Given the wet weather it was very good to see 15 riders take part in this morning’s hill climb on Dean Hill.
Whilst conditions weren’t perfect for any record breaking, it was very pleasing to witness 19 year old Southampton University student Will Shield, posting the fastest time in his first competitive event. Having ridden out from Southampton Will and his university club mates, didn’t have time to reconnoiter the course so had to have it explained to them before starting. However, this didn’t seem to hinder them as they went on to post most of the fastest times up the half mile climb in south Wiltshire.
With the women riders, it was win for the promoting club as Gemma Wilks saw off the challenge of past winner Gemma Herbertson and another first time to hill climbing, 18 year old Alice Snow, also riding her first event. However, Alice’s speed might have been blunted as she had already competed in a 10km run earlier in the day!
Thanks to all those who took part and especially to timekeepers Martin Napier and Dave Crocker (who was officiating at his 20th event of the season!) and to Graham Harman who assisted organiser Julian Gee in setting out the course before helping the timekeepers.
MEN
Position Rider No. Name Club Finish time
1 4 William Shield Southampton University RC 2.16
2 14 Joey Wynne Sotonia CC 2.25
3 3 Barnaby Huxtable Southampton University RC 2.41
4 1 Harry Nickells Southampton University RC 2.44
5 2 Tim Ericksson Southampton University RC 2.45
6 5 Rich Ward New Forest CC 3.02
7 9 Patrick Fuller Sotonia CC 3.07
8 7 Jez Hart Sotonia CC 3.09
9 6 Rob Ward Come & Try 3.18
10 10 Greg Sanger Sotonia CC 3.29
11 11 Nick Jenning Sotonia CC 3.39
12 12 Steve Noton Sotonia CC 3.59
WOMEN
Position Rider No. Name Club Finish time
1 13 Gemma Wilks Sotonia CC 3.24
2 8 Gemma Herbertson Elevate RT 3.58
3 15 Alice Snow Come & Try 4.10
