Sorry for the severe delay in compiling the results of the 2018 Vags Hill Climb which took place nearly 2 months ago at Sandhoe on the morning of 22 January. 

There was an excellent turn out of spectators but only a brave few actually took to the slopes. The conditions were good for the course with only a fine covering of sand and debris on the road and almost dry which saved some spinning out of back wheels. 

This was the year of the Tandem competition - 40% of all participants, and well worth it as everyone got the course record, Charlotte and Roger taking it first with a 5.00 and Miriam and Jon B pushing it back to 4.13 five minutes later. They think there`s more to come with the right gears - definately no spinning those pedals with the cogs available on the day.

There were some notable efforts as befits a hill climb, with Paul Crotty for one, disappearing around the corner after the finish making some rather worrying gasping sounds and not sure himself if he would ever take a breath again. Thankfully he reappeared after a couple of minutes and appeared to have regained his composure. 100+% for effort and a well deserved podium

Honours on the day went to Chris Bartram with a 3.02 with Peter Graves in second on 3.13 and Pauls 3.54 completing the honours.

First and only solo lady and this years womens champion was Sue Thorn with a 4.07.

Gary Burnie and Peter Brock completed the finishers with 4.01 and 4.16 respectively.

Roger and Charlotte would like to credit their warm up lap boost to the angry dog which inspired their mid climb surge.

A quiet end to the club TT season with no significant changes to the overall results and only 2 PBs owing to the Westerly breeze which kept riders under pressure on the mid section of the race. The PBs were creditied to riders who havent ridden for some years on our course so welcome back to Mark Strang our winner, congratulations, and Wayne Coates who knocked nealy 2 minutes off his 2014 time, both clearly enjoying good form after the intervening years.

New riders to this event on the night were Peter Stokoe and Dan Wilson, welcome, and making a return after a 6 year gap, Kyle Watts, who has some work to do to catch up with his junior self of 2012!

In the overall we have a good mixture of age groups in the Short BAR with all ages represented in the top 3 of Tom Hutchinson, Ken Thursby and Matthew Wells. Congratulations to all three.

Matthew Wells also has the remarkable distinction of being on the podium of 3 Championships at the same time, having won the Juvenile and Junior titles too.

The closely contested top spot in the Vets went to Ken, the wind holding off a last minute push from Dave Robinson, with Russ taking the third podium spot.

Ladies top spot in the Short Bar goes to Caroline Rochester, with Lesley Bennett in second place and winner of the ladies Vets, Congratulations to both.

Thanks to all who supported the events this year - I dont want to single anyone out as so many have helped me and I think you know its much appreciated, however Sharon Dyson has been tireless in her help and enthusiasm and isnt even a member of our club (although I`m sure she deserves honoury second claim!)

I hope to see many of you at the Hill Climb on the 22nd September and the Champions Night in November.

Read more: Final Club TT and 2018 Results