Wrekinsport CC Winter Warmer No.1

The course record was smashed on a less than ideal day as David Griffiths sliced a huge 40 seconds off the benchmark for ‘The Tiddly Triangle’. With heavy rain stopping minutes before the start leaving puddles to splash through and an appreciable northerly wind affecting the first leg between Cold Hatton and Hodnet; Griffiths somehow managed to lower the record to 20 minutes 27 seconds, coping well with wet, slippery mud that saw many take extra care on the final leg past The Tiddly Inn courtesy of a tractor. Griffiths was trying out a position change and faced a strong challenge from Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Ben Pierce, who had beaten him in SB Series events over the two previous weekends – but here Griffiths made no mistake, coming back to the sort of form he showed in March and that the tinkering had paid dividends. He commented: “After a bit of bike tweaking and cycling to work I’m happy to be getting fast again. Thanks Wrekinsport for putting the event on. Winter weather for sure”!   

Pierce was also getting his first experience of this popular circuit but had to be content with the runner-up spot this time after stopping the watch on 21:24 after a number of straight wins. The 17 year-old was one of three Juniors amongst a 17-strong field, showing the strength of the County’s young riders. His closest challenge came from Tomos Hales, who took the honours amongst the promoting club’s riders in 22:46, whilst 16 yaer-old Henri Bedford put in a great ride as a warm up for the SB Sports Injuries Shropshire Championship 50 the following morning with a fine effort of 23:11 on his road bike.

Best placed amongst the women was Helen Blake, stopping the watch on 32:33 and seeing off Emma Mumford by 51 seconds.