At the Start - The only place you can smile on a hill climb

Last year I finished 2nd in 7.12. Danny Axford won with a new course record of 7.02

This year I had  a new bike about 1.2KG lighter.
See: Hill Climb Bike

The weather was very good for October with just a slight headwind at the top of the climb. Last year there was quite a strong tailwind so most people's times were slower this year.

For the first 4 minutes I rode at a relatively comfortable pace (for a hill climb). Just over half way there is a cattle grid and then small descent. At this point I made a bigger effort trying to accelerate towards the top. I nearly caught my minute man and was pleased with my time of 7.05 it would have been nice to go under 7 minutes though.

I prefer these long climbs to short steep sprints like the National at Rake, Ramsbottom. I suggested to the organiser Dave Keene he try and get the National held here one year. He said he would try.

It was also good to have another Sri Chinmoy Cycling team member for a change Ed Silverton finished 40th in a respectable time of 10.19. If he can stay injury free next year he should be able to make big improvements.

- Richard