National Hill Climb Championships 2012

Eve climbing the toughest section of the
Rake into a headwind

Well done to Eve this weekend for succesfully defending her as National Junior Women's Hill Climb Champion. Brilliant ride by Nicola too who, after working really hard in the build up to the championships, crashed into the barrier at the start but still managed a more than respectable time of 3:36 and 6th woman in the competition - click here to read Nicola's blog. The weather was a bit to be desired, but a fantastic competition and a tough climb. Thanks to Stuart, Richard, Ian, Jo, Mick and everyone else who helped out.

The National Hill Climb Championships 2012 - The Rake

The steepest section of the climb

The start list is out for the final race of the year - the National Hill Climb Championships on the notorious Ramsbottom Rake (in Ramsbottom). Nicola and Eve will both be representing Champion Systems/Maxgear/Kyklos in the championship - click here to see pre race report and start list from Velouk

The climb is 875 metres long, but ramps up to 22% at the finish - brilliant for spectators. See below for a video of the climb.



Nicola at Monsal Head

The girls have both been climbing well lately with Eve finishing second at Jubilee Towers and Nicola winning at Pea Royd Lane and Holme Moss as well as second at Peaslows, Riber and Bank Road and third at Monsal Head hill climbs. Eve is hoping to retain her title as National Junior Women's Hill Climb Champion. Come along and give them some support on Sunday 28th October - Eve is off at 12:43 and Nicola 12:52.

Top Ten for Nicola in National Scratch Race Championships

In her first ever National Track Championships at the end of September Nicola raced brilliantly, finishing tenth in a scratch race, which ended up a bunch finish won by veteran Janet Birkmyre. The day before she also placed thirteenth in a gruelling 120 lap points race, in which many riders retired.
Eve who finished 7th in the senior points race in 2011 had to withdraw due to her crash at Newport, although has recovered well and will return for the final race of the year - the National Hill Climb Championships at The Rake.