|
The 2009 Jack Clements Memorial Little
Mountain Time Trial
 |
|
Gethin Butler (Preston
Whlrs)
Little Mountain Champion 2007
|
Great Witley, Worcestershire, Sunday 26th April 2009,
8.00am
The 61st edition of the Beacon Mountain Time Trial takes
place this Sunday, 26th April, on a demanding, 39-mile course
in rural Worcestershire. Several generations of cyclists have
taken on the challenge of this historic event and three former
winners, each victorious in a different decade, will be competing
again in 2009. The indefatigable Mick Ives (Team Endura) won
the event in 1962 and, as the second oldest competitor this
year, will be sure to produce yet another performance which
defies his years. John Herring (Leamington C&AC), returns
27 years after his win and boldly rides this tough event as
his first race of the year. Finally, Bill Moore (Shorter-Rochford
RT), although still not yet a veteran in age, is certainly
a veteran of this event with two wins to his name in 1997
and 1998.
Moore starts on scratch, having been a podium finisher last
year, but will no doubt find some tough opposition amongst
the rest of the field. A rider to watch out for is Jeff Jones
(Chippenham & Dist Whlrs) who has two open wins in hilly events
to his name already this season. Also with a good chance of
a win is David Barnes (Wyre Forest CRC), who has shown iimpressive
form this year and claimed more than one first place already.
Similarly, Moore's team-mate, Gavin Pardoe, has the track
record for a very fine performance having finished runner-up
to Stuart Dangerfield back in 2005.
Amongst the eight women on the start sheet, triathlete Lindsay
Smith (BRAT) looks strongest on paper and no doubt she will
be aiming for a sub-2-hour ride having narrowly missed that
target by just 6 seconds.in 2008. It is also super to see
cyclo-cross specialist Isla Rowntree (Stourbridge CC) return
to the event after 14 years and, as ever, she is sure to ride
well.
There are plenty of other prizes and competitions within
the race such as the Best Improvement prizes, open to any
of the 65 riders who are returning to the event this year
for at least the second time. For those preferring to ride
a road bike there are prizes for the fastest 'Roadmen' and
this year there is even a bonus prize for breaking the course
record on a mountain bike. Course record bonuses of £50 will
be awarded to any rider breaking the record for their category
and the fastest to complete the two main hill climbs on the
course will be rewarded too.
The first rider starts at 8.02am from Great Witley, Worcestershire
and all will be welcome to spectate on the course, to share
in the chat and refreshments and to congratulate the prize
winners back at Great Witley Village Hall after the event.
|
