Wytham Woods Hill Climb

Isabel Rodriguez powered to victory at the Oxford University CC’s climb in Wytham Woods on Sunday morning, while Matthew Coulson finished fastest in the open category.

Royal Leamington Spa CC rider Rodriguez posted 4-34 to top the standings ahead of Georgia Acton (1485 Tri Club), who had to settle for second with 4-41, while a time of 4-46 saw Sannah Zaman of Bigfoot CC earn third position.

It is a first title of the season for Rodriguez in only her second CTT event this year.

In the open category Coulson clocked 3-34 to claim the title ahead of Carl Jolly (Schils - Doltcini RT), who finished runner-up in 3-41, while Jamie Maxen of Verulam Really Moving was the first espoir rider to cross the line in 3-44, securing himself a place in the top three.

A fine ride from Coulson saw him overhaul Spindata pre-race favourite Dan Taylor to secure his first win this season.

“Wet conditions and leaf covered roads made it quite slippy on a course that was difficult to pace with a steep start and then a longer rolling second half,” said Coulson.

“I didn't know what to expect before the event because I haven't done it before and it's on a closed road, so had not ridden before.

“Unfortunately I’m not riding the National Championships this year as Newcastle is a bit far for me, but I will go to University Championships Leicestershire.”

Host club rider Daisy Colebeck recorded 6-24 to finish as the fastest espoir in the women’s category, while Matthew Steven (High Wycombe CC) was the first open veteran to cross the line in 4-14, a time good enough for 12th overall.

Angela Bannon, riding for Cowley Road Condors CC, was crowned the fastest female veteran with a time of 6-05, while over-65 veteran Gordon Simpson, also of Cowley Road Condors CC, finished in 33rd place with 5-03.

This hill climb event, run on the HHC035 course, begins on Keeper’s Hill Lane adjacent to the Old Laundry Cottage. Ascending Wytham Hill for just over a mile, the race finishes on Lord’s Common just shy of the Chalet.

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

Results:

Women:

1. Isabel Rodriguez (Royal Leamington Spa Cycling Club) 4-34.9

2. Georgia Acton (1485 Tri Club) 4-41.4

3. Sannah Zaman (Bigfoot CC) 4-46.4

4. Katrina Tse (Oxford University CC) 5-06.1

5. Zoe Schwerkolt (Oxford University CC) 5-06.6

6. Freya Taylor (Cambridge University CC) 5-06.8

Open:

1. Matthew Coulson (Oxford University CC) 3-34.0

2. Carl Jolly (Schils - Doltcini RT) 3-41.6

3. Jamie Maxen (Verulam Really Moving) 3-44.5

4. Dan Taylor (Cambridge University CC) 3-50.3

5. Jonathan Allen (Cowley Road Condors CC) 3-55.6

6. Benjamin Proctor (Cambridge University CC) 3-55.7