VC Walcot Open Hill Climb 2013 Review (scroll through the result sheets above to find your time and pos)
Course: UH35 The Avenue, Bath | Course Record: Rob Gough 2:43.1 (2009) | Team Record: Bristol South CC 8:33.2 (2012)
The 5th edition of our Open Hill Climb proved to be the biggest yet. Aside from a new course record it had it all. Biggest entry list, biggest prize pot, biggest number of club and Bath Uni riders plus a winning VC Walcot Team! Vociferous support at the American Museum gate and road decoration to rival any TdF alpine climb it was the perfect send-off to what has been a very busy season for the club.
Many congratulations to Rob Gough (Artic Sram RT) who remains undefeated on this climb despite being pushed all the way by Charles Coleman (VC Walcot) and Rich Cartland (Team Echelon-Rotor). Glyn Griffiths (Bristol South CC) and Tavis Walker (VC Walcot) rounded off the top 5 overall. The top 5 riders all went under 3 mins for the second year in a row. Hill climbing in the West Country is in good health.
Seven riders under 3:30 in the club competition meant that things were very tight with Charles coming in ahead of Tavis and Nick Fryer in his first hill climb for the club since joining this year. The end of season legs are apparently very good currently! Emma Gage in her maiden hill climb took the women’s club and overall spot. Sub 5 mins is in those legs, Emma!
The Bath Uni sub competition on their local climb lead to the aforementioned ‘vociferous’ support on the final ramp to the finish. They attacked the racing in the same way they supported at the top. A real credit to their club. Thanks to them for entering into the spirit of this event. Same time next year guys for part 2?
The full list of prize winners and times is available by scrolling through the pictures above.
Big thanks to our sponsors for all their support and to those from the club who turned out to help marshal. Without them and of course Jon Arnold there is no hill climb.
We’ll leave you with a few of images from the day. Loads more available from Ant Grimley
Hill Climb 2013 over and out!