Victories for McFarlane and Jones at Queen Elizabeth Memorial Climb
Harry McFarlane was quickest male while national champion Bithja Jones was fastest women at the Reading CC Queen Elizabeth Memorial Hill Climb up Streatley Hill on Sunday morning.
In a field of 38 male riders, GTFL’s McFarlane clocked 2-11.99 to win the event ahead of Joshua Aiken (Orwell Velo) in 2-18.17, while third place went to Onyx RT rider Darren Kidson in 2-26.16.
McFarlane now has two wins from two completed races this season, having also won the Kingston Wheelers CC race on September 3.
Jones, who won the National Hill Climb Championship in 2020 and 2021, suffered a rare defeat at the Kingston Wheelers Hill Climb on September 3, but bounced back in fine style with a comprehensive win in 2-48.72.
Second place was taken by Oxford University CC rider Katherine Tidmarsh in 3-29.30, with Beacon Roads CC’s Celia Brown completing the podium in 3-30.25.
This event, run on the HHC005 course, starts in Streatley on the B4009 with riders proceeding directly up the hill and finishing just past the car park on the right.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.
Results:
Men:
1. Harry McFarlane (GTFL) 2:11.99
2. Joshua Aiken (Orwell Velo) 2:18.17
3. Darren Kidson (Onyx RT) 2:26.16
4. Tobi Ng (Team PB Performance) 2:29.33
5. Rowan Brackston (Charlottesville CC) 2:31.38
6. Hamish McDougall (Team Lifting Gear Solutions) 2:33.80
Women:
1. Bithja Jones (Pankhurst Cycles) 2:48.72
2. Katherine Tidmarsh (Oxford University Cycle Club) 3:29.30
3. Celia Brown (Beacon Roads CC) 3:30.25
4. Harriet Hernando (Maidenhead & District CC) 3:39.82
5. Julia Van Campen (Reading CC) 4:14.89