Rugby RCC Hilly 13 mile Time Trial

Overview of Event

We first held this event in April 2003, using a new course, the K3/13P, devised by members of Rugby RCC who live in this rural area. It is a left-handed circuit, using quiet country roads with no dual carriageways. The start and finish are situated in the village of Priors Marston. It begins in the centre of Priors Marston and proceeds up a 1 in 7 hill towards Charwelton, turning left to Hellidon, through Upper Catesby, turning left on to the A425 at Staverton, finally turning left in Napton to proceed up Butt Hill and bearing left back to Priors Marston. The finish is at the village entrance signs. Subject to availablity of timekeepers a special hill climb prize is presented to the rider with the fastest time from the start in Priors Marston to the top of the 1-in-7 (14%) hill, a distance of 0.4 miles (700 yds).

In 2003 the event was won by Richard Bradley (Stourbridge CC) in 31-13. The Hillclimb was won by Gary Hipwell (Rugby Velo) in 1-30.1

In 2004 a cloudburst just before the start caused flooding on the course, causing us to abandon the event before any rider had started. In 2005 we have moved from a 2 pm start to 10 am, on the grounds that this is more acceptable for competitors and everyone involved with the organisation. The event was won by

In 2005 the event was won by David Watson (Coventry RC) in 31-47. The Hillclimb was won by Gary Hipwell (Rugby Velo) in 1-27.5, a new record.

In 2005 we had the introduction of a new trophy presented by Thornton's Cycle Centre, Rugby's largest cycle shop. This is presented to the winner of the event.

In 2006 we have moved the event to a Saturday afternoon, as indications are that this is more popular with competitors.

Priors Marston (see map) is a quiet picturesque village situated in Warwickshire, although part of the course is in Northamptonshire. The village is about 15 miles South of Rugby and situated roughly half way between Southam and Daventry.