Hillclimb Championship – 13th September

With a change of format for 2015 the Hillclimb Championship was held over two climbs with the times taken for both and added together to give an aggregate time to provide this years Club Champion.

25 riders took to the line on a dry and warm Sunday morning.

Starting with Stage 1 and the climb from Guilsfield to the top of Pentre’r beirdd bank. This 2.9km climb averages 2.9% with an 89mtr elevation gain. Described as a roadman’s climb rather than one for the ‘pure’ climbers it was guest rider Kenny Cliffe who set the fastest time, his 5mins 44secs beating Hafren’s 2015 TT Champion Ian Coe by just 5 seconds, with another guest rider Ian Nisbett rounding out the top three a further second behind.

On Stage 2 which took on the ascent of Pentre r’beirdd from the Meifod side it was again Cliffe and Coe who set the fastest times on the 1.45km course. The average gradient of 7.9% with an elevation gain of 104mtrs was better suited to out and out climbers, but Kenny Cliffe proved he was the best over both types of climb, his 4mins 15secs beating Ian Coe this time by 7 seconds. Third on this occasion was a joint affair between Hafren riders Andrew Evans and Chris Roberts who tied on 4mins 30secs.

Rebecca Richardson showed her superior climbing ability, posting the fastest time on both climbs to head the ladies challenge.

Having won both climbs it was Kenny Cliffe that obviously took overall honours, his combined time of 9mins 59secs was the only one to dip under the 10 minute mark on aggregate time. Ian Coe took the Hafren Hillclimb Championship and second overall just 12 seconds adrift of Cliffe, with Ian Nisbett completing the podium a further 12 seconds back.

Rebecca Richardson was clearly the quickest lady rider on the day, her 11mins 15 secs aggregate time was also good enough for 7th overall in the HCC Championship. Two of Hafren’s newest female competitors finished second and third in the ladies competition, Lucy Davies (13:35) and Jacqui Loxam (13:52) proving that women’s cycling is in great shape in Hafren CC.

After the event, riders were treated to Chips & Dips at The Oak in Guilsfield.

During this season ending celebration, a presentation was made to Tony Brooks in recognition of another year’s successful TT series organisation. Without Tony’s efforts the 2015 series wouldn’t have been the tremendous success it has been and it’s hoped that the fine ‘retro’ print will be a constant reminder of HCC members appreciation for all his hard work, time and commitment.

Thanks go to all riders, helpers and cake bakers, the 2015 TT series has been one of the best.

Here’s to 2016 being equally as successful and closely fought.