R7 BBR Hill Climb Series: Propel CC Swayney Cliff, Coalport Hill Climb

One second split first from runner-up on a short, sharp blast up Swayney Cliff, Coalport as reigning BBR Opticians Hill Climb Champion Dave Scott took a narrow win in Round 7 promoted by Propel CC. At just half a mile this requires all out effort with no compromise, with the slope ramping to 17% in parts. Scott stopped the watch on 2 minutes 10 seconds to elevate himself into second place in the overall standings, with a perfect tally of four wins from four appearances. Scott just pushed out Steven Prince, who was making a belated first appearance of the 2025 almost at its close – although pre-race conditions weren’t ideal, as Scott explained: “A break in the rain for the Propel climb was welcome for everyone; and another tight race with Steve made it exciting. I was happy to do enough to come away with the win”.

Prince was the 2023 Silver medallist and Veterans Champion, but only made one appearance in 2024 and appears to have taken a low-key, late approach to 2025 events as well to taper for the National Hill Climb Championship in Derbyshire on 26^th October. Now signed for Mag Speed Racing, he stated: “My first hill climb this season as I’m a bit behind; so very happy with how it went as you never know where your form is until you race. Congratulations to Dave on a great ride, I’ll be more than happy if I’m a second behind him at the Nationals – thanks to Propel CC for hosting”.

Four-time hill climb Champion Kirk Vickers had to settle for the final podium place with a highly respectable 2:25, moving up to equal third in the overall standings level with Jack Young. The gradient on this course is not constant, with a particularly tough section not long after the start as riders cross a bridge over the former Severn Valley railway line, with that seemingly catching Vickers out and requiring him to dig deep: “A tough short effort. I went out quite fast, recovered a bit in the middle and had a good finish to the line – thanks to Propel for organising; and well done to all riders”.

12 year-old Mid Shropshire Wheeler Evelyn Charles took on her second ever hill climb and came away with the Junior win to move into joint lead of that Series, as well as winning the Female competition by 20 seconds from Series leader Clare Blackwell-Smyth in another impressive outing. Charles crossed the line in 3:34 and is definitely one to watch for the future. She commented: “I found the hill climb tougher at Coalport than my previous climb at Oswestry; but was very pleased with my result. The ride back down was a little sketchy, with the road being slippery in the wet”!

Charles wasn’t the only rider rising to the top as Oswestry Paragon’s Neil Coles took the maximum 20 points available in the BBR Veterans Series to take the honours for the County behind Prince, and overtake team mate Peter Fletcher by eight points in a tight contest. Coles prefer the longer climbs, but got up the climb in 3:12 on a tricky course to judge. He stated: “Swayney Cliff: it’s another short, sharp climb which is tough for me. However I made a good start, and kept some back for the final steep corner, which I over estimated but allowed for a good sprint finish – cheers to Propel CC for a super event”.

Full:

Veterans on Actual:

Females:

Juniors:

Cumulative standings after seven rounds

Overall:

Veterans on Actual:

Females:

Juniors: