R3 Little Sweetpea Gardens/BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series: Mid Shropshire Wheelers Stiperstones climb

Series leader Kirk Vickers broke the course record in Round 3 in a determined push for supremacy in the Little Sweetpea Gardens/BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series – but boy, was it close. With Jonny Morris’ 2018 record in his sights the Holohan Coaching rider was rewarded for his efforts, shaving 0.7 seconds off the benchmark for the 1.04 mile climb of The Stiperstones promoted by Mid Shropshire Wheelers. Vickers stopped the watch on 3 minutes, 55 seconds exactly, the only rider to dip below the four minute mark. This climb is a particular favourite of Vickers and he graphically captured the distinct characteristics of this tough climb: “I love this climb and the changing gradients/corners, and that moment of rest you get just before the final kick. My legs were good on the night, and I was pleased to take the win – course record was an unexpected bonus, thanks Mid Shropshire Wheelers”.

Vickers’ competitive spirit was sharpened by the presence of the 2019 Champion Dave Scott, making his first appearance in the 2021 Series having had some time away from hill climbing. The Mule CC rider took the runner-up spot with a fabulous 5 second improvement over his 2019 effort, stopping the watch on 4:03.4 and showing he is in form. He stated: “I was happy at it was my first race in two years. It was a shock to the system to say the least! Well done Kirk”!

Whilst Louis Lermite had ridden the first two rounds he wasn’t affiliated so was unable to gain points – that was rectified prior to this event as he backed up Scott in Mule colours with a fine effort of 4:17.6 to take third Overall and the Junior win, pushing out Wrekinsport’s Tomos Hales by 5.3 seconds to help open up a 10 point gap between Vickers and Hales who occupy the Gold and Silver medal positions respectively. A chill in the air seemed to have affected the 16 year-old however, as his post-race comments revealed: “I enjoyed the climb, but I didn’t have the best legs especially with the cold start, but I was happy with the position – thanks to the organisers again”.

Vickers wasn’t the only rider in record breaking form as Rebecca Richardson broke her own Women’s record of 4:37.8, also set in 2018 by 4.7 seconds to finish a strong 6^th Overall behind Junior Series leader Jack Young. Richardson is using these events as preparation for a challenge for National glory, already having ‘Welsh Champion’ to her name, and she clearly had the bit between her teeth and eyes already firmly set on 2022: “I was very happy to take five seconds off my previous course record, this was my third attempt on this climb! My goal is a sub-4:30 minute ride next time! A super turn-out, and thank you to Mid Shropshire Wheelers for organising, it was nice to see so many familiar faces and cheering on the hill”!

Whilst Vickers is dominating the Overall standings Newport CC’s John Hines is having similar success in the Veteran’s standings, taking another win to take his tally to 60 points after a fine effort of 4:46.5, stretching his lead over the rider in Silver position, Chris Riley to six points after beating the Paramount CRT rider by 3.6 seconds. Hines was a first-timer on this climb, but clearly did his research beforehand: “A great event – really well supported and in a lovely location. Mid Shropshire Wheelers were even able to organise a helpful tailwind! I hadn’t ridden the hill previously but benefited from the local knowledge of fellow competitors to get my pacing about right. Certainly I had nothing left at the top! Thanks again to all the organisers and supporters”.

Full:

Veterans on Actual:

Juniors:

Women:

Cumulative standings after three rounds

Overall Top 10:

Veteran’s Top 10:

Junior standings:

Women’s standings: