The long running Welwyn Wheelers hilly time trial took place in its traditional Good Friday slot around the undulating roads of Hertfordshire. What was also unchanged from previous years was the result, with Team Milton Keynes rider Luke Clark taking the top spot in the 26 mile test for the third year running.
David Dickie. Photo Rob Lampard
The hot Hertfordshire morning, described by stalwarts as the best its ever been for this event, brought out the crowds who watched the 103 riders tackle the fearsome cols of the county. However, 22 year old Clark made light work of the gradients and took the honours with a time of 1:02:12 with an average speed of 25.50mph. Just for the record Clark finished today 1minute and 39 seconds faster than he did this time last year.
Keeping it in the Clark family, brother Ross, also of Team Milton Keynes took the runner up spot 36 seconds behind his sibling. The podium was rounded off by James Fox of CC Luton. The Club Prize went to Team Milton Keynes with their top three riders giving a combined time of 3:12:15. Welwyn Wheelers were second with 3:20:06.
There was also no change from last year in the Ladies competition with Claire Newland of promoting club Welwyn Wheelers CC taking the honours for the second year running with an impressive time of 1:07:21 to give her 14th place overall. Welwyn Wheelers CC also secured the Junior prize with Alex Anderson coming home in eleventh place in a time of 1:07:10. With a ride like that Anderson is surely one to watch.
Top Six
1 Luke Clark            Team Milton Keynes   1:02:12
2 Ross Clark              Team Milton Keynes   1:02:48
3 James Fox              CC Luton                     1:02:04
4 Tim Davies          Icknield Road Club     1:04:24
5 Trevor Burke              Finchley RT                1:04:39
6 Nicholas Latimer       Rutland CC                 1:05:12
ROB LAMPARD
