July’s segment took Sotonians out to a brutally steep (and mercifully short) climb up Lynch Lane in West Meon. Sophie Sellars continued her dominance in the women’s competition, and had a good gap to Jen Dawson and Emma Harrison in 2nd equal. Sophie leads the overall competition but is being chased hard by Jen Dawson and Debbie Hallett; a strategic use of their joker could change the overall result.
In the women’s U16 competition, Issy Hall was beaten into second place for the first time this season, with Emma Harrison claiming the top step. Their order is reversed for the overall competition, however.
Andy Gardiner chose a good month to play his joker; he was only one second off the KoM time, and rightfully claimed the top monthly spot. The youngsters came to the fore on this climb, with Tom Allen, Niclas Olley and George Connell earning 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively. Andy’s position in the overall competition looks pretty unassailable, but there’s strong competition for the other two places on the podium, with Paul Macken and Aaron Barry currently occupying them. But Jeremy Hubbard is lurking dangerously, and has yet to play his joker. Special mention to John Phillips, one of our vets riders, who is high up in the pecking order too.
In the men’s U16 competition, George Connell has a good lead, but is again vulnerable to a yet-to-be-played joker from Niclas Olley in second. They have a large gap to Corbin Gregson in third.
Full results can be seen here.
The August segment is uphill again, but a gentler 3% gradient up Furzedown Hill, just outside King’s Somborne. It’s never too late to join the fun; full instructions are here.
Tim