Hill climbs are a unique tradition at the end of the road cycling season. It’s a simple format with riders setting off at minute intervals in a flat-out attempt to get from bottom to top in as quick a time as possible.
The tough Mendip climb of Burrington combe was the venue for biggest local event of the season with 93 riders taking to the start line. Rach Profit, Sara James, John Lamb and Tommy Barlow represented Clevedon and District Road Club. Getting amongst the prizes on the day was Rach Profit who picked up the win in her age category. A great result in her first hill climb competition. Good performances also on the day from James and Lamb. Quickest Clevedon rider was Tommy Barlow who at the age of 58 seems in no danger of slowing down. Tommy has racked up a string of time trial PB’s this season including has last race over 50miles in Abergavenny where he posted a time 1hr 57min to comfortably beat the benchmark 25mph average. Tommy also recorded PB’s over 10, 25 and 100 miles during the season.
The final road event for the season was the Clevedon hill climb which has been held on Shipham hill for almost 60 years. Mark Hazell took the win from Tommy Barlow, Tim Fletcher and John Lamb. Racing focus now turns off road to cyclocross with local riders taking part in the ever-popular Western league and national series events for elite riders.
