Dean Callister took his second win of the SB Sports Injuries Series as he made up ground in Round 4, Wrekinsport CC’s Hannah Phipps-Jones 19. Held over two laps of the Shawbirch – Cotwall Bank course, less fit riders can find it a struggle to take on the lumpy circuit for a second time – but not Callister who was already 49 seconds to the good at the 10 mile point, and looking determined. The Revolutions Racing rider stretched that lead to 1:54 by the finish, stopping the watch on 40 minutes 27 seconds after upping his pace for the second lap – a ‘negative split’ strategy shared with his fellow podium riders. This elevated him into third spot in the Overall series standings as he looks to reel in the advantage of the leading pair Tomos Hales and Jonathan Mills-Keeling. Callister commented: “My legs felt good and I built into the ride with a strong second lap. Decent conditions with a push up Cotwall Bank, I was pleased with a course personal best and a win on the night - thanks to Wrekinsport for a good night’s racing”.

Things closed up at the top with Bridgnorth CC’s Jonathan Mills-Keeling involved in a close battle with Wrekinsport’s Tomos Hales, the Series leader. At the 10 mile mark Mills-Keeling had the edge by eight seconds, with Hales clawing just two back over the second lap, showing how similar the pair’s abilities and strategies are. Mills-Keeling halved the advantage of Hales to the narrowest possible – just two points with a fine effort of 42:21, also taking victory in the Veteran’s competition with +9:02 ahead of Paramount’s Chris Riley on +8:19, adding a further two points to the gap between the leading pair in the SB Veterans Series. Like Callister, Mills-Keeling was also in personal best territory, stating: “I always enjoy the Wrekinsport CC mid week time trials. I did a personal best on the course; two laps makes for double the fun! I paced it sensibly with a nice tailwind up the hill, thanks to all involved for putting on”.

Hales took the honours for the promoting club in 42:27 to take third spot on the night and commented on the friendly rivalry with Mills-Keeling which spurred him on: “Good conditions for the two-lapper. Jon and I tend to go off a bit too quick so that would suggest the similar pace. Congratulations to Jon for a great time, and well done to Dean who produced an amazing time - thanks for Wrekinsport for hosting”. 

SB Junior Series leader Ben Southgate added another 20 points to his advantage with a solid effort of 46:06, managing to usurp his minute man Phil Roberts right at the close to finish one second ahead on the road after a determined chase down the mile straight. He stated: “My legs felt great, but I got caught in traffic on the final lap”.

In the Women’s race Emma Horne took the victory on a time trial bike in 50:58, with Deb Hutson-Lumb taking the maximum 20 points on offer in the SB Women’s Series electing to ride her road machine. Her 53:13 elevated her into the lead of the Women’s Series by just two points, taking over from Helen Tudor.