With frequent torrential rain and chilly conditions blighting the day just 12 riders took their chances in Round 8 of the Decathlon Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport, and rode their luck as well as their bikes as the heavens let rip just 10 minutes after the last rider had finished. After four weeks away entering County events Chris Halford returned to his customary position at the top of the standings, clearly showing the extra fitness he has gained in the interim by taking the win by an superb margin of 1 minute 4 seconds.

Halford stopped the watch on 22 minutes 27 seconds and despite being third rider off was first rider back, looking in great form as he threw himself across the finishing line. This effort beat team mate Tomos Hales into the runner-up spot, although Hales had a top evening, beating both Series leader Rich Smith and Rob Jackson, riders who had pushed him into third spot in Round 7 with an 11 second improvement, whilst making up ground in the race for the Championship on Smith after narrowing the gap to five points. Smith finished 32 seconds down on his Round 7 time in 23:47 for 4th whilst Jackson was a surprising 1:19 down one place lower in 24:49, reflecting the struggle against a rising westerly wind that sprang up after the stillness of the rain showers. 

Another youngster who has made a name for himself at County-level events Henri Bedford also returned and captured 3rd spot with a fine 23:45. Again, this reflected the tough conditions despite Bedford riding in his usual superbly compact 'Preying Mantis' position which allows him to slice through the air more efficiently.  

The wet conditions put off competitors in the Road Bike Series with no change from Round 7 as Dave Moore takes a 13 point lead into Round 9.

Decathlon Evening 10 Series by Wrekinsport: Top 10 after eight rounds

Pos'n	Name	Total Points
1	Rich Smith	37
2	Tomos Hales	32
3	Allan Henderson	26
4	Rob Jackson	21
5	Chris Halford	18
6	Dave Moore	12
7	Oliver Rodwell	10
8	Pete Mulloy	9
9	Ron Perks	7
=10	Dave Gostelow	4
=10	Jen Morris	4
=10	Richard Howes	4
=10	Steve Mold	4

Road Bike Series after eight rounds

Pos'n	Name	Total Points
1	Dave Moore	24
2	Andy Loveland	11
=3	Steve Smith	10
=3	Mio Kontic	10
5	Bethan Till	5
6	Rob Bainbridge	3