(By Sarah Piner) 
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!