The Dave Nelson Memorial Hill Climb took place last night between Spaldwick and Barham with a record turn out of 27 riders. With marshals, photographers, club members and a number of relatives supporting, the attendance and atmosphere were the best I can remember, so thanks to all those who came along. Everyone got round safely, with most enjoying the event, although with that number of riders it might be wise to start just slightly earlier next year. As promised entry was free and prizes were awarded to riders in various age categories.
Congratulations to Jack Taylor and Holly Hoy who won the event. If Jack Taylors time of 3.06 is a not a course record then it must very close and its good to see another name added to the trophy. In joint second place both setting a time of 3.12 was Jack Burgin and Sean Purser. It’s hardly surprising they were so closely matched having finished together in fifth and sixth place in Sundays St Neots 2/3/4 Cat road race where together they broke away on the penultimate lap from a very high-quality field to catch and finish in the leading break. A superb ride once again from Tim Phillips who was the fastest veteran and only a few seconds further behind in 3.16. Holly Hoy finished in 3.43 which I think is the fastest time for a woman for quite some years. Holly’s time was also matched by both her father Mike and family friend Nathan. Julia Wardley-Kershaw and Sapphire Curtis were the joint second fastest women both with a time of 4.37. Bizarrely Sapphire’s time was also identical to her father Mick’s.
In some years the event has been run, a sub 3m30s would have been enough to win, but yet seven riders were quicker than that with 18 finishing in under 4 minutes. Further down the leaderboard there were a couple of performances that really stood out. Firstly 13 year-old Max, who put in a brilliant performance beating some older juniors and A group riders. To put that into prospective it’s incredible to think his time of 3.50 was within 10 seconds of Andrew and Mike who both regularly ride 24 minute TTs on Wednesday evenings!. Secondly Ralph, who may not be known to many members but is arguably the clubs most successful road racer at the moment. Aged 65 his time of 3.41 was similar or quicker than many riders 20 to 30 years younger. He often finishes very highly in the LVRC races and is virtually unbeatable in his age category at the MK Bowl race series most weeks, it was great to see him out competing. I think both Ryan and Cameron done really well and should be really pleased with they times they set compared to others.
Both Angus and Chris had pre race incidents, coming off their bikes, so I hope they are both OK and Steve’s run was badly hampered by a tractor pulling out in front of him and then blocking him when it turned into a field shortly after.
Thanks to the following who helped make this a success:
- Starters: Colin Brooker & Paulo Falkner
- Timekeepers: Sarah Hoy & Frank Burns
- Marshals: Sharon Housden, Fiona Winter & Owen Rogers
Also thanks to Owen and Katie for taking photos on the night. These can be found at the links below:</p
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/57un0uxvbd8cz0n/AADqWGyLIdaUJQVOpT7J81rua?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/baqaljzc5t9vz9n/AADJd9Se3FXbqK4OuKz0Zzcga?dl=0
Results
1- Jack Taylor (24) 3.06 – Fastest male
=2 – Jack Burgin (31) 3.12
=2 – Sean Purser (17) 3.12 – Fastest 15 to 17
4 – Tim Phillips (47) 3.16 – Fastest 40 to 49
5 – Lee Desborough (47) 3.20
6 – Charlie Bratt (20) 3.21
7 – Nick Hall (16) 3.28
8 – Daniel Rigby (40) 3.38
9 – Andrew Knowles (31) 3.40
10 – Ralph Keller (65)3.41 – Fastest 60 to 65
11 – Bob Cooper (42) 3.42
=12 – Holly Hoy (16) 3.43 – Fastest women and 15 to 17
=12 – Mike Hoy (49) 3.43
=12 – Nathan Gibson (16) 3.43
15 – Max Falkner (13) 3.50 – Fastest 14 and under
16 – Ollie Maynard (14) 3.51
17 – Cameron Walker (16) 3.54
18 – Angus Lawrence (14) 3.56
19 – Ralf Falkner (12) 4.16
20 – Tony Cork (72) 4.26 – Fastest 70 plus
21 – Steve Purser 4.36
=22 – Julia Wardley-Kershaw (17) 4.37
=22 – Sapphire Curtis (13) 4.37– Fastest 14 and under
=22 – Mick Curtis (58) 4.37 – Fastest 50 to 59
25 – Lilly O’Dell (13) 4.44
26 – Ryan O’Dell (41) 4.50
27 – Chris Penney (66) 5.07
