only 10 riders permitted Epsom CC 10 Mile Time Trial (LSD Holmwood League)

A dank and miserable day in the Mendips provided the perfect setting for an unusually brutal hilly time trial as part of the long-running WTTA Hardrider Series.

The event took in the two-mile climb of Burrington Combe, right out of the gate, followed by a rolling stretch across the top and a loop which kindly included a double ascent of the horrible but scenic Blagdon Hill. Equipment choices varied, but lightweight wheels and a tip-top bongo bike were order of the day for the fastest riders.

David Janes of VC Walcot was the fastest rider on the day with 1:07:49, but like most, looked to be struggling on the climb up to the finish line. Sprint finishes were out, ragged, rasping zig-zags were in.

Andrew Kirby (University of Bristol) provided the ride of the day, 17 seconds back on Janes, despite crashing and “sliding for 30 metres on my ass down Harptree”. The descent of Harptree was technical and the greasy film of moisture did nothing for those gingerly feathering their hidden (read: useless) TT brakes. Most kept their powder dry for the climbs.

Tavis Walker (T1 Diabetes) rounded out the podium a further 37 seconds back. A super ride by Jo Jago (Performance Cycles CC) in 1.21.34 took the women’s prize.

Tradition dictates that there should be one truly vile event in the WTTA series, and in the absence of much-missed (by lunatics and emaciated hill climbers) Dursley CC ‘Megahilly’, this new promotion by 73 Degrees and West-side Coaching looks to fit the bill.