Sunny day on a rollercoaster… Austin Smith’s Hardride report

Warm sunshine and a light south easterly wind (the best option in my opinion) greeted the 20 riders for the second Medbourne Hardrider TT of the year. Due to ongoing roadworks in Medbourne the course was amended to a shorter 14-mile circuit… but we still didn’t escape the two ascents of Knob Hill, instead we got an ascent of Belchers Hill for good measure.

The start is probably the hardest of all WVCC TTs on the calendar as it climbs straight away in to what I know by the locals as the seven sisters… and from there it continues to rise before descending down in to Stockerston. Living so close to the course probably does have its advantages, especially on that descent, which is flat out all the way on a road bike. From there it was the 3 climbs, two of Knob Hill and one of Belchers. My plan was to ride all three on power I knew I could hold, and that plan worked out well for me with only 1 second splitting my 2 ascents of Knob Hill. From there the undulations would continue to take their toll before turning left in Hallaton and taking the final run down to finish. With Stuart Haycox in my sights and minute man Gary Roberts chasing me I had the bit between my teeth, but unfortunately both beat me to the line. Well, ridden everyone.

Gary Roberts and Rhys Thomas were first and second home on road bikes, with Matt Plews in third and first home on a TT bike. Jane Moore was first lady home. Well done everyone who rode and a big thank you to all the marshals, timekeepers and volunteers.

Thanks, Austin. Official results can be found here