24:0521
7Alex HallWrekinsport CCSTT24:4310
8Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB25:279
9Darren CraigUnattachedSRB25:478
10Chris DunnWrekinsport CCVRB26:2516
11Allan HendersonWrekinsport CCVRB26:261
12Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB26:2713
13Paul CoupeUnattachedVRB26:3714
14Paul O’BrienUnattachedVRB26:4620
15Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCVTT26:547
16Warren NuttallUnattachedVRB27:155
.Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CCVTTDNS-P15

Denso and Tern Cycles 2-Up Series by Wrekinsport No.13

Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeNo.
1Tomos Hales & Dean CallisterWrekinsport CC & Aerologic RTS/STT/TT20:182&3
2Dave Moore & Dave SeagerWrekinsport CCV/VRB/RB25:4517&18

Cumulative Standings after thirteen rounds

Solo – Overall

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Tomos Hales48
2Ben Wood38
3Oli Freeman36
4Hayley Wells31
5Chris Halford29
=6Phil Roberts15
=6Rich Smith15
8Peter Jukes14
=9Allan Henderson12
=9Paul Edwards12

Solo – Road Bikes

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Rich Smith61
2Peter Jukes44
3Allan Henderson43
4Matt Price36
5David Seager24
6Chris Halford12
=7Chris Dunn5
=7Sarah Bradshaw5
9Dave Moore3

Solo – Women

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Hayley Wells54
2Victoria Doran20
3Karen Sherriff16
4Sarah Bradshaw8
5Emma Horne5

2-Up – Overall

Pos’nNameTop 5
1Oli Freeman & Phil Roberts30
2Dave Moore & Matt Price23
3Dave Moore & Dave Seager6

Shropshire Championship 10 presented by Wrekinsport CC

Both the course record and the female course record were lowered in a memorable and competitive Round 13 of the Friction Hydraulics Series, the Shropshire Championship 10 presented by Wrekinsport CC as Dean Callister shaved 10 seconds off Thomas Brazier’s record; and Hayley Wells sliced 17 seconds off her own record; both set in 2024. Callister took 10 Championship Gold and The Gordon Davies Trophy in a blistering 20 minutes 13 seconds on the Shawbury – Hodnet course in a hastily reassigned Championship originally planned for Round 12 but instead promoted by Wrekinsport CC. Conditions were warm and near still, with just the lightest of a rare easterly wind, making things near perfect for record breaking.

In only his third appearance of the 2025 Friction Hydraulics Series, Callister scored maximum points again; re-took The Gordon Davies Trophy from event organiser Tomos Hales, the 2024 winner; and led Aerologic to Team Gold in a combined 1:02:59 with solid backup from Scott Palmer and Jonathan Mills-Keeling. Callister was delighted by his efforts, stating: “A nice warm evening for racing and fast conditions. I paced it well and my legs felt good. Really pleased to take the Championship title, course record and also a team win – thanks to Wrekinsport for putting on a great evening”.

Callister beat Hales by 21 seconds as the Wrekinsport rider took overall Silver in his first promotion, with the unexpected and belated assignation as the Shropshire Championship 10 attracting additional entries. Hales beat Dan Watts in his first appearance of the 2025 season into the Bronze position after the SCCA Private Member finished in 21 minutes exactly – just a solitary second ahead of another SCCA Private Member Jonathan Whittaker. Hales commented: “I was pleased with my time in the Shropshire Championship. It was added pressure of organise the event, so I was pleased that went smoothly. It felt a quick night and never felt like you went into the wind. Well done to Dean for the win; and thanks to all the people that helped me out to get the event on”.

Mills-Keeling and Palmer took home a brace of medals after adding Veterans Silver and Bronze to their Team Gold with +5:16 and +5:07 respectively in a closely fought battle for the medals won by Simon Romei. Mills-Keeling stated: “I didn’t ride last year so was motivated to do a good ride. I went out a little too hard and struggled back. I was very happy with Veterans Silver, well done to Simon. I was also very happy with the Team Gold, with Dean taking course record, and with a strong ride from Scott”. Palmer added: “I was really looking forward to the Shropshire 10 Championship on yet another course I’d never ridden. On a warm night I got to the HQ in plenty of time, had a chat and got a decent warm up on the rollers. I got to the line a little nervous, which added to my downfall. With no holder I struggled to clip in, and it cost me a lot of time. Eventually I clipped in with a sprint effort to get up to speed. I paced it well with a strong effort out, then I maintained a good speed on the return. I’m sure next time I ride the course I’ll be able to gauge where to put the power down in key places. Simon Romei had a solid ride and got me by two seconds on actual time, congratulations to him after his recent ‘off’. Well done to Dean for the overall, and Jonathan for second standard Veteran – also nice to take the Team Gold; a great job by Tomos Hales and the rest of the volunteers”.

Romei had indeed recovered from his fall in Round 11 and took Veterans Gold and The Veterans 10 Mile Trophy by six seconds from Mills-Keeling with +5:22, moving up to third in the Friction Veterans standings. He was very pleased with his effort, stating: “Super happy to have won Veterans Gold at the Championship 10. It was a good evening for the race, not too much wind around. On the outward leg I pushed hard on the rolling course, hoping that the slight tail wind back would secure me a top position and personal best, of which I achieved both. Big thanks to the marshals and timekeepers that did a fantastic job on the evening, without these great people these races just wouldn’t happened so thanks again”.

In the Female Championship Hayley Wells took a solid win in 22:46, lowering her own course record by 17 seconds and successfully retaining The Gordon Davies Female Trophy despite a seeming disconnect between head and legs due to her competitive nature, as she explained: “A course I quite enjoy as we don’t get to ride it often. Pre-race I felt good and raring to go, but a busy few weeks of time trials had caught up with me! The ‘out’ leg to the roundabout felt tough into a headwind and my power was down on where I’d like to be, but the return leg was a lot more enjoyable. A wonderful evening of racing with plenty of high spirits, something I love about this sport. I was chuffed to have taken the win; many thanks to Wrekinsport for another great event”.

A strong ride by Paramount’s Thea Osmund-Smith saw her take Silver and record a fine personal best of 24:42 ahead of team mate Emma Brown who gained Bronze. Osmund-Smith was delighted with her result and doing so on a course rapidly gaining popularity with riders. She commented: “I was really pleased to get a 10 mile personal best on a course I enjoyed riding for the first time last year. I’m not often able to make midweek races, but I was happy to make this one along with a load of my Paramount CRT team mates, who put on a strong show. Thanks to Wrekinsport for organising and as always, the brilliant marshals who make the whole thing safe and enjoyable”!

With the added carrot of father Doug to chase down starting two minutes ahead; Brown was also on the hunt for a personal best, aiming to beat her 26:20 benchmark, but instead ended her evening on 27:06 after getting stuck behind traffic, as she explained: “I was looking forward to racing the 10 and was hoping for a personal best. However I was unfortunately held up in a long queue of traffic from mile 3-4, so the personal best was off the cards, However, I am still very pleased with my time as it’s my second fastest 10 mile time trial and my best result on that course, so overall another great evening of racing. Plus when chasing Dad it’s even more fun and competitive, only just passing him in the last ½ mile – he was very strong and a hard chase that night”!

In the Road Bike Championship Paramount rider Andrew Dawson took the win and The Shropshire Road Bike 10 Mile Championship Trophy by just three seconds on handicap from team mate Will Preston in an adjusted 22:56. Home advantage seems to have played a part in Dawson’s victory, as he explained: “Firstly thanks to all the organisers, marshals and time keepers for putting on a great event. It’s a course I know well as I only live a short distance away. The weather was perfect and I was fortunate with the traffic. It was however a real surprise, and a privilege, to take the Road Bike Gold in what’s turning out to be a great season of racing for the Shropshire clubs”.

Unfamiliarity made the difference to Silver medallist Preston on a course that gives all the appearance of being pretty flat when viewed from a car but actually undulates and drags in places when experiencing on a bike under your own power. Nevertheless Preston was happy with his ride, stating: “I am pleased to take the Silver medal. It is the first time I’ve actually done that course and it was a little bit lumpier than I thought, but still a great race – thanks to Wrekinsport for organising a great event”!

The age and gender-related handicapping system surprised Smith in his first appearance of the 2025 Friction Series as he took Road bike Bronze in an adjusted 23:31, 27 seconds ahead of Wrekinsport team mate Peter Jukes. Smith has stuck doggedly to a Road Bike for the 2025 season which paid dividends here, commenting: “The first time I’ve ridden that course where the wind direction helped on the return leg. It was lovely to top off a season time trialling on the road bike with this result – big thanks to the long suffering organisers, time keepers and marshals; a great event”.

SCCA:

PosnNameClubCatMachineTimePoints
1Dean CallisterAerologic RTSTT20:1360
2Tomos HalesWrekinsport CCSTT20:3455
3Daniel WattsSCCA Private MemberSTT21:0050
4Jonathan WhittakerSCCA Private MemberSTT21:0145
5Simon RomeiParamount CRTVTT21:0940
6Scott PalmerAerologic RTVTT21:1135
7Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RTVTT21:3530
8Robert McGregorParamount CRTSTT21:4325
9Bryn DaviesHafren CCVTT21:5920
10Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCSTT22:3615
11Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCFTT22:4610
12Paul EdwardsWrekinsport CCVTT22:485
13Adam MumfordWrekinsport CCSTT22:555
14William PrestonParamount CRTSRB22:595
15Ben WoodWrekinsport CCSTT23:025
16Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CCVTT23:095
17Rob KerrOswestry Paragon CCVTT23:305
18Ian LaverieWrekinsport CCVTT23:445
19Mitchell FletcherParamount CRTSTT23:495
20James ElgarParamount CRTVTT23:595
21Billy PanterParamount CRTSRB24:085
22Andrew DawsonParamount CRTVRB24:405
23Thea Osmund-SmithParamount CRTFTT24:425
24Matthew PriceWrekinsport CCVRB24:555
25Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB24:595
26Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB25:185
27Dave MooreWrekinsport CCVTT25:205
28Robert GarbettWrekinsport CCVTT25:315
29Tim EvansNewport (Shropshire) CCVTT25:335
30John WestheadParamount CRTVTT25:555
=31David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB26:005
=31Franco Della MuraWrekinsport CCVTT26:005
33Peter RickardParamount CRTVRB26:165
34Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCVTT26:335
35David CannellParamount CRTVRB26:345
36Nick HickmanParamount CRTVTT26:505
37Emma BrownParamount CRTFRB27:065
38Geoff EdgertonNorth Shropshire WheelersVTT27:445
39Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB28:125
40Gill SnelsonParamount CRTFVTT28:315
41Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB28:455
42Doug BrownParamount CRTVRB29:095
43Robert ElliottWrekinsport CCVTT30:065
44Jayne PowellParamount CRTFVTT30:195
.Phil CollinsWrekinsport CCVTTDNS.

Team Gold:

Aerologic RT (Dean Callister/Scott Palmer/Jonathan Mills-Keeling) 1:02:59

Veterans:

Vets PosnNameClubCatMachineVet +/-Vets Points
1Simon RomeiParamount CRTVTT+5:2260
2Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RTVTT+5:1655
3Scott PalmerAerologic RTVTT+5:0750
4Bryn DaviesHafren CCVTT+4:5245
5Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CCVTT+4:4740
6Ian LaverieWrekinsport CCVTT+3:3335
7Geoff EdgertonNorth Shropshire WheelersVTT+3:2530
8Paul EdwardsWrekinsport CCVTT+3:1825
9John WestheadParamount CRTVTT+3:1120
10Andrew DawsonParamount CRTVRB+3:0815
11Rob KerrOswestry Paragon CCVTT+2:5210
12Robert GarbettWrekinsport CCVTT+2:435
13Dave MooreWrekinsport CCVTT+2:365
14Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB+2:335
15James ElgarParamount CRTVTT+2:075
16Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB+2:065
17Matthew PriceWrekinsport CCVRB+2:025
18David CannellParamount CRTVRB+1:505
19Franco Della MuraWrekinsport CCVTT+1:405
20David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB+1:325
21Tim EvansNewport (Shropshire) CCVTT+1:305
22Nick HickmanParamount CRTVTT+0:425
23Peter RickardParamount CRTVRB+0:415
24Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB+0:325
25Gill SnelsonParamount CRTFVTT+0:225
26Robert ElliottWrekinsport CCVTT+0:175
27Ashley KirkhamWrekinsport CCVTT-0:025
28Doug BrownParamount CRTVRB-1:045
29Jayne PowellParamount CRTFVTT-1:105

Females:

Female Pos’nNameClubCatMachineTimeFemale Points
1Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCFTT22:4660
2Thea Osmund-SmithParamount CRTFTT24:4255
3Emma BrownParamount CRTFRB27:0650
4Gill SnelsonParamount CRTFVTT28:3145
5Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB28:4540
6Jayne PowellParamount CRTFVTT30:1935

Road Bikes:

RB PosnNameClubCatMachineRB Adj TimeRB Points
1Andrew DawsonParamount CRTVRB22:5660
2William PrestonParamount CRTSRB22:5955
3Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB23:3150
4Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB23:5845
5Matthew PriceWrekinsport CCVRB24:0240
6Billy PanterParamount CRTSRB24:0835
7David CannellParamount CRTVRB24:1430
8David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB24:3225
9Emma BrownParamount CRTFRB24:3320
10Peter RickardParamount CRTVRB25:2315
11Colin WellsParamount CRTVRB25:3210
12Evie Fryer-JonesParamount CRTFRB26:035
13Doug BrownParamount CRTVRB27:085

Top Club Award:

Pos’nClubPoints
1Wrekinsport CC150
2Paramount CRT145
3Aerologic RT125
4Hafren CC20
=5Newport (Shropshire) CC5
=5North Shropshire Wheelers5
=5Oswestry Paragon CC5

Cumulative Standings after thirteen rounds

Friction and Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championship Points Series

PositionNameClubCatBest 12
1Tomos HalesWrekinsport CCS615
2Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RTV580
3Christopher RileyParamount CRTV390
4Simon RomeiParamount CRTV380
5Robert McGregorParamount CRTS345
6Jonathan GohParamount CRTV310
7Hayley WellsWrekinsport CCF305
8Bryn DaviesHafren CCV215
9Dean CallisterAerologic RTS180
10Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCS160

Friction and Hydraulic Services Veterans Championship

Vets PositionNameClubBest 12
1Jonathan Mills-KeelingAerologic RT695
2Christopher RileyParamount CRT475
3Simon RomeiParamount CRT395
4Jonathan GohParamount CRT385
5John WestheadParamount CRT330
6Bryn DaviesHafren CC295
7Deb Hutson-LumbSCCA Private Member250
8Andrew DawsonParamount CRT245
9Mark FennShropshire CCA225
10Ian LaverieWrekinsport CC175

Friction and Hydraulic Services Female Championship

Female Pos’nNameClubBest 12
1Hayley WellsWrekinsport CC630
2Emma BrownParamount CRT510
3Helen TudorOswestry Paragon CC385
4Deb Hutson-LumbSCCA Private Member240
5Thea Osmund-SmithParamount CRT225
6Gill SnelsonParamount CRT210
7Claire Blackwell-SmythParamount CRT145
8Kathryn RossiterNorth Shropshire Wheelers110
=9Jan DaviesHafren CC105
=9Rebecca PughParamount CRT105

Friction and Hydraulic Services Road Bike Championship

Road Bike Pos’nNameClubCatBest 12
1Jonathan GohParamount CRTV625
2Andrew DawsonParamount CRTV595
3Emma BrownParamount CRTF420
4Mark FennShropshire CCAV365
5William PrestonParamount CRTS335
6David CannellParamount CRTV170
7David ScottParamount CRTS140
8Billy PanterParamount CRTS120
9Claire Blackwell-SmythParamount CRTFV110
=10Doug BrownParamount CRTV100
=10Rebecca PughParamount CRTF100

Friction and Hydraulic Services Junior Championship

Junior Pos’nNameClubBest 12
1Jess BuftonHafren CC60

Top Club Award

PositionClubTotal Points
1Paramount CRT2390
2Wrekinsport CC1760
3Aerologic RT965
4Hafren CC320
5North Shropshire Wheelers220
6Newport (Shropshire) CC165
7Oswestry Paragon CC160
8Mid Shropshire Wheelers145
9Ludlow CC30

Club 4-Up

In preparation for the most highly anticipated event of the Shropshire calendar Wrekinsport run a practice club 4-Up over part of the Championship course to give competitors a chance to practice smooth changes and to get used to riding together; and to give riders new to this unusual and rarely seen format the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. Held on the Waters Upton – Hodnet 10 mile course, three of the Championship teams took the major spoils from amongst the five trying their luck, as Paramount CRT’s Chris Riley, Simon Romei, Rob McGregor and Mason Durant took a fine win in 20 minutes 25 seconds.

This format sees riders go faster than even in the popular 2-Up format which has led up to 4-Up week, but it certainly fun despite the hard work, with club chairman Dave Moore describing the event as having a great vibe, with competitors buzzing afterwards. Runners-up were the Wrekinsport squad of Oli Freeman, Paul Edwards, Phil Roberts and Ben Wood, delighted with their 21:01 time.

Popular with both time trial bike and road bike entrants, the first of the road bike contingent saw another Paramount squad take third overall, with Ian Townsend, James Elgar, Neil Wilson and Dave Woodvine ending their evening on 24:08.

4-Up result:

PositionStart No.ForenameSurnameClubTime
113ChrisRileyParamount CRT20:25
114SimonRomeiParamount CRT
115RobMcGregorParamount CRT
116MasonDurantParamount CRT
217OliFreemanWrekinsport CC21:01
218PaulEdwardsWrekinsport CC
219PhilRobertsWrekinsport CC
220BenWoodWrekinsport CC
39IanTownsendParamount CRT24:08
310JamesElgarParamount CRT
311NeilWilsonParamount CRT
312DaveWoodvineParamount CRT
45MattPriceWrekinsport CC24:31
46RJordanUnattached
47PaulO’BrienUnattached
48GeorgeCoombesNewport Shropshire CC
51DaveMooreWrekinsport CC25:50
52ElliottWillsWrekinsport CC
53AllanHendersonWrekinsport CC
54FrancoDella MuraWrekinsport CC

Private solo time trials:

PositionStart No.ForenameSurnameClubTime
123TomosHalesWrekinsport CC20:47
222HayleyWellsWrekinsport CC23:29
324RichSmithWrekinsport CC25:18
426PeterJukesWrekinsport CC26:11
525DavidSeagerWrekinsport CC26:27
621JoeHalesUnattached31:07

Club 2-Up Championship: R7 Mower Mec 2-Up Series

The finale of the 2025 Mower Mec 2-Up Series saw a narrow win for the Silver medallists and the destination of the remaining Series medals resolved as Wrekinsport CC hosted their 2-Up on a glorious sunny evening tempered by a tough northerly wind. Held on the club’s usual Shawbirch – Crudgington – Cotwall Bank circuit, Oswestry Paragon’s Peter Fletcher and Jack Young took their second win of the Series by just two seconds from the promoting club’s Chris Halford and Clive Middleton in 23 minutes 32 seconds. Fletcher enjoyed the sweeping new turn of Crudgington roundabout which allows more speed to be carried; however, things could have been very different for the pair due to a mix up over the start location, as he explained: “On exploration of the course we felt it was a much improved layout and so it proved, although we went to the incorrect start line within minutes of the kick off! Jack and I stuck to the plan and left it until the final round to finally nail it, and to find we triumphed by the slightest of margins made it feel all the more pleasing. Once again the platitudes are the same in thanking our fellow competitors, organisers, marshals and of course the time keepers who all played an important part in the usual smooth running of an excellent evening”.

Whilst Fletcher and Young have honed their abilities over all seven rounds of this Series at all corners of the County, the runners-up and third-placed pairings were not familiar at all with each other’s styles – and in the case of Wrekinsport’s Chris Halford and Clive Middleton, on different bike types. It’s usually best for both to either ride time trial or road bikes but not to mix them, and the issues caused were graphically stated by Halford: “It was a challenge keeping on a road bike, but we managed the situation as best we could having not ridden together before”. Meanwhile Middleton had an expensive evening and was lucky not to end up on the floor after hitting a missing drain cover hard. Thankfully he recovered enough to stay upright, but not without issues: “The race went great, but I lost my car key when I hit a hole and cracked both wheels. I didn’t find the keys and it cost £180 to get the car back home, £130 for someone to pick the lock, and £960 for two keys – and I can’t get them for two weeks”!

The welcome sight of two 15 year-old Junior riders saw Newport Shropshire CC’s Ben Bramford-Hale team up with Wolverhampton Wheelers’ Tom Oxley in their first ever experience of the 2-Up format – and they took to it well enough to get the better of Hafren CC’s Neil Vose and Mark Hill by a single second, finishing in 24:03. Bramford-Hale commented: “I really enjoyed my first 2-Up time trial with Tom. We quickly got into a good rhythm, and I’m really pleased we secured third overall – thanks to Wrekinsport for putting on a great and welcoming event”.

Vose and Hill had good consolation for being nudged down to fourth on the night as they sealed the Bronze medals in the overall Mower Mec Series on the strength of their 24:04 effort, with Vose commenting: “The Wrekinsport 10 mile course is excellent. It was a tough headwind out on the day; but a great tailwind back to Shawbirch. Mark was on fire and did most of the hard work down to Shawbirch; and we managed to get near our best time for this course. The 2-Up Series is a great way to improve your times on courses around Shropshire & Powys. We missed the first two, and this meant we were trying to catch Pete and Jack for the last five rides. We are already planning how we can improve for 2026 – thanks to all the clubs for putting on the events for 2025”.

That left the final medals to be settled from riders not competing on the night, with two Mid Shropshire Wheelers father and daughter pairs taking Mixed Team Silver and Bronze behind the already settled Gold medallists Sorrell Williams and Karl Lombardi. Silver went to 13 year-old Georgia and father Simeon Lloyd, with Simeon commenting: “It was good to be able to compete alongside Georgia. We have never raced together, so it was a great opportunity to test ourselves. We started strong, finished strong and both really enjoyed the event”.

Meanwhile Florence Parkinson just turned the minimum allowed age to compete of 12, and won a medal in her first ever time trial. Naturally she was delighted, and seems to have the bit between her teeth to go on to greater things, stating: “I am thrilled to win the Bronze, and with a bit more training for my Dad over the winter I think we can come back stronger next year to see if the Silver is in reach”! Dad Mark added: “Florence just turned 12 years old in May, so this was a perfect race to introduce her to time trialling, with a 2-Up together as a father-daughter team”.

In the Female teams competition Paramount’s Emma Brown and Liz Hagen had sealed Gold as early as Round 4, but the finale saw Silver settled by another first-time pairing, Jane Morris and Jenny Cooper of Market Drayton CC. Both decided the 2-Up format was the perfect introduction to time trialling, similar to the Parkinson’s decision; and Cooper’s comments show just how easy having a go is for the inexperienced and those without full aero equipment, which is not a barrier to competition: “It was the first time either of us had competed in a time trial – it felt a bit less daunting doing 2-Up to start with. Everyone was very welcoming, and it was a very relaxed environment to have a go. I haven’t got any specific aero kit and was just on a normal endurance road bike”.

Result:

Pos’nNamesClub(s)TimePoints
1Peter Fletcher & Jack YoungOswestry Paragon CC23:3220
2Chris Halford & Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CC23:3418
3Ben Bramford-Hale & Tom OxleyNewport Shropshire CC & Wolverhampton Wheelers CC24:03.
4Neil Vose & Mark HillHafren CC24:0416
5Rich Smith & Peter JukesWrekinsport CC25:0614
6James Elgar & Neil WilsonParamount CRT25:1212
7Matt Price & Dave SeagerWrekinsport CC25:5610
8Paul O’Brien & Paul CoupeUnattached26:50.
.Oli Freeman & Phil RobertsWrekinsport CCDNF-P.

Final Cumulative Standings after seven rounds

Overall:

PositionTeamClub(s)Best 5
1Jonathan Mills-Keeling & Scott PalmerAerologic RT98
2Peter Fletcher & Jack YoungOswestry Paragon CC90
3Mark Hill & Neil VoseHafren CC82
4Sorrel Williams & Karl LombardiSCCA & Oswestry Paragon CC48
5Emma Brown & Liz HagenParamount CRT42
6James Elgar & Neil WilsonParamount CRT38
7Matt Clarke & Ian GilksBridgnorth CC20
=8Chris Halford & Clive MiddletonWrekinsport CC18
=8Chris Riley & Rob McGregorParamount CRT18
=8James Neale & James PowellNorth Shropshire Wheelers18

Mixed Team:

PositionTeamClub(s)Best 5
1Sorrell Williams & Karl LombardiSCCA & Oswestry Paragon CC80
2Simeon Lloyd & Georgia LloydMid Shropshire Wheelers18
3Flo Parkinson & Mark ParkinsonMid Shropshire Wheelers16

Female Team:

PositionTeamClub(s)Best 5
1Emma Brown & Liz HagenParamount CRT80
2Jane Morris & Jenny CooperMarket Drayton CC18

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.12

An old hand surprised team mates in Round 12 of The Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport as Chris Halford took a win on a warm evening an by a good margin. Coming back to time trialling after some time away, Halford has made marginal gains as the season has progressed and registered an impressive 22 minutes 33 seconds to see off Round 11 winner Oli Freeman by 34 seconds. Taking third spot was Freeman’s 2-Up partner Phil Roberts on 23:43.

The Road Bike category continues to be keenly contested with 50% of the field eschewing time trail steeds, Won overall by regular visitor Hamish MacLean of Musselburgh RCC in 25:25, interest was on the battle for club points and medals. Rich Smith took his fourth maximum six points in a row in 26 minutes exactly ahead of Peter Jukes 51 seconds back which sealed Series Gold in a season Smith has dedicated to this format.

In the Denso and Tern Cycles 2-Up Series Dave Moore and Matt Price rode unopposed to a 26:02 time and can in theory draw level with Freeman and Roberts on 30 points – if they take six points from each of the two remaining events in this best of 5 Series.

Denso and Tern Cycles Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport No.12

Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeNo.
1Chris HalfordWrekinsport CCVTT22:336
2Oli FreemanWrekinsport CCSTT23:075
3Phil RobertsWrekinsport CCSTT23:434
4Ian laverieWrekinsport CCVTT24:1517
5Ben Bramford-HaleNewport Shropshire CCJTT24:5215
6Andy FletcherRoyal Navy & Royal Marines CCVTT25:1214
7Hamish MacLeanMusselburgh RCCVRB25:2513
8Hayden BeebeeTotal Tri TrainingSTT25:5518
9Rich SmithWrekinsport CCVRB26:003
10Peter JukesWrekinsport CCVRB26:517
=11Dean GapperUnattachedVRB27:0211
=11Cameron Coley-SmithWrekinsport CCSTT27:0216
=13David SeagerWrekinsport CCVRB27:289
=13Chris DunnUnattachedVRB27:2812
15Paul O’BrienUnattachedVRB27:3210
16Paul CoupeUnattachedVRB28:418

Denso and Tern Cycles 2-Up Series by Wrekinsport No.12

Pos’nNameClubCatBikeTimeNo.
1Dave Moore & Matt PriceWrekinsport CCV/VTT/TT26:021&2

Cumulative Standings after twelve rounds

Solo – Overall

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Tomos Hales48
2Ben Wood36
3Oli Freeman31
4Hayley Wells28
5Chris Halford23
6Rich Smith14
7Peter Jukes13
8Paul Edwards12
=9Allan Henderson11
=9Phil Roberts11

Solo – Road Bikes

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Rich Smith55
2Peter Jukes41
3Allan Henderson39
4Matt Price36
5David Seager24
6Chris Halford12
7Sarah Bradshaw5
8Dave Moore3

Solo – Women

Pos’nNameBest 12
1Hayley Wells48
2Victoria Doran20
3Karen Sherriff16
4Sarah Bradshaw8
5Emma Horne5

2-Up – Overall

Pos’nNameTop 5
1Oli Freeman & Phil Roberts30
2Dave Moore & Matt Price23