|
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.
 |
|
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.
 |
|
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.
|
