St Ives CC Press Report

23th Nov 2009

St Ives cyclists battled it out at the cycling club’s annual hill-climb on Sunday morning.  Struggling to find a suitable road in the flat lands of Cambridgeshire, the club settled upon the northbound climb from Spaldwick to Barham.  The social ride was especially diverted to give riders the option of participating or spectating on the windy Sunday morning.

Sixteen riders decide to take on the climb, the fastest being comparative youngster Jamie Caldwell, fit from early season cyclo-cross racing, finishing the hill in a time of 3 minutes and 7 seconds, just outside the course record.  Hot on his heels was powerful veteran Simon Hime, always guaranteed to be a strong contender in any cycling event and riding his winter training bike, he finished just seven seconds in arrears.

In the veteran’s handicap category, the best performance on age related handicap was Dominic Bowles, who finished 17 seconds ahead of his handicap time.   Of the members who tried the hill for the first time highest placed was Nic Pillinger and R Scott who both finished in an identical time of 3 minutes 26 seconds. 

Last years winner, Jason Hucklesbury, came home fifth in a time of 3 minutes 23 seconds, but was in good spirits about his defeat as he exchanged banter at the finish line with his rivals,  "There must be a problem with the watches"  he joked.

This week the club capitalizes on having recently trained ‘Go-Ride’ coach Rachel Smith, who begins the winter series of children’s cycle training sessions.  The lessons follow British Cycling’s proven training system and teaches kids bike riding skills in a fun and safe environment.  Sessions are aimed at 8 to 12 year olds and take place at the club’s headquarters at the Hemingford Pavilion on alternate Sundays, where parents can enjoy a coffee in the Pavilion lounge while the kids are occupied with fun activities.  Details can be found on the website or by contacting the coach, Rachel Smith, on 07912755306