Uphill struggle for cyclists
Walbury Hill Climb will attract many of the country's top riders
RIDERS will face an uphill struggle when they compete in this year’s Walbury Hill Climb.
The event, to be held on September 27, is promoted by Newbury Road Club, whose members take on the challenge each year as part of the club’s annual Hill Climb Championship.
The 1,883m course makes one ascent of Walbury Hill, on the borders of Hampshire and West Berkshire, between the villages of Inkpen and Combe.
It is 297 metres (974ft) above sea level – the highest natural point in South England.
Chris Boulton, president of Newbury RC, said: “There is a real sense of accomplishment at the end. You will have had a tremendous but challenging ride, seen sights of West Berkshire and beyond that perhaps you never knew existed, and competed against many top riders.
The event has run for more than 20 years, and previously was open only to members of the Newbury Road Club.
However, the challenge is now open to all club cyclists, national riders and professional cyclists.
The event, which is basically an uphill time trial, is gathering more and more attention and is becoming a notable landmark on the cycling calendar.
Last year, the climb attracted both the current men’s and ladies national champions and a number of recognised hill climb specialists.
It was won by Tejvan Pettinger of Sri Chinmoy CT in a record time of 3mins 55.19secs with VC St Raphael’s James Wilson second in 4:11.12 and Arctic Tacx RT’s Danny Axford third with 4:15.30.
The course starts with a slight ramp, followed by a fairly easy section. It then forks to the left through a narrow lane and then inclines before continuing up to a final ramp, followed by a level section before the finish line.
Last year’s event attracted 70 riders and this year, as an additional incentive, there will be an extended cash prize list for all categories from youth to veterans.
Entry is £7 per rider and riders must be members of a cycling club or team affiliated to the national governing body, Cycling Time Trials.
For more information visit walburyhillclimb.co.uk where details on how to enter are provided.
Newbury Road Club would like to thank the following sponsors who are helping make this year’s event possible:
Ridgeway Group, Faraday Road, Newbury; the Newbury Weekly News; Newbury Building Society, Northbrook Street; PurpleFox Marketing, in London Road; JawDesigns, Gloucester Road, Newbury; QTR Transport, Thatcham; Feltham Properties, London Road, HERMA UK Ltd, Hambridge Lane, Newbury.
