R11 Little Sweetpea Gardens/BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series Newport Shropshire CC Station Road, Ironbridge climb

The finale of The Little Sweetpea Gardens/BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series saw a return to Station Road, Ironbridge for Round 11, Newport Shropshire CC’s promotion. With seven of the 12 Series medals still undecided there was still much to play for on the 0.75 mile climb, which enjoyed fine weather and an unexpected winner. Ludlow Brewery RT rider Steven Prince is normally active in hill climbs, but illness couldn’t have come at a worst time for this short, sharp, season-ending Series. Prince took a strong win of six seconds in both Overall and Veterans competitions with a fine climb of 3 minutes 39 seconds.

Prince was at least happy to get one climb under his belt, and enjoyed his morning out, stating: “Really pleased to have won on a climb I like, it’s deceptively long and steep and can catch you out. It’s the first SCCA hill climb I’ve been able to do as I had Covid at the start of August so double happy. Thanks to Newport Shropshire CC and the timekeepers – sunshine in hill climb season”!

Prince’s nearest challenge came from John Woodward who has posted some excellent results in the 2021 Series, but his 3:45 effort was probably aided by the adrenalin rush of almost missing his start: “I turned up to the start line with 30 seconds to spare, and carried that stress all the way up! I didn’t go that well and faded in the middle, but was able to pick it back up towards the end. Thanks to all involved, great Series”!

A first-timer made an immediate impression to take the third spot, with Chris Allcott a further six seconds back on 3:51 enjoying the atmosphere of a large contingent of spectators and a good field of 20 riders: “A great hill climb event organised by Newport CC! It was a nice sight seeing most of the participants and spectators riding over as part of their Sunday club rides as well – I’ll be back again next year”.

With just two points separating Robbie Disney and Jack Young it was all to play for with the final Overall Bronze medal settled by Disney posting 4:02 to Young’s 4:08, taking Bronze by just two points difference. Oswestry Paragon’s Young had beaten Disney by 19 seconds back in Round 2 when Nova Raiders had to use the Station Road climb as a reserve course, but the Ludlow CC has evidently picked up form as the season has progressed, although he was 13 seconds down on that earlier effort, which was reflected in his post-race comments: “Very similar to earlier in the season when I did it. Not much in the legs coming towards the end of the season, but a nice tailwind on the day helped. It was very unexpected to come away with the Bronze. I enjoy doing these hill climbs but I’m not as good as the other big names, just wish I could put out more competitive times”.

Young had taken the Junior Hill Climb Championship back in Round 8 so still had something to celebrate, stating: “It went well, I really enjoyed it, although the climb was a little bit more than I expected – thanks to all the organisers”. That left the final two Junior medals to be sealed by Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Joseph Lycett, taking Silver; and Mule CC’s Louis Lermite winning Bronze.

Silver and Bronze medals were still in play in both the Veteran’s and Women’s Championships too, Paramount CRT’s Chris Riley taking Veteran’s Silver and Oswestry Paragon’s Neil Coles the Bronze. Riley has enjoyed his season as evidenced by his comments when told of that medal win: “SCCA hill climbs are short, lung busting and as much fun you can have in four minutes. A great crowd of organisers and competitors and a lovely atmosphere at every event, winning a Veteran’s medal is the icing on the cake – thanks to the brilliant SCCA”. Coles added: “I’m very pleased to win Bronze; I thought my medal winning days were done. Seems to be a very good show of Veteran riders lately, I’m content on just riding as support and “yeah” for fun – many thanks to Newport CC for a very well organised final event”.

There was a first time appearance for Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Carys Blowers at the last gasp, and on the evidence of a dominant win of 1:37 she has a clear future in the discipline with a strong 4:37 effort. She stated: “I was really happy to be first Woman as I like training on hill climbs and this was my first hill climb this year”.

That left a straight head-to-head for the Woman’s Silver and Bronze, with two Wrekinsport CC club mates battling it out. Clare Cotterill took Silver thanks to her 6:14 climb, with Victoria Doran back on 7:21 taking the Bronze. Cotterill commented: “A really tough climb but well organised and supported by Newport CC members. Nice to get another medal for Wrekinsport”! Doran added: “In hindsight I could have gone a lot harder, but I wasn’t sure if I would actually make it up, so played it safe and enjoyed it! Can’t believe that I’ve got a Bronze for hill climbing! I’m delighted to get another medal”.

Full:

Veterans on Actual:

Women:

Juniors:

Final Cumulative standings after 11 rounds

Overall:

Veterans:

Women:

Juniors: