VC Venta Hill Climb- 26th September 2021

Sunday 26th September saw the return of the VC Venta Hill Climb, this year we thought we would challenge the riders to take on Old Winchester Hill!

One of the classic climbs of the South Downs, the Old Winchester Hill course takes a winding, beech tree-lined route up the chalk down to finish at a viewpoint on the ridge. Many of the riders enjoyed support from friends and families in the final metres, before the entourage coasted back to the Meonstoke HQ for a well-deserved cake and coffee.

Sixteen year-old Matthew Gilmour of VC Venta beat all senior riders to take first place overall in the inaugural Old Winchester Hillclimb. His blistering time of 5:01 was just enough to keep Oliver Hurdle (Vredestein Basso) in second place with 5:04, while Matt Melville (CC Basingstoke) took the third spot with an impressive 5:09.

In the women’s competition, Emily Slavin (Avid Sport) smashed out a stunning sub-six-minute ride to take first place in 5:59. Madeline Verdegaal (Brother UK - Team OnForm) was close behind with 6:20, while Helen Nichols (Valkyrie RT) rounded out the women’s podium.

Thank you to all of our amazing club members who organised and helped out at the event, we couldn't do it without you!

And a special mention to the event marshals who brought a smile to many riders faces as they made their way up the hill!

Full results from the event can be found below:

The venue is already booked for next September’s event - see you there!