On Sunday, 24 March, The Medway Velo Club hosted the annual North Downs Hilly Time Trial starting in Challock. The riders had to complete an undulating 22-mile course which took in the climbs of both Charing and Molash hills.
The event boasted a small but quality field with a number of top riders ready to do battle for the win. The only rider to go under 50-minutes was Seb Dickson of Cambridge University CC who whizzed up the climbs to complete the event in 49mins 50secs.
Only 36-seconds behind the student was Nic Fennel looking very aero in the colours of Thanet RC. This impressive tester showed great form to take second place in 50mins 6secs.
Claiming the third step on the podium was Joshua Clark of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. He clocked a super speedy 52mins 13secs.
The event also forms part of the Medway Velo’s club championship and this year a new champion was crowned. Steve Waite, who was competing in is first ever time trial, rode a very strong 1hr 3mins 53secs to pip Rob Kennison by just under a minute. The bronze medal went to Rob Sapp who finished in 1hr 7mins 7secs.
Women’s champion and ladies winner of the event was Sally Smith who completed the 22-miles in 1hr 9mins 48secs with Lisa Hurrell of Maldon & District 2 nd in 1hr 11mins 25secs.
Organiser of the event and a former Medway club champ Steve Smith said: ‘The event went really well, we were blessed with good weather and despite a chilly start the sun came out and warmed us all up. We had two riders who made the trip from the Netherlands to compete and they commented afterwards how much they enjoyed themselves.
‘I would like to thank everyone who gave up their day to help and make the event possible, especially Phil Booth who got up extra early to put out the signage and check the course.’
The club would like to thank all of the helpers: Ernie Mackey, Vic Williams, Phil Booth , Dave Macky , Rodney Kennison, Barbara Kennison, Jill Day, Tom Knight, Paul Andrews, Mick Florey, Karen Florey, Alex Cook, John Wills, Nigel Wharten, Malcolm Day, Matthew Bull, Charlie Bruce, Paul Daniel, Steve, Nicki, Safiya, and Lottie Smith
Results:
Sebastian Dickson Cambridge University CC 49:30
Nicholas Fennell Thanet RC 50:06
Joshua Clark Royal Navy & Royal Marines 52:13
Neil Harrigan Gravesend CC 52:51
William Murtagh Rye & District Wheelers CC 53:48
Alex Pearson Wildcats CC 54:30
Tjeerd Mijzen Hastings & St. Leonards CC 55:34
Antony Bee Wigmore CC 56:12
Keith Brown Southborough & Dist. Whs 56:34
Carl Chapman GS Invicta – Eye Level Optical- Herbert Cycles 58:55
Dean Chapman Ashford Road CC 59:13
Nick Elson Wildcats CC 59:22
Richard Parrotte Shaftesbury CC 59:59
Paul Fairman Abellio – SFA Racing Team 1:00:26
Peter Tibbitts Ford CC 1:01:08
Paul Simmons Ashford Road CC 1:01:11
Andy Macpherson VC Deal 1:01:30
Ron Castelijn Hastings & St. Leonards CC 1:01:44
Neal Marrin Finsbury Park CC 1:02:08
Mark Amon Rye & District Wheelers CC 1:02:20
Steven Waite Medway Velo Club 1:03:53
Rob Kennison Medway Velo Club 1:04:42
Robert Sapp Medway Velo Club 1:07:07
Sally Smith Medway Velo Club 1:09:48 (F)
Lisa Hurrell Maldon & District CC 1:11:25 (F)
Jonathan Hemming Addiscombe CC 1:11:30
Michael Stanley Medway Velo Club 1:12:19
Chris Parker Hastings & St. Leonards CC 1:15:40
Paul Smith VeloRefined.com Aerosmiths DNF
James Molony Durham University Cycling Club DNF – Mechanical
Hog Hill Crits
On Saturday, Nathan Delaney competed in the third category race at Hog Hill. This was Nathan’s first step up to third cat racing since being promoted from fourth cat the previous week.
Despite this being a jump up in ability of racers Nathan performed well narrowly finishing outside of the top ten in around 11th position.
