The eagerly expected hype over who would take the coveted trophy this year was between last year’s winner
Martin BAILEY, Conor McKinnon, Adam Dillon and Joe Wilson, never really materialised as Joe was unwell and Conor came to support his sister Issy….of course he’s now at Uni and has other issues to deal with.
After a quick check the course was rideable the required signage placed out on the slopes of Col du Ashurst,it was all systems go,save for the raised manhole cover oozing water like Niagara fall,due to the recent downpours., cones placed accordingly.
First of the victims to arrive was the evergreen former champion runner 70 yr old Geoff CATON whose heart rate was now back to normal after the previous day watching his beloved Liverpool team scrape a narrow victory. ,he has been training throughout the year for this event culminating with a trio to the Pyrenees in the Summer and didn’t disappoint.
Slowly but surely all the riders signed on 15 in all,some for the first time including 4 ladies and Alfie Lunt only 12 years old which is the youngest age eligible to compete in a CTT time trial.
Watches calibrated with the first rider off at 11.40am… Irene holding the start watch with Bill LLOYD at the summit with Jim Lee as ‘spotter’ Me at the start line holding up..pushing off not permitted in a hill climb.
No catcher required on this occasion… Something went awry with the clocks and as a result there were some discrepancies with the times which were later rectified by Alan (Time Trial sec) by using the new technological of Strava even that seems suspect.
One way or another with various styles of kit and bikes all 15 riders completed the course..somehow Claudia managed to ride with her rain jacket covering her race number closely followed by coach and mentor Spencer Coltman.
I’m reliably informed by spectators at Dalton church there was lots of huffing and puffing and in some cases even cursing…attending church for divine help might have proved useful.
The outright winner was Martin Bailey with a rime of 6.19 a worthy champion.
1st Lady was Maddy Scott:: 7.31
1st under 18..Adam Dillon::6.52
All the times as follows at the time of printing..
Martin Bailey. ………….6.19
Adam Dillon ………………6.52.6
Maddy Scott……………..7.31.6
Neil Laing …………………7.46.1
Geoff CATON ……………7.50.7
Mike Rimmer……………..7.51.6
Tom Williams……………..8.00.6
Issy McKinnon……………8.24.3
John Edwards…………….8.46.8
Carole James…………….9.11.7
Alan Stark………………….10.52.4
Claudia Trecarichi……….11.07.6
Steve Dillon………………..11.07.6
Gina Bellhouse…………….12.47.8
Alfie Lunt…………………….12.54.6
In my racing days I was always told never to argue or hassle the timekeeper, although on this occasion Bill has apologised for any discrepancies, in any case it doesn’t affect the overall result, maybe next year we will have 2 egg timers!
After the event I guess there must have been about 50 club members, families and supporters who attended the buffet in the Prince William pub which I feel rounds off the event nicely with banter of stories and excuses exchanged over a drink or two and promises and boasts of will go faster next year.
Thanks go to the riders, Marshall’s, supporters and photographers, really appreciated.
The weather stayed fine and reasonably dry with a following wind from Dalton church.
See you all next year and thanks for coming.
El Prez
Click here for 2019 hill climb images
