| 2008 Jack Clements Memorial Little
Mountain Time Trial - Event Preview This year's Beacon "Little
Mountain" Time Trial is set to live up to its reputation as a true classic. The
historic event returns in its 61st year with a full field and a full list of reserves
and has clearly captured the imagination of many novice time triallists. The course
consists of 39 miles of undulating and hilly Worcestershire countryside and the
fastest recorded performance was by Stuart Dangerfield who achieved 1.34.05 in
the 2005 edition of the event.
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| Matt Bottrill in the 2007 event |
This year there are three riders who have already won a clutch of events
each who will be fighting it out to claim the top step of the podium. Matt Bottrill
(De Rosa/MG Decor RT) came second to Gethin Butler (Preston Whlrs) last year but
he must be beginning to feel he has seen second place too often in this event.
With emphatic wins in 5 open events already this year he is surely going to be
a hard man to beat. But the man to beat him could be Rob Wood (Echelon-Spiuk)
who has quietly been showing dominant form with two wins out of two races so far
this year. He also demonstrated his class over this kind of terrain with his third
place in 2007. However, Wood's teammate, Gavin Poupart is also waiting
in the wings and has the potential to carry away the first prize. Poupart was
the Little Mountain Champion in 2006 and has already claimed four open wins this
season. Other challengers could be 2002 winner James Gilfillan (Primera-Bournemouth.co.uk)
or Gavin Pardoe (Shorter-Rochford RT) who was a strong runner-up to Dangerfield
in 2005.
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| Michelle Parsons climbing Ankerdine
Hill | Amongst the other categories of riders there
are some high quality entries too. 15 women are on the start sheet led by Michelle
Parsons (Evesham & Dist Whrs) who will be aiming to break the 2-hour barrier for
the first time. Hot on her heels last year and riding again this year is Lindsay
Smith (Birmingham Running & Tri) but a challenge is also expected from Marina
Bloom (Rugby RC). An exciting new dimension is introduced this year for
the veteran riders with generous bonuses for any rider who breaks their age-category
course record. Barry Charley (Parker International) holds a very tough course
record for V40 of 1.39.12 which may go unchallenged, but the V50 record established
by Mick Ives (then Coventry Olympic) in 1995 may be under threat. His benchmark
of 1.52.29 could be broken by Michael Amery (VC Sevale), Colin Stiles (Rugby RC)
or 1982 Winner, John Herring (Leamington C&AC). An incredible performance by Rod
Brooks (Warrington RC) last year secured him the course record for V60 of 1.53.05
and as Brooks returns again this year it could possibly be only the MI Racing-THULE
pairing of Mick Ives or Tony Taylor who could topple that record. In the V70 category
a great battle is expected as defending record holder John Bevan (MI Racing-THULE)
faces a stiff challenge from home rider and classy veteran Hugh McGuire. Amongst
all the top men and women battling it out for the placings are a large number
of newcomers to time trialling and many middle-markers returning to take on the
personal challenge of this classic event once again. There is an increased prize
list for the "Course PB" competition this year and the winner of this could come
from any of the 62 riders who have ridden the event before. In addition riders
have the option of riding an ordinary road bike and winning a 'Roadman' prize
for the fastest performance without the advantage of aerodynamic aids. The
first rider is off at 08.01 and good viewing points could be on the timed climbs
of Stanford Bank or Ankerdine. All event details can be found in our Race
Programme. | 
