R7 BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series; SCCA Homer Bank climb

Tomos Hales took his third win in the BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series on homer Bank, a course much to his liking in Round 7 promoted by Shropshire Cycling Clubs Association. The half mile climb is one of the shortest in the Series, requiring an explosive effort right from the off on a climb that has a large section at 16-17%, briefly touching a leg-weakening 18% in the middle; before a final effort that gradually climbs from 10% to 12% just before the finish line. Hales stopped the watch on 2 minutes 4.44 seconds which included a strong final push for the line to set up a 30 point advantage over Mid Shropshire Wheelers’ Junior Alex Hart, who finished third on the evening in a fine 2:09.97.

Hart has a huge advantage of 44 points in the Junior Series but will miss several events in this best 6 from 12 Series due to Cyclo-cross commitments, but three last minute additions in October will play into his hands. Hales was satisfied with his efforts, stating: “One of my favourite climbs of the Series, short and sharp. I paced it well and happy to get close to the two minute bench mark on a wet evening – thanks for the SCCA for hosting such a great event”.

Hales isn’t the only one preferring the vertiginous as Veterans winner Steven Prince made it four straight wins to make up lost ground, also capturing the Overall runner-up spot with 2:06.57. Prince scored a personal best for the climb despite suffering like many from slipping wheels thanks to the damp beneath the significant tree cover left over from an afternoon’s rain. With so much torque being put through the pedals on the steepest parts of the climb a wet road was a potential extra factor for riders to cope with, but Prince coped well with it: “Homer Bank is a great climb and I much prefer the shorter climbs. Another personal best, so I was very happy, especially as the hill was slippery in places after the earlier storm. Congratulations Tomos on the win; and thanks to the timekeepers”.

Whilst Prince is p[laying catch up in the Veterans Series Chris Riley headed into the Series lead, taking over from Oswestry Paragon’s Neil Coles thanks to a fine 2:37.21, with Coles finishing in 3:00.19. Riley had local knowledge of Homer Bank to his advantage, being one of four climbs almost on his doorstep, with two featuring the Series, taking a six point lead in a keenly fought contest.

In the Women’s Series Riley’s Paramount CRT team mate Hayley Wells made it five straight wins in a row as she opened up a huge 64 point lead thanks to her top climb of 3:01.42. This is Wells’ first serious tip at the title and she looks a shoo-in the take it, and she was grateful for the support of a significant number of spectators out to roar the competitors on: “Homer Bank hill climb was short, sweet and steep with a couple of hairpins. A full on effort required from the get go! The last kicker at the top was really felt during this climb, but encouragement from spectators at the middle and finish helped massively – thanks to SCCA”.

Full result:

Veterans on Actual:

Juniors:

Women:

Cumulative standings after seven rounds

Overall Top 10:

Veterans Top 10:

Women’s standings:

Junior standings: