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Three senior hill climb podiums in a season is impressive enough by any standard.
But to achieve this before the age of 15 makes Ezra Bateman’s performances in 2024 particularly remarkable.
Having ridden 17 hill climbs since his debut in September 2023, alongside the trio of senior podiums from his 13 events during the 2024 season Bateman has now added third place in the junior category at the season-ending National Hill Climb Championships in October.
In his own words Bateman, who turned 15 in November, believes the change came earlier in 2024: “I’m not sure what started it but in February this year I just started riding a lot and have basically been riding every single day since then.
“That has made a huge difference to me and opened up my riding so much.
“I am only at the start of Year 10 and just enjoying my riding right now and I want that to continue.”
Dad John is clear on why his son has settled at senior level so quickly.
“The hill climb group are so welcoming and encouraging that it doesn’t make it awkward or difficult.
“You get the usual comments about being beaten by a 14-year-old, but it is all very friendly and encouraging so it is a really nice environment to race in.”
There have been plenty of near-misses this year as well with six fourth-place finishes, and Bateman still awaits his first senior victory.
He said: “I have come so close to so many podiums and that does motivate me but I know it’s a good result for me so I just need to keep working and I know that next year these things can happen.”
Bateman ended the season with a strong performance to finish as third junior male at the National Hill Climb Championships on Dipton Mill Road on October 27.
Reflecting on the achievement, he added: “It was okay, having a cold hasn’t helped and I was a little bit annoyed at my timing but I gave it my best in a really competitive field.”
Dad remains very proud: “Ezra had the aim of getting on the podium and he did that.
“I can’t find another youth rider who has been on the junior podium so he has done that but he knows he could have gone faster and that’s his next aim.”
A third place at Rutland CC’s famous Mam Nick hill climb remains the season standout for Bateman.
“That was my favourite race of the year because it showed me what I’m capable of and being so close to the top riders was a great learning experience.”
This progress is particularly impressive considering Bateman, who rides for Clifton Cycling Club York, follows a largely self-directed training programme on the roads of his home near Scarborough.
As dad Jon puts it: “When we live somewhere with amazing riding, with the North Yorkshire moors and Yorkshire Wolds on our doorstep, it’s so easy for him to ride on his own.
Bateman admits that he has enjoyed playing the role of dark horse this year.
“I love setting off first as I get to surprise people and hang around at the top of the results board a lot longer than most people expect.”
If he continues this progress into 2025 and it won’t remain that way for long.
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