Bowditch passes her most 'hideous' test

ANN BOWDITCH has smashed the women's record in the annual Rodney Pyne Memorial Hill Climb. The Sarnian star knocked nearly one-and-a-half minutes off the previous best, showing that she is in fine form ahead of defending her national title.

The event, promoted by the Sid Valley Cycling Club, is held on Peak Hill in Sidmouth and included the Royal Navy and Royal Marines CC Hill Climb Championship.

The feared climb starts on the sea-front and heads up to the top of one of the surrounding cliffs. Ascending quickly, the competitors are faced with gradients of 20%. In comparison, Le Val des Terres is 10%.

Halfway up this one-mile test and with most riders starting to suffer, the road kicks up to around 25%. With only a third-of-a-mile to go, the climb settles back into a steady 20% before tailing off for the final 200 yards.

After a reconnaissance ride, Bowditch knew she had to pace herself carefully. This proved to be difficult, as the early steepness required a large effort just to get to the halfway point.

On the day of the race, she started with a steady effort and quickly ascended the first third with plenty still in her tank.

But the effort of the middle third, with its 25% section, started to take its toll. It was at this point that one of the Royal Marines ground to a halt, unable to keep any forward momentum going, and was forced to walk until the final few yards.

Although suffering as she never had before, Bowditch still looked strong with the final third-of-a-mile remaining. The spectators were amazed to find that this competitor, visually faster than many before, was female.

The Guernsey Velo Club member crossed the line in 7min. 09sec., well inside the previous women's record of 8-37.

'That was by far the most hideous event I have ever taken part in,' said Bowditch.

'You feel as if you don't have control of the hill - the hill dictates the effort.'

The overall fastest was James Dobbin, second in last year's national hill climb, who set a new outright record of 5-18.