This year’s National Hill Climb Championships attracted a bumper field of riders to the venue in Devon, to compete on a long “roadman’s” style hill. Ilkley CC’s Andy Cunningham travelled to the event and produced a fine 22nd place, all the more impressive due to the fact that he has been making a recovery from a horror accident in the Dales where he was knocked off his bike whilst training. Ex-ICC member, Oxford University student, Julian Roche also came away with an impressive performance.
This weekend saw the Scottish round of National Trophy Cyclocross Series in Irvine in what turned out to be pretty good weather, in a super setting next to the Atlantic with a view over to Arran. Andrew Whiteside competed in the Veteran 40 age group; on a national standard course he was more than happy with 49th finishing position after starting 62nd on the gridding. In the youth categories club members racing for other teams did very well, Ben Houlihan U16 currently with the Paul Milnes team, got his first UCI points starting in 50th and working tirelessly to get through to 15th, this will stand him in good stead for the gridding this weekend as he does two competitions out in Belgium. Joseph Turnbull U14 currently with MST Cycle Sport starting in the back row moved through a big field of 76 to finished 44th and Freya Whiteside U16 did a fantastic ride coming in 7th being 3 years younger than the winning young women. Local rider and ex Ilkley Grammar School pupil Sophie Thackray retained her U23 series leader jersey in the Elite Women’s race.
Locally due to the school holidays and no points competition a number of regular lCC cyclocross riders were absent from a new course at the Druid’s Temple, Grewelthorpe near Masham. Despite the heavy rain leading up to the event it was reported to be well drained and in a fantastic situation. The younger members of the club, light in number showed great success. Jake Thornton U8 came 5th just off the podium again but fantastic seeing he has just started racing, Harry Leijssen U12 showing that football is good for fitness came in 9th and younger sister Sophie Leijssen racing for the first time for a while gained a podium step coming in 3rd.
Adult riders Liam Rees V40 and John McManus, Senior competed with Liam coming in 16th and John doing a commendable 9th in their respective categories.
The youth section is holding another Pedal in the Park this Saturday at 11:30 for anyone who can ride a two wheeler bike and would like to try cyclocross or just ride their bike more skilfully, please wrap up warm, bring a helmet, drink and gloves. On Sunday we will have a club trip to Myrtle Park Cyclocross hopefully with club members to help any new riders.
