It’s a different challenge for riders racing The Decathlon Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport in 2024 as major road works at Crudgington see a temporary change to a tight, technical course that tests rider’s handling abilities as much as their straight line speed. With 11 turns over 2⅔ laps of the southern, Shawbirch-based end of the normal club course but cutting down Long Lane, reigning Series champion Tomos Hales set out his stall early to take a win in the opening round in 23 minutes 9 seconds ahead of Paramount’s Chris Riley on a chilly evening accompanied by a westerly breeze.
Hales was just two seconds ahead of Riley at the first passage across the finish line after 2½ miles, but at the full distance of 10 miles he had opened that advantage up to 21 seconds, using his standard ‘negative split’ tactic. Fleshing out the podium positions 2023’s runner-up Phil Roberts stopped the watch on 23:43.
Race of the evening came from new Wrekinsport member Hayley Wells, who finished a fabulous 4th overall in 24:18 to take the female win, and 28 seconds ahead of Junior winner Ben Southgate. Meanwhile in the popular Road Bike category Wrekinsport chairman Dave Moore took an early Series lead with a fine 27:27.
