Monsal Hill-climb

Sheffrec CC Hill-climb | Oct 1 | Derbyshire

eigning national hill-climb champion Adam Kenway sent out a message to those intent on taking his title when he took victory in the prestigious Monsal Head hill-climb, while Rebecca Goodson (Velo Schils Interbike RT) won the women’s event.

Kenway, 30 and from Belper, Derbyshire, has been under pressure in recent weeks having been beaten on five occasions so far this season.

But the Raleigh-gac rider hit form on the 617-metre Peak District climb, which averages 10 per cent, clocking a winning time of one minute and 19 seconds.

Aiming high

A record entry of 190 riders took part in the 87th edition of the event with each rider aiming for Malcolm Elliott’s 1981 course record of 1:14.2.

Joey Walker (Team Wiggins) finished second on this occasion, two seconds behind and just twotenths faster than Andy Nichols (B38-underpin Racing) in third.

Calm before the storm

“When I recced the course yesterday the conditions were perfect with no leaves on the course and a super-smooth surface,” said Kenway. “But due to the wind and rain there were leaves on the bottom half of the course and when I set off the back wheel was spinning.

“I just calmed down at the beginning and then when the leaves cleared in the top half I gave it everything.

“The Monsal hill-climb and the Nationals are my two big goals — there is always good competition for this one.”

Goodson, from Sheffield, also showed her credentials for the national title by taking victory in the women’s event in emphatic style.

Her time of 1:47.8 was seven seconds faster than Emilie Verroken (Maxx RT), with Elizabeth Banks (Storey Racing) a further four seconds back.

Share the pain

“It was over much quicker than I remembered, and the crowds were amazing which really made the pain worth it,” said Goodson.

“It was a good field so I expected to podium but didn’t think I would win it. All I was focusing on was making the legs turn around and the finish line.

“I usually go better on the longer climbs so hopefully I will go better in the Nationals than Monsal.”