Simon Taggart wins BCC Hill Climb

CyclingFAST improving cyclist and former Ballymoney lad Simon Taggart (BRC) stamped up the cruel slopes of the tough and arduous Millbrae climb at Finvoy last Wednesday evening.

On what was described as ' a big wet shaggy monster hill climb' this being due to the torrential rain and swirling blustery winds, certainly not an evening for fast times.

But no one told Simon Taggart that these conditions are not conducive to fast riding as this pocket rocket soared to the top of the 1500m ascent in the 2nd fastest in history of the climb time of 3m -18secs. This is the fastest time ever set by a local rider and an achievement that is worth the "Grimpeurs Trophy".

Fastest time ever set on the Millbrae was by the Commonwealth Games rider David Gardner from Lurgan in a time of 3m-07secs back in 1980.

16 riders turned up to face the timekeeper at the base of the mountain, pre race favourites and give it a lash first timers all stared anxiously at the rising road ahead as the time keeper readied them for the off.

Schoolboy sensations and NEW 2010 record holders for the U13/U14 categories Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford, blazed a trail to the top with times of 4mins.01secs and 3m. 41secs respectively. Both Craig and Aaron finished in 5th and 10th place. These are exciting times for these young lads and the 2010 season may have ended but already plans are being implemented for them for 2011.

BCC favourite son Jason Taggart was the club's best placed rider, 3m.41 equal 5th with young Craig behind the mountain eagles like Jason Henry, Chris Beattie and Stephen McNeilly.

Olly Bateson and Jerome McKendry were also on fire in the rain at Millbrae and will both be getting ready for another big season next year.

Young lady rider Nadine Morris on the comeback trail was again showing what made her a top cyclist a few years back.

Results for the Grimpeurs Trophy are:

1st Simon Taggart 3.18

2nd Chris Beattie 3.20

3rd Jason Henry 3.21

4th Stephen McNeilly 3.32

5th Craig Crawford (U14) 3.41

5th Jason Taggart 3.41

7th Steven McAllister 3.47

8th Jerome McKendry 3.48

9th Olly Bateson 3.51

10th Aaron Swan (U13) 4.01

11th Dominic Drum 4.23

12th Johnny Dillon 4.27

13th Fran McKeown 4.40

14th David McConaghie 4.41

1st Woman Nadine Morris 5.15