R9 BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series: Paramount CRT Brockton Bank, Coalport climb

Tomos Hales tightened his grip on the BBR Opticians Hill Climb Series as he took another win in Round 9, Paramount CRT’s Brockton Bank, Coalport climb. Hales had the bonus of setting the inaugural course record too on the first use of this 0.61 mile course in anger, stopping the watch on 2 minutes 25 seconds. With the steep ramp starting at the end of Main Street and increasing to it’s maximum at the dog-leg bend halfway up the climb riders have to have enough left for the long, steady grind to the line.

Hales was delighted with his win, taken by a huge 22 seconds from Wrekinsport CC team mate Phil Roberts showing that the ride suited Hales, who has a definite preference for climbs that are short and punchy. He commented: “A classic Ironbridge Gorge climb with a initial steep start, especially around the bend. Well organised by Paramount and I was happy to take the win on the first time the course was used”. Hales was within touching distance of the BBR Hill Climb Championship following this event but can technically still be caught, so will have to wait a little longer to seal a title he has set his heart on.

The range of courses on offer in this Series play to the strengths and weaknesses of different types of climbers, with long and short climbs, steep and relatively shallow ones, constant and ever changing ones all adding to the richness. Brockton Bank changes gradient multiple times, challenging the riders’ gear selection and pure brute strength to tough out the dog leg which can make legs wobble even if treating with respect – and racing up it is far from that. Roberts’ post-race comments show that this traditional late-season format has plenty to offer as he set a creditable 2:47 to beat Paramount’s Mason Durant into third spot by 11 seconds and make it a Wrekinsport 1-2: “It’s great to still be racing into October; and great to see a Wrekinsport 1-2. I really enjoyed the climb, lots of changes of gradient and quite short compared to others. Hopefully I’ve one more strong event to go”. Durant added: “Great weather for a great little climb out of Ironbridge Gorge. Well done to Tomos and Phil for taking first and second, to Chris and Rob for organising, and Paramount riders for volunteering”.

Paramount’s Chris Riley took full advantage of being unexpectedly the only Veteran in the race to stretch his lead at the head of the BBR Veterans Series just one second behind Durant in 2:59. As event organiser Riley was keen to use a new, untested course to promote on and spied his chance to make up some ground, wryly commenting: “A sneaky win while nobody was looking”!

It was an unchallenged ride for Riley’s team mate Sarah Willhoit too as she made her first appearance in the Series, ending her morning on 3:14 to set the inaugural Women’s record.

Full:

Veterans:

Women:

Cumulative standings after nine rounds

Overall Top 10:

Veterans Top 10:

Women’s standings:

Junior standings: