Hodgkinson on the podium at Kielder Chiller
ENDURANCE cyclist Tom Hodgkinson has made his return to competition after injury with a podium finish at the Kielder Chiller 24hr mountain bike event.
The 33-year-old from Sileby who finished in the Top 20 at the Endurance World Championships at Fort William back in November 2018 has been out of action with a back injury and the event at Kielder Forest in Northumberland, was his first event of 2019.
Hodgkinson had tentatively started back on his training regime with coach Lee Eaton of Transition Cycle Coaching and entered into the Male Solo category riding for Team JMC against 61 other riders with no expectation other than using the race as a training ride.
Each lap was 6.3 miles long and involved 1,200ft of climbing but in terrible weather confitions, he rode 145 miles and climbed 27,000ft in 24hrs completing 23 laps to take second place on the podium behind solo winner Nigel Smith.
Coach Lee Eaton said: “I am absolutely chuffed to bits to see Tom finishing on the podium in second overall Solo Male. His commitment and his positive mindset goes to show what is achievable when you work hard and keep believing!”
Afterwards a delighted Tom said: “I’m really pleased to finish second in such a good field of riders. I gave it my all as I always do and will be back to full time training after I have recovered a little. I’m looking forward to the rest of the 2019 season. Thanks to Lee at Transition Cycle Coaching, the great bunch at Team JMC and Steely Eyed clothing.”