The Struggle Hill Climb

Andy Cunningham earned his eighth win of the season at the Lake Road Club/Barrow Central Wheelers hill climb on Sunday, while Abi Plowman finished fastest in the women’s category on The Struggle.

At the scene of last year’s National Championships, Cunningham (Ilkley CC) posted 13-37 to seal the title ahead of Joe Cosgrove (Team Bottrill), who came in second with 14-32, while Luke Tamblin of Oxford University CC recorded 15-09 to finish third.

Living up to the billing of Spindata pre-race favourite, Cunningham produced a fine ride on a notoriously difficult climb to earn his third victory in five events.

“It was a great morning,” he said. “I felt really good and was happy with the ride considering how tough the climb is to pace, but I managed it as best as I could.

“The weather in the lakes was great for this time of year - there was a bit of a headwind on the climb but you can’t have it all.

“I’m happy with my preparations for the National Championships. I plan to keep racing every weekend in order to gain confidence and momentum. The Nationals course is a lot shorter than today’s so I’m aiming to get some shorter climbs in.”

In the women’s category, Plowman topped the standings with 17-29, ahead of Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC) who recorded 17-48 to finish runner-up, while Francesca Vidler’s (Pro Endurance Coaching) time of 19-36 was enough to see her into third.

On her win, Plowman said: “It's a tough hill to pace, and the headwind made it especially hard today to find the right gear and recover on the flatter section.

“It's always a great event and is becoming a firm favourite on the calendar. Best wishes to the rider who came off on the way back down, never nice to see.”

Fastest junior rider went to second placed Cosgrove, while Jon Bray of Rapha Cycling Club was the first veteran competitor to cross the line in 16-21, a time good enough for 8th overall.

Olivia Smallshaw (Secret Training CC), who at 13-years old was the youngest rider on the course, posted an impressive 20-04 to finish fourth in the women’s category.

This hill climb event, run on the L827 course, begins on the north end of Kirkstone Road in Ambleside. Ascending ‘The Struggle’ climb, it finishes approximately 20 yards shy of the junction with A592.

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

 

Results:

Open:

1. Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC) 13.37

2. Joe Cosgrove (Team Bottrill) 14.32

3. Luke Tamblin (Oxford University CC) 15.09

4. Matthew Bond (Cambridge University CC) 15.25

5. Dean Newton (Velo Club Cumbria) 15.31

6. Rob Samuel (Clwb Beicio Egni Eryri) 16.00

 

Women:

1. Abi Plowman (Alba Development Road Team) 17.29

2. Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC) 17.48

3. Francesca Vidler (Pro Endurance Coaching) 19.36

4. Olivia Smallshaw (Secret Training CC) 20.04

5. Miranda Clements (FTP (Fulfil The Potential) Race Team) 20.12

6. Helen Auden (Otley CC) 22.06