Local club hosts Blue Ribband event
Tim Mitchell (SCCC) presenting Lisa Dickenson with her prize
Reporter: Stuart Littleford
Local cycling club Saddleworth Clarion once again hosted the prestigious Saddleworth Mountain Time Trial recently, a challenging individual effort up the A635 Isle of Skye road towards Holmfirth and back through Meltham over the B6108 Wessenden Head including over 500 metres of climbing.
Following last year’s success the event was massively oversubscribed which led to some pre-ride disappointment as the field was limited to 75 riders.
JLT Condor professional James Gullen used the form he honed during April’s Tour De Yorkshire to win in an impressive 45min 41ses. Averaging 37 kmh and reaching a top speed of 80 kmh.
Tim Mitchell (SCCC) presenting James Gullen (left) with his prize
An early marker was set by fastest Saddleworth Clarion rider Kieran Manchester whose 51min 15 sec was eventually pushed to fifth overall. Being bettered by Gullen and ABC Centerville’s’ Louis Szymanski, Cheshire Mavericks Joost De Moor and fastest Veteran Matt Moorhouse of Preston CC. Fastest Junior was Rapha CC member Ben Luke.
The ladies race saw disappointment for pre ride favourite Nicola Mathews with the top three Lisa Dickinson, Charlotte Gorman and Steph Mottram being separated by only two and a half minutes.
Saddleworth rider Phillip Bradbury took the ‘Lantern Rouge’, a crate of Kwaremont Beer as the day’s slowest rider.
The club were helped with the £500 prize fund by Belgian brewer Kwaremont and the Manchester based Rapha Cycle shop. Mechanical assistance was provided by Lees based Cycle Tech Oldham.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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