R6 BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series: Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association Homer Bank climb 

Despite the preferred distances and characteristics of the leading two competitors in round 6 of the BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series the same rider still came out on top as Ed Copeland narrowed the gap at the head of the overall standings to 16 points as he slowly reels in Series leader Jack Young in Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association’s Homer Bank climb. Cresting Wenlock Edge, this climb briefly touches 18% over its half mile ascent, a factor not playing to winner Ed Copeland’s strengths, preferring longer and steadier efforts.

Copeland stopped the watch on 1 minute 58.73 to take the maximum 20 points on offer after charging full gas up the twisting climb, which was still wet beneath the tree cover following earlier rain. The Ludlow Brewery rider commented: “Short and steep, which I normally don’t do as well on. I knew from the get go it was going to be a tough one, so I left nothing out there and went hard; and much to my surprise it paid off – very well done to Tomos, who once again kept me honest and pushed me”.

Copeland’s comment referred to Tomos Hales, who finished as runner-up on the night, for the third straight head-to-head just failing to get the better of Copeland despite this course playing right to his liking. Hales crossed the finish line in 2:04.19; with the abilities of the first two graphically on show as the next rider, Jack Ward of Sharrow CC ended his evening on 2:23.06. Hales stated: “Homer Bank is one of my favourite climbs; short and sweet. However, I couldn’t quite get the power down this year, and Ed took a great win. Thanks to Dave Fletcher and Rita Taylor for organising, it is a great event”. Young still heads to standing after taking 16 points and fourth spot overall in 2:26.25.

A good turnout of 22 competitors saw many new riders experience the course for the first time, including BBR Veterans winner and Series leader Stuart Proctor, who extended his lead to 32 points over Propel CC’s Tim Mayo after crossing the line in 2:44.84. However, unfamiliarity saw Proctor conflating this climb with the close-by Sheinton Bank, and only a late piece of research saw him arrive on the start line at all: “Good job I checked where this one was! I was convinced it was Sheinton Bank for some reason, but a quick Google check on the afternoon revealed otherwise. First time seeing and experiencing Homer Bank, and a tricky little number, especially the damp steep section under the trees! I didn’t think I’d managed the pacing too cleverly at any point, so I was very happy to come away with first Veteran – cheers to all for organising, a great event”. Proctor’s comments show how deceptive this course is, with regularly changing gradients, a wet, slippery surface in the wrong conditions, many twists and turns, causing confusion of where the finish line is; and a steep strength-sapping ramp at the end.

In the BBR Females Series leader Isla Furniss found the course to her liking as she extended her lead with a win in 3:40.41 to push out Rebecca Pugh into the runner-up spot with 3:56.36. the 12 year-old Newport Shropshire CC riders is in her first competitive season, and is showing great signs of promise, now holding an eight point lead over Claire Blackwell-Smyth and Flo Parkinson in joint second. With a good number of spectators spread out over the climb she found their encouragement motivational, stating: “The hill climb was challenging, but I had fun pushing myself to my best ability and reaching the top. Thanks for all the support, it really helped me”.

13 year-old Parkinson retains the lead in the BBR Juniors category, eight points ahead of Furniss; but victory on the night went to Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Bryn Nelson, who had failed to finish the previous evening thanks to mechanical issues. 12 year-old Nelson posted a fabulous effort of 2:52.03 to make up for the disappointment of Round 5, commenting: “I enjoyed this climb because it was short and steep: my favourite. I thought I’d gone off too fast and would blow before the end, but it turned out OK. It was a relief it went well after my disaster in the Stiperstones, when my chain came off”.

Full:

Veterans on Actual:

Females:

Juniors:

Cumulative standings after six rounds

Overall:

Veterans on Actual:

Females:

Juniors: