The 58th edition of Tyneside Vagabonds Mountain Time Trial in Northumberland sees 2011 MTT winner and National 24 Hour record holder Andrew Wilkinson (Port Sunlight Wheelers) return to the North East for his 3rd consecutive ride in the event, as favourite in the absence of last year's winner Richard Handley. Challenging for the top spot will be local riders Jon Sturman (Blumilk.com), former winner Keith Murray (Strategic Lions) and Ben Lane (G.S. Metro). Leading ladies are expected to be Dawn Sherrin (G.S. Metro) and Jill Wilkinson (Port Sunlight Wheelers), whilst the team race is likely to be fought out between Blumilk.com and Adept Precision R.T.
Other former winners of the event riding this year are Martin Gibson (Adept Precision R.T.), Arthur Caygill (Richmond C.C.) and the Vagabonds' own Hugh Harrison, all of whom are likely to challenge in their respective age categories.
Due to roadworks caused by subsidence between Rothbury and Thropton, the course has been amended to start and finish just outside the town, but retains the classic route over a shortened 45 mile course through the Northumberland hills. The racing in various age and ability categories will, as ever, be hotly contested.
This year's event sees a new trophy in memory of long-standing club member Ron Steele presented to the fastest lady on the ascent of Bilsmoor. And an additional prize of £40 for the winner of this trophy has been kindly donated by Ian and Tina Sutton.
The Vags MTT is also the second round in a three race series called the Mountain Trophy - the first round being the Teesdale MTT and the final being the Derwentside MTT.
Sponsors for the event are:
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Winners jerseys |
First rider starts at 10:02, with Andrew Wilkinson last to start at 12:10.
Mountain TT Start Sheet 2013
The event starts and finishes at Rothbury, 35 miles north west of Newcastle upon Tyne. The course heads out to Elsdon via the timed hill climb over Billsmoor. The riders continue over Winter's Gibbet, and on to Belsay, before turning north for a hilly final leg back to Rothbury.
