The days leading up to the event had forecast rain most of the day, and I’d contemplated switching the date. The conditions however turned out to be almost perfect, partially sunny and virtually no wind. Last year we had a record turn out, but this year was even better with 30 riders taking part. It wasn’t that many years ago hill climb numbers would just break into double figures! Thanks to the club committee for subsidizing the event with free entry and prizes such as bottles of wine or bags of assorted sweets for various age groups in addition to trophies up for grabs. I’m not sure anyone really enjoys the 3 to 5 minutes pain racing up hills but all seemingly enjoyed the event overall once finished and socialising afterwards. Beltons Hill is quite steep, with a gradient approaching 16% towards the top, before a long drag averaging 6% to the finish. Whilst there is some very healthy competition for trophies and bragging rights, its great to see riders of all ages and abilities racing, so well done to everyone who took part.
If anything I would suggest conditions were slightly slower than last year when there was a light tail wind so for 13 riders to go below 3.30, compared to 7 last year, and every competitor finishing in under five minutes is outstanding. Despite that nearly all riders either equalled or improved on last years times. With the event taking place slightly later than last year the start times were brought forward to ensure everyone would finish in daylight. The first riders set off at 6.30 and with no warming up on course once the race started, it meant that many riders especially those arriving later had little or no practice on the course before racing, which isn’t ideal. Maybe it might be wise to hold it during July next year and on a different evening than a Wednesday so not to clash with the TTs?
Congratulations to Sean Purser and Holly Hoy who won the event. Sean’s time was one second quicker than Jack Taylor’s winning time last year. Holly’s time of 3.34 would also give her the QOM on Strava, and that’s from a standing start too! Charlie Bratt finished second with a big improvement on last year and previous multiple winner Jack Burgin finished third.
Tim Phillips finished fourth and was fastest veteran, a second quicker than last year. 14 year old Max Falkner was fastest junior in 3.20 and although he beat dad Leo, was disappointed with his time being somewhat slower than posted over the course during training rides. Cece Hime was fastest junior female in 3.46 (although I believe she wins the women’s trophy as fastest first claim member). Ollie was the fastest male 15-17 year old, beating Cameron by just one second and Angus by 3. Although all three beat me, its great to see their hard work really paying off with much quicker times than last year. Mike was fastest male 50-59. The bottle of wine was scant consolation for being beaten by daughter Holly by just a single second. Having either won or finished second in all eight of the racing series he’s entered this year, it was no surprise Ralph was fastest 60 plus, although Steve wasn’t far behind in his first hill climb. Catherine and Carolyn were the only entrants in their categories, but both should be applauded for coming and racing. At the end of the day, you can only beat whoever turns up, and they walked away with a bottle of wine each for their efforts.
Using a TT bike is thought to be disadvantageous but Andrew rode an ex-Team Sky Pinarello TT bike (as even with a disc wheel it is lighter than his road bike!) and improved on last years time. Poor Ralf dropped a chain on the steep first hill, but rectified the problem and rather than start again carried on finishing in a still impressive time for a thirteen year old. Julia is deferring university and instead will be bike racing in northern Spain for six months. If you think our hill climb is tough that’s nothing compared to the mountains used in the Vuelta over the last few days where the professionals have resorted to using compact chainsets and 32 teeth cassettes. That’s where she will be based. It’s a great opportunity, we hope she enjoys it and wish her the best of luck!
Starters: Colin Brooker & Dan Benham
Timekeepers: Sarah Hoy & Netty Thompson
Marshals: Paolo Falkner, Sharon Housden, Esther & Bea Pauley
Also thanks to Phil Latin whose encouragement with around 200 meters left to go was greatly appreciated.
Results :
1- Sean Purser 3.05
2- Charlie Bratt 3.09
3- Jack Burgin 3.11
4- Tim Phillips 3.15
5- Adrian Beer 3.16
6- Max Falkner 3.20
7- Ollie Maynard 3.23
=8- Cameron Walker 3.24
=8- Leo Falkner 3.24
=10- Angus Lawrence 3.26
=10- Andrew Knowles 3.26
12- Stephen Mavin 3.28
13- Nick Hall 3.29
=14- Holly Hoy 3.34
=14- Nathan Gibson 3.34
=16- Daniel Rigby 3.35
=16- Mike Hoy 3.35
18- Phil Oxborough 3.41
19- Ralph Keeler 3.44
20- Martin Hall 3.45
21- CC Hime 3.46
22- Steve Bannell 3.49
23- Steve Purser 3.59
24- Julia Wardley-Kershaw 4.04
25- Ralf Falkner 4.11
26- Slavik Ivantsiv 4.15
=27- Dominic Pauley 4.21
=27- Nick Conway 4.21
29- Carolyn Penney 4.31
30- Catherine Hall 4.58
