David Millar heads up 150 riders entered for the annual 59th Bec CC Hill Climb in Kent
This Sunday – Bec CC 59th Hill Climb
NOTE: Send your results as well as club, team & event news here
Course: GH/31 | 2pm Start
The story so far…
Way back in the midst of time known as the 1950’s the Bec CC was experiencing a period of highs in its history. Membership was flourishing, the social side of the club was buzzing, but it was the exploits of the racing section that was bringing the name of the Bec to the fore….
Success was coming from all directions of the sport, including long distance events, time trialling, track and particularly in bicycle polo! In a more specialized side of cycle racing, one Bec member in particular, Jim Pentecost, was showing exceptional talents for the discipline of hill climbing. Unfortunately for a South London Club, most of the Hill Climb events of that period seemed to be very North of the Thames, and Jim, with the support of his club mates had to tour the country in
search of competition.
With this in mind, and in keeping with Bec tradition of trying to support our sport by organizing several open events at various disciplines it was decided to add an
Open Hill Climb to the Bec calendar. The task of finding a suitable course fell to climbing expert Jim and his wife Eileen, and Ron and Hazel Beckett who duly spent the spring of 1955 scouring the south for a suitable bump in the road.
With Titsey discovered, Ron then took on the task of organizer of the event for the next 30 years (1956 – 86), before ‘donating’ the organizers reigns to his eldest son Garry.
To add to the grandeur of the original event Ron and Hazel donated a trophy which they had recently discovered in the attic of a flat they were renting in Highbury, and which had previously been awarded as 1st prize at a gardening show! Ron also gifted a further trophy in later years, which had previously been awarded in an ex-pats tennis tournament in Egypt, in the 1930’s and it has since been used as the team award trophy.
David Millar, last race is the BEC CC hill climb
Jim Pentecost at that time was taking many hill climbing scalps, and was the winner of the first two editions of the Bec event with some classy riding which was reported by the media and spectators of the time as “looking effortless and graceful” (I’m sure Jim would argue that point!!).
Over the years there have been many memorable occasions in the running of this event. Great individual rides by some very gifted athletes. Riders such as Gary Dodd with his 6 wins during a 16 year period. Great team wins from clubs such as the Kingston Phoenix, R.C. and Nomads Hitchin C.C. who jointly hold the record of 7 wins, and ‘Great Storms’, such as the one 2 days before the 1987 event, which rendered the hill impassable with fallen trees.
Other ‘great’ names to have graced the start sheet are numerous, but probably none more so than Tour De France winner and multiple Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins, who participated in the 2005 50th edition as a tribute to his “old friend” and founder of the event Ron Beckett who had passed away in the Easter of that year.
In 2007, a record number of entries faced the timekeepers and enthusiastic crowd, and Dan Fleeman of Blue Sky Cycles R.T., a ‘Hill Climb Virgin’ emerged to grab the winners crown in 1.43.02, and with it topple Gary Dodd’s 12 year old hill record.
2006 was an eventful year,rain of biblical proportions and the winners Position being shared… Gary Dodd, after several years ‘retirement’ came back to try and regain his King of the Hill Title, and he would have been successful were it not for the in-form Bill Bell of the Gemini CC equally his time, resulting in a dead heat.
Jack Pullar winning Monsall in 2013 and a favourite for the BEC CC in 2014.
Despite being more like a swimming gala than a bike race, it didn’t deter more than ever Competitors from facing the Timekeeper in 2008, and every year since then the field has continued to grow, records broken, and faster times become the norm…A great tussle between past winner Jody Crawford (Arctic Premier R.T.) and Daniel Lloyd (A.N.Post – Sean Kelly R.T) saw them as the only riders to manage sub ‘1.50’, on a challenging and windy day with Lloyd claiming the top spot by just over 1 second in 1.46.44.
2009 and the postal service strikes created a challenging time for the organiser but another healthy field of 87 entrants still made it onto the start sheet. Again the weather played its part in trying to upset the event with a downpour causing slippery conditions for the later starters. Fortunately for Michael Smith, Team Milton Keynes, he started early at number 17 & benefitted from the drier conditions which allowed him to take the honours with a very credible 1.46.08.
2010 saw the Arrival of a new claimant to the ‘King of the Hill’ title but at just 15 years Old and with a winning time of 1.45.3 ‘Prince of the Hill, seemed more apt, even if he did beat some of the UK’s top Professional riders from the likes of the Rapha Condor & Raleigh Squads. Coming back to defend his title in 2011 Germain again beat a quality field knocking time of his own PB to end up with 1.45.1
Since 2012, Germain has been unable to defend his Title, as he has been called up for GB Olympic Development Squad duties… But has vowed to come back in the future & put the Record well and truly on the shelf.
So 2012 saw a new champion, and a new record. Jack Pullar set the bar very high riding a 1.42.9 and again in 2013 took the Top step… Back again in 2014, he looks set to make it a triple, but he’s up against a class field, and is hoping that retiring Pro David Millar of Garmin–Sharp riding his very last race of an 18 year Career doesn’t steal his mantle and also set a New Record for this the 59th Editon of the Bec CC Hill Climb
THE COURSE: GH-31•
‘Titsey’ ( White Lane) is situated on the left of the B2024 when approaching from Westerham, or the Right if coming from Croydon/ London direction, and is opposite the sign posted Tatsfield.
• The course is 700 yards long, and starts 40yards from the Junction with the B269 & Finishes 70yards from the junction with the B2024.
It is mainly a 1-in- 6 gradient, increasing to a nice little 1-in-4 section 50-60 yards from the finish line. It levels off slightly approx 15 yards from the line.
According to ‘past survivors’ over the years, a gear ratio of between 54 and 59 inches affords the most comfortable of ascents, and treaded tyres are advisable should the weather be a little on the damp side!
•
Once again we have been granted the luxury of an Official road closure to assist with our safety & enjoyment.. We gratefully thank Officials at Tandridge District Council for allowing this.
We would spectators and riders alike to still exercise caution and treat the hill and surrounding countryside with due respect, leave no litter and help safeguard future editions of the Bec CC Hill Climb.
RIDERS
1 James Hughes (El Presidente) V Bec C.C. 14.01
2 Ed Simpson V VC de Londres 14.02
3 P.Gaida & S.House T Reading CC & Arctic Tackx 14.03
4 Roy Instrall V Morden CRC 14.04
5 Karin Brameld W Pearson Cycling Club 14.05
6 P. Tunnel & A.Green T Addiscombe CC 14.06
7 Tom Owen Rollapaluza CC 14.07
8 William Brassington J Dulwich Paragon CC 14.08
9 Sarah croucher W London Phoenix CC 14.09
10 Dylan Bexley V Dorking CC 14.1
11 Simon Lythgoe V Addiscombe CC 14.11
12 Chris Cook G S Avanti 14.12
13 Freddie Davidson J St Pauls CRT 14.13
14 Jon Pring Imperial College Cycling Club 14.14
15 Stefan Jooste Ful-on Tri 14.15
16 Samantha Whitehead W Bec CC 14.16
17 Lee Comerford London Dynamo 14.17
18 John Brameld V Pearson Cycling Club 14.18
19 Stanislav Cmakal London Phoenix CC 14.19
20 David Ambler J St Pauls CRT 14.2
21 Isla Aimee Rush W Wyndymilla 14.21
22 Paul Symes CC London 14.22
23 Andrew Croker V VC Rocacorba 14.23
24 Owen Cooper Norwood Paragon CC 14.24
25 Will Beresford London Phoenix CC 14.25
26 Tom Simpson J VC de Londres 14.26
27 Nicole Millar W VC Rococorba 14.27
28 Alfie Parkinson J VC de Londres 14.28
29 Mitchell Blain Mono Velo 14.29
30 Nathan Bloom J Regents Park Rouleurs 14.3
31 Helen McKay W Les Filles Racing Team 14.31
32 Dan Pateman V Kingston Wheelers CC 14.32
33 Chris Balkham Oxted Cycle Club 14.33
34 Aaron Espin Pearson Cycling Club 14.34
35 Nigel Downing Mukiwa VC Rocacorba 14.35
36 Ashley Nunn Addiscombe CC 14.36
37 Alan Miles Redhill CC 14.37
38 Tamar Vanderhaas W Lewes Wanderers CC 14.38
39 Alvaro Mari-Thompson Dulwich Paragon CC 14.39
40 Andy Corrigan V Pearson Cycling Club 14.4
41 Henrietta Colborne W Beacon Wheelers 14.41
42 Ewan Evans Dorking CC 14.42
43 Murray Davies J VO2 Maximum RT 14.43
44 Anthony Langdell V CC London 14.44
45 Richard Pearce VC Rocacorba 14.45
46 Chloe Weller W Norwood Paragon CC 14.46
47 David Sear Dorking CC 14.47
48 Oliver Craig Mono Velo 14.48
49 Craig Barton V 4T + Velo Club 14.49
50 Sam Turner J St Pauls CRT 14.5
51 Daniel Gilderthorp Norwood Paragon CC 14.51
52 Louise Laker W PMR @ Toachim House 14.52
53 Nick Christian Team De Ver 14.53
54 Nick Dibble V 4T + Velo Club 14.54
55 Jack Donaldson InGear Quickvit Trainsharp RT 14.55
56 Bella Leach W London Phoenix CC 14.56
57 Craig Wagstaff Regents Park Rouleurs 14.57
58 Joe Peake CC London 14.58
59 Dr Ian Prenelle V Finsbury Park CC 14.59
60 Virasamy Thippadu Dorking CC 15
61 Deborah Percival W 34 Nomads CC 15.01
62 Adrian Blacker V Norwood Paragon CC 15.02
63 Peter Harber J VC de Londres 15.03
64 James Lees Rollapaluza CC 15.04
65 Thomas Hawkes J Addiscombe CC 15.05
66 Ashley Dennis Banks/Catford CC Equipe 15.06
67 Christopher Zappala Look Mum No Hands! 15.07
68 Tom Freke Dulwich Paragon CC 15.08
69 Daniel Slotte The 5th Floor Cycle Club 15.09
70 Daniel Loveday Charlotteville Cycling Club 15.1
71 Simon Warren V Norwood Paragon CC 15.11
72 David Ross Velo Club Motel – SCU 15.12
73 Daniel Hills Imperial College Cycling Club 15.13
74 Joseph Clifford J Dulwich Paragon CC 15.14
75 Maryka Sennema W Kingston Wheelers CC 15.15
76 Daniel Pink Bigfoot CC 15.16
77 Joel Brassington V Dulwich Paragon CC 15.17
78 Issac Pucci Pure Motion Cycles/Gatorade 15.18
79 Ian Watson V CC London 15.19
80 Marcus Shields Ayr roads cc – SCU 15.2
81 Mark Fletcher V 4T + Velo Club 15.21
82 Russell Stephens V Dorking CC 15.22
83 David Hunt V Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.23
84 Tom Killick V St Pauls CRT 15.24
85 Paolo Nistri V Albarosa CC 15.25
86 Thomas Seller Oxted Cycle Club 15.26
87 Andrew thomas Dulwich Paragon CC 15.27
88 Conall yates In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT 15.28
89 Stuart Richards Clapham Chasers 15.29
90 Sam Humpheson Look Mum No Hands! 15.3
91 Daniel Sullivan Norwood Paragon CC 15.31
92 Frederic Chelet VCPBI – Foreign UCI reg’d 15.32
93 Christopher Booth Gosforth RC 15.33
94 Rory Barrett Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.34
95 Paul Vine V Wigmore CC 15.35
96 Paul Finch 4T + Velo Club 15.36
97 Andrew knight NFTO Race 15.37
98 Reuben Bakker-Dyos Bigfoot CC 15.38
99 Keith Henderson V Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.39
100 Matt Stephens Hemel Hempstead CC 15.4
101 Graham Collins Manningtree Whlrs 15.41
102 Russ Thompson V Performance Cycles CC 15.42
103 Barry Stewart Bigfoot CC 15.43
104 Grant Smith Crest CC 15.44
105 Ben Nichol Amersham Road Cycling Club 15.45
106 Cam Austin Look Mum No Hands! 15.46
107 Ewan Tuohy Banks/Catford CC Equipe 15.47
108 Nigel Smith V Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.48
109 Neil Lauder 4T + Velo Club 15.49
110 James Local London Dynamo 15.5
111 John Bland London Dynamo 15.51
112 Chris Wolton Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.52
113 Jack Verhoeff Addiscombe CC 15.53
114 Simon Potter Wyndymilla 15.54
115 James Griffin Kingston Wheelers CC 15.55
116 Matt Kuwertz Southborough & Dist. Whs 15.56
117 Nic Stevenson Westerley Cycling Club 15.57
118 Phillip Aubert Velosport RT 15.58
119 Gavin Arber Regents Park Rouleurs 15.59
120 Lawrence Symes OVB – Foreign (UCI registered) 16
121 Edward Cox Imperial College Cycling Club 16.01
122 Joe Norledge Procycling Magazine RT 16.02
123 Joshua Lawless Elite Cycling 16.03
124 Jason Creswell London Phoenix CC 16.04
125 Bill Bell Bigfoot CC 16.05
126 Richard Bussell Beacon Roads CC 16.06
127 Stan Kennet GS Stella 16.07
128 Steve Rodgers GS Avanti 16.08
129 Jon Hughes V VC Godalming & Haslemere 16.09
130 David Millar Garmin – Sharp Pro Team 16.1
131 Elliot Lipski In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT 16.11
132 John Cockrill Abellio – SFA Racing Team 16.12
133 Elliot Banks Imperial College Cycling Club 16.13
134 David Watt Kingston Phoenix RC 16.14
135 Peter Tadros V In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT 16.15
136 James Graham Kingston Wheelers CC 16.16
137 Michael Lane Rollapaluza CC 16.17
138 Liam O’Toole Sheffrec CC 16.18
139 Edward Francis V Kingston Wheelers CC 16.19
140 Richard Cartland South Downs Bikes 16.2
141 William Adams Velosport RT 16.21
142 Jacob Nicholson Medway Velo Club 16.22
143 Glyndwr Griffiths Arctic Tacx RT 16.23
144 Charles Coleman Felt Colbournes Hargroves RT 16.24
145 Robert Gough Arctic Tacx RT 16.25
146 Tony Kiss Performance Cycles CC 16.26
147 Adrian Lawson V Cadence RT 16.27
148 Thomas Mead-Herbert Watford Velo Sport 16.28
149 Matthew Burton Velo Club Rutland 16.29
150 Jack Pullar Starley Primal Pro Cycling 16.3
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