National champs in Minehead climb victories
Reigning national champions Andrew Feather and Illi Gardner stormed to victories at the first of two hill-climbs staged in Somerset by Minehead CC.
Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) clocked a time of 9-19.5 for the 1.25-mile climb of Porlock Hill, well short of his own course record but still impressive given the torrential rain flooding down the road, which at times was a gradient of 25%.
Similarly Gardner (Wahoo Le Col) was short of her own course record but still turned in a quality ride given the conditions, stopping the clock in 11-41.4 to place eighth in the whole field.
Feather’s time was around 32 seconds faster than runner-up Ed Laverack (Backpedal) with third being Solihull CC’s David Fellows who was around a minute and a half behind Feather’s pace.
Gardner’s time was around two and a half minutes quicker than second female Olivia French (Stolen Goat RT), with third being Vikki Voysey (Wellington Wheelers) in a repat of the 1-2-3 from the previous afternoon’s nearby Bridgwater CC climb of Crowcombe Hill.
Event organiser Louise Crossman said: "We were on the verge of cancelling the event when the thunder and lightning arrived but, encouraged by the stoicism of marshals and competitors, decided to keep going.
“I'm very impressed by all those who helped on the day, many thanks to all. Minehead CC would like to thanks GTH, Singer Instruments and Miles Tea and Coffee for their support."
Feather is next in action at the Mid-Devon CC climb of Widdecombe on Saturday, as well as the Stoke Hill climb being organised by Exeter Wheelers next Sunday.
Gardner’s preparations for the National Championships continues next Saturday with the Cheltenham and County CC climb of Bushcombe Lane to the west of Winchcombe.
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