Paramount CRT ‘Five Chimneys’ Hill Climb

Eight medals were still undecided before the 9th and final round of The Coaching Revolutions Hill Climb Series with riders tackling a classic Shropshire climb – Five Chimneys at Hughley promoted by Paramount CRT. Being named after a row of 19th Century cottages demolished in the 1960’s shows the longevity of this tough climb of Wenlock Edge – with Rob Kerr taking a maiden win.

The Oswestry Paragon rider bounced back from being baulked by a car at the Newport event a fortnight earlier to take victory by two seconds from flying Junior Ronnie Tse, negotiating the climb in 4 minutes 12 seconds – and revealing that he had been getting a little practice in which proved vital: “I’ve practiced the climb a little bit, the main thing is it gets steeper near the top and I decided I wouldn’t push until a point about halfway up where from there I’d commit and stay out of oxygen debt until I got to the crossing and go for it then. Unfortunately about 30 seconds into the ride I got stung by a wasp, a bit of a nightmare but it probably helped as I wanted to get to the top quicker! I like the climb, it’s good they’ve started using it again as it’s a great location and the sort of climb I really love doing so I’m glad they’ve resurrected a classic Shropshire climb“.

Kerr wasn’t the only rider practicing for the event, with 16 year-old Ronnie Tse taking his third Junior win in as many events. Coming to the Series late Tse, who only moved to Shropshire from Hong Kong earlier this year finished in 4th spot in the Juniors as a result of this ride and would surely have been a medallist with an extra event under his belt. Tse already knows the climb well as his 4:14 effort saw him take runner-up spot on the day – as well as finishing 7th Overall. He commented: “The course was a local climb to me and is one of my favourites in the area. I loved it, but I just wish I stood up at the end“!

Just three seconds behind Tse on 4:17 Ian Coupland took Overall third having already sealed Veteran’s Gold in Round 8, with Veteran’s Silver medallist Neil Coles runner-up in that competition on the morning in 4:43. Coupland enjoyed his morning out, stating: “I was pleased with my ride on a testing little climb. Very happy with the Veteran’s Series win, I’ve made big time improvements on all the climbs from last year. A big thank you to all the clubs for organising the Series“.

The first brace of medals came in a straight head-to-head shootout between Jenny York, who started the day in the lead of the Women’s Series and Emma Serjeant – who took Gold at the death. Serjeant powered up the climb in 5:39, beating York by 14 seconds and consigning her to the Silver medal position as a result. The Hafren CC rider was delighted with her efforts after sweating on results after missing two rounds due to a trip to France, but had kind words for York: “I’m so happy with my Women’s Series win. Well done and thank you to Jenny York for what’s been an enjoyable women’s competition. A big thank you also to organisers and all helpers. A great Series“! York echoed those sentiments, adding: “A great competition, well done Emma! My favourite climb, I’m pleased with Silver“!

That left six medals to be decided, with the Overall Silver and Bronze medallists missing this event thanks to being on the start sheet for the National Hill Climb Championship taking place at the same time. With Kirk Vickers already named as Shropshire Champion for the second year running Dan Watts and David Scott have been engaged in a ding-dong battle in this season closing Series. Watts added a Silver medal to a very respectable 30th place in a huge 240-strong field in the Nationals and reflected on the strength of the friendly rivalry apparent over the nine events: “A good, close competition this year with Kirk and Dave, and a solid Series win by Kirk. Happy to take a couple of wins along the way during the Series, looking forward to next years competition“.

For Scott meanwhile this year saw his first experience of the Series and he was already anticipating a tight battle in 2018: “I’m chuffed with Bronze, though I came into form a little late! Looking forward to another tight contest next year“!

With Veteran’s Gold and Silver already decided another Hafren CC rider, Mike Holwill won Bronze. He commented: “I’m pleased with a Bronze overall in the Veterans. It’s a friendly and enjoyable Series to take part in, thanks to all involved“.

Throughout the most open of the Series has been the Juniors, with Mid Shropshire Wheeler’s Matty Redworth named as Junior Champion, with Devon Round taking Silver and Holwill’s son Sam giving double cause for a family celebration winning a further Bronze. Redwortn stated: “I’m really pleased to take the Junior Series, especially as it was so tight, but I made sure I got enough events in. Thanks to all marshals and organisers“. Round added: “It’s nice to get Silver overall and a couple of wins along the way. Congratulations Matty on the win“! The final word of the season was left for Holwill, who was pleased with his medal: “I’m very happy to get a medal this year as the competition was very tough. My favourite round was the Mount Road climb in Oswestry. Already looking forward to trying to beat my times next year“!

Result:

Veterans Result:

Women’s Result:

Juniors Result:

Final cumulative standings after nine rounds

Overall Top 10:

Veterans Top 10:

Juniors Top 10:

Women’s standings: