The British Universities Hillclimb Championship took place on Oct 29th on the revered climb of Curbar Gap, deep in the Peak District. Even a record entry of 114 could do nothing to stop the domination of Leeds University CC who filled the top 2 spots and retained the team championship for another year.

Leeds Riders Matt Clinton and BUSA Cyclocross Champion Will Simmons were among the favourites and didn’t disappoint on the day putting in 2 excellent rides securing both individual and the team’s success. Andi Reisner, in his first time at a hillclimb put in a great ride to secure the vital 3rd spot on the team, narrowly edging Tim Burnett out of a team medal position.

The performances of Clinton and Simmons will put them in the running for places on the GB team for road and cyclocross respectively at the forthcoming World University Cycling Champs in Belgium. The pair aim to qualify and push for medals at the March championships.

To cap off the weekend, Matt travelled over to Bury on Sunday to take part in the National Hill Climb Championships (so not just students then?). With the BUSA in the bag from the day before and still physically tired, a top 20 was Matt’s aim for the day. Much shorter than Curbar at less than 1km, but with an average gradient of 1-in-4, “catchers” were needed at the top of the climb to prevent riders collapsing. Again putting everything he had to get to the top of the climb, it appeared Matt was on form, placing 5th out of 150 starters- less than 3seconds down on a medal position! This unprecedented ride shocked not only Matt, but everyone who’s ridden and trained with him over the last 2 years!

Leeds University would also like to take the opportunity to thank TORQ for their continuing nutritional support and welcome new co-sponsors Stif Mountain Bikes to the team.

Matt Hart/Matt Clinton/Will Simmons