There has been considerable interest in this years National hill Climb championship on the Rake. There will be a full field of 150 riders – I hear with over 100 entries returned.
The Rake – photo Bob Muir
The road will be closed to traffic, and a significant amount of spectators will be expected – especially outside the two pubs which line the route and on the steep Rammy Rake – yes, it’s really fun seeing other people suffer. The Rake may not play to my strengths as a rider, but I’m sure it will be a great championship. Jim Henderson, five times former national champion will be handing out the prizes. I asked Jim on Sunday (at Nick O Pendle) whether he regretted not being on the start sheet. He was quite emphatic, no!
A few weeks ago I spoke to Peter Graham, the long standing organiser of Lancashire Road Club’s Rake Hill Climb. I rang to check my entry was received. But, it was also just good to chat to such an enthusiast of hill climbs. Peter, a former national championship winner himself (1961, 1962), held the course record for many years, until Jeff Wright came along and broke the record in 1994 (2.16.9).
In the long history of the Rake, very few riders have gone under 2.20. If you ever ride up the Rake, you’ll feel that 2.16 is really quite ridiculous. My guess, is that this year’s winning time may be in region of 2.20-2.23 – though if wet a few seconds slower.
The Rake
- Length 875 metres (956 yards)
- Height gain 98 metres (321 feet)
- Average gradient 11%
- Max gradient 22%
- More details: see: full post on the Rake
Each year, the hill climb championships seems to throw up some new riders and new talent. It’s always a little unpredictable. Between 2002 and 2011 – there have been eight different winners of the championship. A bit more unpredictable than say the National 50, where the winner often begins with Michael and ends with Hutchinson.
Riders
The favourite this year is probably Jack Puller (Wheelbase.co.uk/MGD). That’s quite something to say as it will be his first national championship. But, after storming up the Bec hill climb in a course record and beating a host of top riders at Monsal Head. There’s good reason. They also say the Rake is a young man’s climb.
After coming in to late season form, Gunnar Gronlund (RST Trigon) is definitely in with a very good shout. The slightly longer distance of the Rake may help tip the balance in his favour. But, it is hard to call.
Former national champion, Matt Clinton, on the rake. Photo Bob Muir
Matt Clinton (Mike Vaughan Cycles) always knows how to peak for the big event. He’s the only rider to be in the top three for the past five years running. In particular, the Rake is probably his speciality and has produced quite a few sub 2.30 times. The knowledge of the hill and top track record give him a good chance of any three of the medals.
Rob Gough is another short distance specialist, who has an outside chance. He won at Catford CC, and beat me at Streatley Hill. Though he was off the pace at Bec CC – I’m sure that’s because he was completely blown after riding the Catford in the morning (Gronlund and Pullar didn’t ride Catford CC)
If there was national championship for winning most open hill climbs, I might be in with a shout, but unfortunately, short hill climbs don’t seem to favour my build / attributes. I’ve won 11/12 hill climbs this year, and set five course records. But, unfortunately, the only one I lost was Streatley Hill climb (which is the same distance as the Rake – R.Gough 2.16, T.Pettinger 2.24) I’ve really enjoyed this years hill climb season – but unfortunately beating James Dobbin’s course record on the Snake Pass in early September won’t count for anything on the Rake in late October!
Outside those top four, there are always a few who could spring a few surprises, such as Glyndwr Griffiths Bristol South CC, Lee Baldwin – Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles and James Coleman – Witham Wheelers.
Amongst the women, Lynn Hamel, Team Herbalife/Leisure Lakes Bikes is in great form, and again really enjoys these short and steep climbs (being course record holder on the Rake) But, she will face tough competition from: former champion Ann Bowditch – Guernsey Velo Club and perhaps Sarah Byrne -Cycle Premier Kovert and local Oxford rider – Clare Leaver – Zappi CC.
Personal Preview of Hill Climb
I always suspected that the Rake would be a hill too short and steep for me. Despite being in great form and coming up with a a bike 1 Kg lighter than last year – it is unlikely to be enough.
My personal goal is to try and do a sub 2.30 ride. 2.29 would be amazing, but to get anywhere near that I’ll have to ride out of my skin and end up in a suitably crumpled heap on the floor. I did about a 2.40 in training during September, but that was with a very strong tailwind and dry road. True, I didn’t have my racing wheels on. But, even 1 Kg saving is probably only worth two seconds. From a logical perspective a top 6 position is most likely. But, on the day, I won’t be thinking about any logic or predictions – I’ll just be visualising sprinting up the whole of the Rake!
Hill Climb Season so Far
- 02/09 – 1st – Snake Hill – 11.41 – Course Record
- 09/09 – 1st - Long Hill – 13.36
- 15/09 – 1st - Swindon RC (1) – 8.36 – Course Record
- 15/09 -1st - Swindon RC (2) – 2.30
- 23/09 – 1st – Cat & Fiddle – 21.02
- 29/09 - 1st Kingston Wheelers – 3.36 – Course Record
- 30/09 – 2nd Reading CC (me 2.24. R.Gough 2.16)
- 06/10 – 1st Otley CC (1) – 3.32- Course record
- 06/10 – 1st Otley CC (2) - 4.50
- 07/10 – 1st Lancaster CC – Course Record
- 20/10 – 1st Nelson Wheelers -
- 21/10 – 1st North Lancs RC -
- 28/10 – The Rake!
Total: 10 wins out of 11 in open hill climbs. (count an individual stage as one race)
In 2011, I also won 10/11 hill climbs
Related
Related
i’m looking forward to it, even though it’s not a climb that suits me either!
see you on the hill! (ian will be taking pics again so i’ll send some your way afterwards)
Good read, looking forward to the day.
Simply hoping to get under 3 minutes if the weather’s right (2:49 on Streatley). Although if there were indeed that many returned entries I’m just glad to be getting a ride!
Good luck Tejvan. I’ve been following your hill success and hope you nail the rake. I returned to Swains Lane yesterday for the first time in two months and it’s safe to that both the pain and time it took me to climb it increased! Big respect to hill climbers, cycling at it’s most evil/eyes out pleasurable!