The National hill climb championships was held on Sunday up the 2.7 mile struggle hill. It was very steep and long in 3 places near the top there was a 24% then 20% to make sure every rider left every bit of strength they had on that road. 480 riders took part.
Four Otley CC riders represented the club - Helen Auden did a terrific ride finishing 51st out of 79 women in a time of 21min 12sec.
Christos Tzelis a Junior rider finished 16th in the junior category in an amazing time of 15min 17sec .
Carl Sherratt did a strong ride especially as he rode to Ambleside the day before and rode the long way home straight after finishing the race in 244 place out of 275 in the men’s with a time of 19min50sec.
I drove their training only specifically for this one effort and finished 212 place out of 275 in a time of 18.31.
I was fortunate enough to be very old ???????? and in the category of 65 -69, I am 69 so the oldest in my cat probably the littlest and lightest due to eating oats, nut, fish veg and fruit only????. I gave it everything and struggled desperately up the Struggle hill at Ambleside it was the hardest cycle ride of my life, bad enough riding the struggle hill but to race up it was painful to say the least. I was able to catch 2 riders which gave me something to aim for - catching my 2min man with just meters to the line - I didn’t realise how much this helped me win ???? in my category by only 2secs giving me top place on the podium-a gold medal and enough Kendal mint cake to energise me up many more hills. I am so pleased we all could represent our great club Otley CC. I am overwhelmed at my old age to have had this hard but amazing opportunity.
The overall winner Andrew Feather won with an awe inspiring ride of 11min 48 sec.
For full results visit the RTTC website National Hill climb championship 2023.
