Nichols and Ellmore climb to victories in Birdwell Wheelers HC
Andy Nichols (Team Lifting Gear Products/Cycles in Motion) set a new course record on his way to winning the Birdwell Wheelers HC, while junior Lucy Ellmore (Otley CC) won the women’s event.
Nichols, aged 30 and from Sheffield, clocked a new course record on the Green Moor hill climb of two minutes and 14.3 seconds knocking 0.4 seconds off the previous mark.
After clinching three podium positions in hill climb events so far this season Nichols stormed to his first victory.
Birdwell Wheelers Hill Climb this year had Green Moor Cricket Club as the picturesque setting for their outdoor headquarters.
With a rare tailwind on the hill fast times were expected.
Third rider off was 15-year-old Oliver Akers of Garden Shed UK/Scott Verge Sport who flew up the hill in 2-22.5, less than eight seconds off the course record of 2-14.7 set last year.
His time remained fastest until the last two riders finished.
Penultimate rider Marcus Cram (Blaydon CC) knocked Akers off the top spot clocking 2-20.7.
However, after being pushed into second place last season 2018 winner Nichols went fastest on the day and set a new record to go with his victory and the Upperthorpe Rose Bowl trophy.
Quickest junior was Kieran Smith (Team Lifting Gear Products/Cycles in Motion) who clocked 2-24.7 which was good enough for fourth overall.
Fastest male veteran was Jon Wild (Veloviewer) in 2-33.3s while quickest Birdwell rider on the day was Dan Emery in 2-41.8.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ellmore took victory in her first outing of the season clocking a time of 2-59.9 almost 10 seconds clear of her nearest rival.
Anna Brittain (7 Hill Cycling Club) finished second in 3-10.5 ahead of third placed Josie Cram (PMRR) who clocked 3-23.9.
Fastest veteran woman was Sonia Insley (Bolsover and District CC) in 3-59.3s.
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