March has seen a flurry of activity in our Segment of the Month competition, with rivalries coming to the fore in the various categories.
March’s segment travelling East on the Northington road proved popular, with a large number of participants testing their mettle against the weather.
As a reminder, this year’s competition now has three categories (open men’s, open women’s and senior men’s) and any rider who wishes to enter the men’s senior category, must remove themselves from the men’s open category (and vice-versa).
In the men’s open category competition, Oscar Hoult put on a late show of impressive power (over 500 watts for three minutes, as reported by Strava) to overhaul the other riders and take first place with a new KoM time of 03:04. Matt Gilmour was in second place with a time of 3:12. Sam Talent grabbed third with a time of 03:22.
In the women’s open category competition, Isla Hoult complete her hat-trick with the win for the third month a row, setting a time of 04:08. Annie Dixey again took the runners up spot with a time of 04:35. Judit D closed off the women’s podium with a time of 05:03.
In the men’s senior category competition, things were super-close this month. Martin Evans took top spot with a time of 04:06. David Martin was just pipped into second place with a time of 04:07. Jamie MacPherson finished in third spot for the second consecutive month, with a time of 04:25.
In the men’s open category GC, Matt Gilmour still holds a slender lead, with a tally of 42 points, Oscar Hoult has closed the gap to second position, with his new total of 39 points. Sam Talent has leapfrogged Bobby Buenfeld into third position, now on 28 points.
In the women’s open category GC, Isla Hoult and Annie Dixey tighten their respective grips on first and second positions, sitting on 45 and 34 points apiece. Judit D hold third position with 22 points.
In the men’s senior category GC, it’s all change at the top of the table. Martin Evans is in the lead on 33 points. Jim Cascarini drops into second spot, now on 30 points, tied with David Martin who holds the same, 30-point tally. Honourable mention goes to Alastair Mucklow and Jamie MacPherson, who on 29 and 28 points respectively, are just on the shoulder of the current top-three placed riders.
Many congratulations to Oscar and Isla, who win a free hot drink and slice of cake from South Downs Social café, who continue to graciously support and sponsor our club’s annual segment of the month competition for the two open categories.
Also, congratulations to Martin, who wins a £10 voucher for use at Bike-X in Winchester, who are our sponsors for this first year of the men’s senior category of our club’s annual segment of the month competition.
April’s segment is the sprint stage for this year’s competition. A slight false flat with a punch at the end for just about one third of a mile on the Southbound lane to Kilmeston. Click the link here to take a look at April’s segment:
https://www.strava.com/segments/36591499
Results and position for March segment challenge and current GC ranking
