Monsal Head Hill Climb

Andy Nichols (Team Lifting Gear Products) took victory by just two tenths of a second in the Sheffrec CC hill climb on Monsal, while Rachel Galler (FTP (Fulfil the Potential) RT) was also pushed close on her way to winning the women’s event.

Scratch rider Nichols, aged 34, won the prestigious event for the third time in four years after stopping the clock in one minute and 21.1 seconds.

Nichols’ time was a second slow than his victory last season and was enough for victory by two tenths of a second ahead of Harry MacFarlane (TAAP Kalas).

The 94th Velo Viewer Monsal Hill Climb once again attracted a stellar field of riders and is 600 metres long with an average of 10% in gradient.

However, the average gradient is lowered by a shallow start to the climb before it kicks upwards.

It was Nichols’ third hill climb victory of the year, in a season when he has been beaten on four occasions.

MacFarlane was tipped by Spindata for victory after winning his other two hill climb events this season.

However, the TAAP Kalas rider was edged into second (1-21.3) and Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club) finished third (1-23.5).

Galler, aged 33, was the final female starter and took her fourth hill climb win of the season in 1-54.5.

Monica Greenwood (Macclesfield Wheelers) was denied victory by just three tenths of a second after stopping the clock in 1-54.8.

Finishing third in the women’s category was Maia Howell (Matlock CC) who covered the course in a time of 2-02.7.

“I was a bit apprehensive today as it's my first time up Monsal and another slow day with another headwind so I had to change my pacing strategy slightly,” said Galler.

“I knew it would be close against Monica and she pushed me to my limit. The crowds were loud and motivating, I'm very happy to win such a prestigious event.

“I’m competing in the North East BBAR next in the run up to Nationals. I'm at Quarrington Hill hosted by Houghton CC next weekend.”

The prestigious event attracted competitors of all ages and in the youth category Finley Hudson (Harrogate Nova Race Team) was the quickest boy in 1-34.0 and Heidi Roscoe (CTW Racing) was the fastest youth girl (2-15.5).

Isaac Oliver (Harrogate Nova Race Team) was the best junior boy in 1-29.9 and Maia Howell (Matlock CC) was the quickest junior girl (2-02.7).

Meanwhile, Gemma Mitchell (Team Boompods) was the quickest female veteran and covered the climb in 2-05.3.

In the open veteran category Steven Prince (Ludlow Brewery Race Team) won in 1-30-08 while Nicholas Latimer (Team Lifting Gear Products) was second in 1-31-0.

Meanwhile, the quickest veteran aged over 50 was Charlie Openshaw (Team Lifting Gear Products) who set a new course record for his category of (1-34.8).

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

 

Results:

1 Andy Nichols, Team Lifting Gear Products 1:21.1

2 Harry MacFarlane, TAAP Kalas 1:21.3

3 Marcus Cram, Muckle Cycle Club 1:23.5

4 Gregg Booker, SUMMAT CC 1:24.3

5 Ewan Tuohy, Arctic Aircon RT 1:24.5

6 Cameron Biddle, HUUB WattShop 1:24.9

 

Female

1 Rachel Galler, FTP (Fulfil The Potential) RT 1:54.5

2 Monica Greenwood, Macclesfield Wheelers 1:54.8

3 Maia Howell, Matlock CC 2:02.7

4 Gemma Mitchell, Team Boompods 2:05.3

5 Becky Hair, FTP (Fulfil The Potential) RT 2:12.9

6 Erin Avill, Storey Racing 2:13.9

 

Open Youth

1 Finley Hudson, Harrogate Nova Race Team 1:34.0

2 Ezra Bateman, Clifton CC York 1:34.7

3 Fraser Cummings, 360cycling 1.34.9

 

Female Youth

1 Heidi Roscoe, CTW Racing 2:15.5

2 Phoebe Langlands, Matlock CC 2:24.4

3 Seraphina Green, 360 Cycling 2:30.9

 

Open Junior

1 Isaac Oliver, Harrogate Nova Race Team 1.29.9

2 Harvey Thomas, Bristol Road Club 1.33.0

3 Harley Widdowson, Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy 1:36.9

 

Female Junior

1 Maia Howell, Matlock CC 2:02.7

2 Lydia Turan, Sheffrec CC 2:40.4

 

Female Veteran

1 Gemma Mitchell, Team Boompods 2:05.3

2 Alice Larkin, High Peak Cycles RT 2:28.7

3 Kamila Leska, Welland Valley CC 2:49.5

 

Open Veteran

1 Steven Prince, Ludlow Brewery Race Team 1:30.8

2 Nicholas Latimer, Team Lifting Gear Products 1:31.0

3 Darren Kidson, Onyx RT 1:34.7

 

Open Veteran 50+

1 Charlie Openshaw, Team Lifting Gear Products 1:34.8 (course record)

2 Tony Cope, MagCAD Designs 1:41.6

3 Steve Thomas, Bristol Road Club 1:47.4