Congratulations to Joshua Aiken and Debbie Percival on their winning rides in the annual 49th Wigmore CC open hill climb.
Here are the full results: https://wigmorecyclingclub.org.uk/2024-hollingbourne-hill-climb/
A dry day with a cold wind resulted in times that were generally slightly slower than those in the warmth of last year. Joshua took his third victory in open hill climb, having won all three in which he has competed. By finishing second Ewan added yet another top three placing in the event, whilst James, the course record holder, was less than a second behind in third and took the over 40s victory in the process. Joshua also led Elevate RT to their first team victory on Hollingbourne Hill.
Riding the event for her 20th time multiple winner of the Wigmore CC hill climb event Debbie added yet another victory to take her haul to nine and was just two seconds away from taking the vets 60 prize.
Junior prize was taken by Charles Langford. Having won the juvenile category last year Charles was one of the few riders to be quicker this year and placed 7th overall.
Arguably the ride of the event belonged to 14 year old Finley Andrews with a time comfortably under 4 minutes to finish 20th overall.
In his final year in the over 50s category Keith Walker once again took the award for the over 50s while Steve Penney also repeated last year’s achievement by taking the over 60s prize.
The event doubles as the club hill climb championship for both Medway VC and Maidstone based club San Fairy Ann, Mike Stanley now being this year’s Medway VC champion whilst the SFA result was notably close with Martin Kober taking the crown by 0.5s from John Cockrill.
Wigmore CC once again extend their thanks to the Boyd family for the use of the farm buildings at the top of Hollingbourne Hill. The area makes a great HQ for both parking and presenting the rewards, the positive comments received by Wigmore CC will be passed on.
Finally, a big thank you to all the volunteers who ensured that not only was the event safe and issue-free. There was a very impressive display of cakes!
Start timekeeper: Paul Buckley
Finish timekeeper: David Abbotts
Recorders, runners & results board on the day: Julien Barton, Kate Savage, Jamie Harris
Results board preparation: Martin Trice
Awarder of prizes: Anthony Bee
Pusher off: Phil Appleby
Signing in/out: Anthony Bee
Start area: Kevin Ford
Marshals (hill & parking): Richard Masters, David Smith
Tea and cakes: Philbrook family
Overall coordinator: Robert Philbrook
Start and results sheets: Keith Walker
Apologies to anyone missed
And of course thanks you to all the riders for making the 49th Wigmore CC Hill Climb another success, we look forward to seeing you plus your club mates next year for our 50th open hill climb!
Keith Walker