![]() On Friday evening last, Usher Irish Road Club held this year’s National Hill Climb Championships on the slopes of Kilmashogue on the outskirts of Rathfarnham, Dublin. Numbers were fairly good with a total of roughly 50 men and women taking part. The hill climb doesn’t take too much explaining, you climb a hill which in places will have a gradient of up to 20% as fast as you can. It’s a difficult race to prepare for however, you have to reach the start line suitably warmed up as the race is so short - typically around 2.5km - and you have to get into your rhythm quickly! The favourite would have been Ryan Sherlock, winner of this year’s Mullingar 2 day combined A1 – A2 race. The surprise of the evening was Mark Dowling from Dectek with a convincing win in a time of 7 mins 2 seconds. Favourite Ryan Sherlock finished second in a time of 7 mins 18 seconds followed by our own Damien Shaw in a great time of 7 mins and 31 seconds. The first lady was Melanie Spath of Cycleways, Mel is an amazingly strong mountain biker and she showed her incredible ability to climb only 2 minutes down on the first placed male! Well done all & club members don’t forget our club hill climb will be on shortly so make sure you get some tips from Damien before the race! |