Clinton and O’Neill fully prepared for National Hill Climb Champs

Mike Vaughan Cycles riders Matt Clinton and Jack O’Neill completed their final preparation for this weekend’s National Hill Climb Championships with a busy Sunday in Matlock, Derbyshire.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Oct 2014, 12:18 BST
Matt Clinton in action in Matlock.Matt Clinton in action in Matlock.
Matt Clinton in action in Matlock.

Technically one of the most difficult climbs, Matlock CC’s Riber Castle Hill Climb features multiple hairpins and 25 per cent gradients as the riders complete the mile-long course.

Despite a strong gusty headwind on the lower part of the course, Clinton equalled his best on the climb to clock 3:40.7 for fourth, while O’Neill took more than 15 seconds off his PB for 3:55.1 and tenth.

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Local rider Adam Kenway smashed the course record by five seconds to finish in 3:24.1.

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Following a short ride out to Beeley Moor, Clinton then took advantage of a strong westerly wind to beat the course record by six seconds at the Chesterfield Couriers event, clocking 8:17.5 for the 2.3-mile course.

Clinton then rode back into Matlock for the short effort up Bank Road, the venue for his 2008 National title win.

With a tailwind, times would be fast and O’Neill knocked 15 seconds off his 2012 attempt.

Clinton, one of the only riders on their third event of the day, was four seconds outside his fastest time on the course, clocking 1:57.5.

Kenway again took the win in a course record 1:46.6.

Related topics:MatlockDerbyshire