Circuit of Chailey, hill climbs and racing round-up

The last of Lewes Wanderers’ time-trials of the year took place on the morning of Sunday 22nd September.  The Circuit of Chailey starts near the village hall and climbs Cinder Hill to join the A272.  From there riders turn west to North Chailey, then south down the A275 to the Rainbow Inn near Cooksbridge.

Steve Barry by Rachel Barry

A sharp hairpin sends competitors up and over Deadmantree Hill to Markstakes Lane and then back down the A275 to repeat the lower loop and make a total of 17.58 miles.  Heavy overnight rain cleared in time for the 9 o’clock start, but left wet and slippery roads, although it was a mild day with virtually no wind.

Peter Baker took his first outright time-trial victory since 2009 with a winning time of 46 minutes and 42 seconds.  Runner-up and fastest of the five entrants on road bikes with a new course personal best was Neil Edwards with 47:36.

In his first attempt at the event Darren Haynes (51:55) edged Paget Cohen (52:31) to third step on the podium.  Ben Gregory (Taul Punx) took 5th (55:14) ahead of Steve Barry (56:31) who also beat his previous best time for Chailey.  Adrian Hills (Eastbourne Rovers) completed the results with 1:13:53.

Peter returned to racing action the following Sunday 29th when he was one of twenty-three competing in a hill-climb promoted by Blazing Saddles.  This event was run up the 1.9 kilometre long slopes of Knights Hill heading south out of Singleton and formed Round 1 of the South Downs Hill Climb series.  Peter’s time of 4 minutes 42.8 seconds placed him 14th in the standings.

The same morning Richard Burchett (Crawley Wheelers) was among sixty-nine others racing up and down the A3 near Liss, Hampshire.  His time of 4 seconds outside of 22 minutes gave him a fine 26th place amid such competition.

Round Two of the South Downs Hill Climb series was on the morning of Saturday 5th October and once again Peter Baker was on the start line.  The event was held on the fearsome slopes of Steyning Bostal and promoted by Brighton Mitre CC.  Peter’s time of 5 minutes 39.48 seconds placed him 24th from 34 finishers.