Saddleworth Clarion are National Clarion Hill Climb Champions
Winning team: Kieran Manchester, Simon Cullen, with Adam Yates, then Matthew Cheetham, Neil Warner and Mike Gradwell
The autumn months herald the beginning of a peculiarly British cycling phenomenon – the hill climbing season.
The UK has an internationally renowned tradition of time-trialling, and hill climbing is the season’s end version of the race of truth.
Last weekend, Blackstone Edge was the venue for the National Clarion’s Hill Climb Championship, an event where all Clarion sections come together in pugilistic mood to pit themselves against one another and that enemy of all riders, gravity.
Saddleworth Clarion was well represented at the championships as both competitors and spectators made their way over the hills to take in this excellent event, organised this year by Bury Clarion.
The route was simple: 1.8 miles up and finishing in front of The White House Pub. The weather forecast had predicted only light winds and to be fair, that’s what the riders got. The only problem is that when riding up hill, even the slightest breeze can really hurt you.
The event was a massive success for Saddleworth Clarion who claimed first place with Kieran Manchester’s incredible ride of 8 minutes 3 seconds which saw him 45 seconds ahead of the nearest rider. To put this in context, the Yates brothers, two professionals riding for World Tour team, Orica Green Edge have recorded times of 9 minutes 13 and 9 minutes 15 according to the training web site Strava.
Adam Yates (left) with winner Kieran Manchester
The prizes were presented by Adam Yates, who incidentally started his cycling career at Bury Clarion and he was impressed by Kieran’s time. To top off a superb day for Saddleworth, they took away the National Team Prize as well thanks to the efforts of Simon Cullen and Matthew Cheetham.
Commenting on his win Kieran told Saddleworth News: “I’ve had a good season this year, especially after winning The Beard Cup hill climb in September. This is my final event of 2015 and to win a national prize is pretty special. It was great to help Saddleworth take away the team prize too.”
Yates said it was a “very impressive time as I know what it takes to ride up there – a great effort”.
Saddleworth Clarion has a number of rides, catering for all abilities. From beginner to racer, mountain biker to road rider. If you fancy getting fitter and trying this exciting sport, visit their web site and get in touch www.saddleworthclarion.co.uk
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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