We’ve Come A Long Way….
25, 15, 14, 42. Not the first 4 numbers for this weekend’s lottery but the number of entrants for our Open Hill Climb 2009-2012 respectively. It appears hill climbing is back in vogue.
With healthy start lists for the Severn RC and Chippenham Opens on 6th October and the West DC scheduling most of the local major hill climbs on one weekend riders are rising to the challenge and looking to tackle multiple events.
For us it was a case of how could we tap into the success of Bath Cycles and make this a must ride event for local riders as well those from further afield? Better promotion and an improved HQ have certainly played their part alongside a strong group of sponsors. Thanks to everybody who has contributed and supported us.
Main Attraction: the ‘Wall of Walcot’
Rob Gough can probably call UH35 Claverton Hill his own after winning the event for the past 3 years but he has never had more competition to retain his crown than this year. After setting the course record (2-43.1) in 2009 the contenders have been circling ever closer without ever toppling Rob from the top spot. Victory and a course record in last weekend’s Reading CC hill climb could mean he’ll still be out of sight come Sunday but it appears the hill climb fraternity fancy their chances this year. Bristol South CC riders; Paul Jones, Glyn Griffiths, Tavis Walker, Tom Marshall and Tom Ilett will be looking to spoil the party and certainly look a good bet for the team prize. Add to this Liam Glen (Wheelbase/MDG), Richard Cartland (Team Corley Cycles), VC Walcot founder Pete Giddings (Zappi’s Cycling Club) plus some other strong riders it really is an excellent line up.
In the women’s category Clare Leaver (Zappi’s Cycling Club) will want to continue her winning ways after winning the Reading CC events but she will face stiff local competition from Nicole Waters (Team Hope Factory Racing) and VC Walcot riders Rebecca Sutton, Jo Swallow and Liz Hufton.
Club Championship
We’re running our own club championship as a sub category this year with a mighty impressive 16 club riders taking to the start. Recent club rides have shown that this one is just too close to call but needless to say the Strava segment has been busy in recent weeks so expect a blur of green come Sunday 10am!
Full start list and details here: CTT
