Talented Sarnians all in top three of their category

GUERNSEY riders were out in force for the 2007 National Hill Climb held at Cheddar Gorge over 2.1 miles. Ann Bowditch was first of the Sarnians to start but last female off as she set to defend her triple hill-climb crown.

The hill was the longest that Bowditch had ridden in the event but only 16% at the steepest point, with much of the climb at a significantly lower gradient. It was considered more of a tester's (time triallist's) than a true hill-climber's climb.

Bowditch looked comfortable as she negotiated the 'S' bends on the lower, steeper section of the course and flicked the gears into the big chain-ring to power up the long, more shallow section.

She was satisfied that she had judged her ride well. 'I felt I got the best out of myself on the day and paced the ride well,' she said.

Unfortunately, though, for Bowditch, her time of 8min. 38sec. was good enough for only third place.

The winner was professional rider Caroline Klober, who had recently returned from racing for her Italian team in Belgium. Lynn Hamel, the rising star of the national time-trial scene, took the runner's up place.

Bowditch refused to be downbeat about the result.

'I knew Klober would be a tough competitor and Lynn would go well on that course. It's not been the greatest season for me and I am pleased to draw a line under it and have a rest. Winning championships is a great experience and I've enjoyed the three titles I've won but can put this result into perspective without dwelling on it,' she said.

Next up for Guernsey was 16-year-old Dan Arblaster in his first national event.

He came into the race off the back of some good results at home, putting seniors through their paces in local road races and hill climbs.

Arblaster looked smooth and controlled throughout the ride and produced an excellent performance to finish in 38th overall in 7min. 58sec. to place first in the 16-year-old group.

Velo Club president and veteran Gary Wallbridge was next to tackle the climb.

He returned to cycling in 2006 following a number of years out of the sport and had been showing improving form throughout 2007.

One of the brave over 55-year-olds to tackle the climb, Wallbridge placed 113th overall in a time of 9min. 41sec. also giving him second position in his age category.

Finally for the Sarnians was rising star 17-year-old James McLaughlin.

He had set his mark one year ago when he finished 23rd overall in the event and had high expectations to improve on that performance.

As always, McLaughlin made the steep section of the course look like a speed bump and quickly got into time trial mode for the remaining 1.5 miles.

At the time check positioned at the 0.6-mile point, McLaughlin was first junior, showing the advantage of his hill-climbing build providing a good power to weight ratio.

However, the youngster lost a little time to Adam Pinder in the final mile.

Pinder went on to win the junior category.

McLaughlin put in another superb performance to place 17th overall with a time of 7min. 33sec. and as second junior.

This was McLaughlin's final race of what has been an impressive season for the young rider as he showed he has the attributes to be a great all-rounder.

'I enjoyed the experience very much and it was great to race against people at such a high standard. I shall definitely look forward to next year and the new goals which will be set,' he said.

The event was won for the second time in succession by James Dobbin in 6min. 51sec. Dave Clarke was the only other competitor to produce a sub-7min. ride.