Shropshire Star

Richard Key riding high after round 16

Richard Kay stormed home in style to take round 16 of the Friction & Hydraulic Services Shropshire Championships.

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Kay, who races for North Shropshire Wheelers, claimed top spot by 20 seconds at Tern Hill putting in a time of 56 minutes and 37 seconds around the 25 mile course.

The cyclist is currently battling for silver with Simon Harrison and made big strides towards taking second by opening up a 115 points gap with just two rounds to go.

Harrison took fourth place in the round, which also doubled up as a charity event in aid of the Georgia Williams Trust.

Overall leader Matt Davies remains in first place with a commanding 715 points, with Kay back in second on 550.

Kay said: "I was really pleased and surprised with my time. Thanks to all the marshals, organisers and Nova Raiders."

The battle for second place saw Andy Tamplin steal home in front of Mid Shropshire Wheelers' Victor Chetta by a second.

Tamplin was delighted with his race and how everything had gone to plan, saying: "I stuck to my power pace plan and managed to stay on that pace right to the Hodnet island, but then struggled to the finish.

"I felt pretty strong for my first TT on the new bike, which was amazing. Bring on 2016."

Chetta told of how his legs had suffered due to his intense training for the National 12 hour on Sunday, adding: "My form will be peaking for that but I was still pleased with my time."

Mid Shropshire Wheelers came to the fore in the veterans contest, with series leader Andy Hazell extending his advantage to 45 points.

Ian Pollard, sitting second on the leaderboard, ended the afternoon in seventh as Hazell grabbed his second veterans win of the series.

He said: "I was very pleased with the veteran's win. It was a bit windy but it died in the last couple of miles. It was a great event."

Amanda Whitmore was pleased with her latest winning performance in the women's event. She said: "I'm delighted with result and surprised myself with a personal best too."

Whitmore, who rides for Revolutions Racing, is now leading the ladies' event by 120 points, with Pauline Hughes second and Helen Tudor third.

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