Kirk beaming with hat-trick of Series wins

Vickers had all-but tied up the Series in round five but clinched glory in round six, the Nova Raiders Ironbridge bypass Hill Climb.

His has been the only name engraved on the trophy since the inception of this Series in 2016, showing his strength at this discipline - even more impressive given the significant number of course records set in 2018.

He said: "I'm pleased with the Series win, there has been some tough competition this year with course records going all over. Well done everyone."

The 1.15 mile course saw youngsters come to the fore as a bitterly cold morning and two major competing hill climbs outside the county combined to produce an unfortunate low turnout which will be addressed for 2019 by a date change.

Despite the turnout level the competitors had positive feedback on the new course, with 15 year-old Mid Shropshire Wheeler James Satoor setting an excellent initial benchmark of 4 minutes 46.3 seconds after powering up the 6.3 per cent average gradient, lifting himself up to both the overall silver medal position as well as taking over the lead in the Junior Series in the process.

Satoor has posted excellent results in the five rounds he has entered, and his comments echoed the feedback of most riders.

"It was good to ride another hill climb, I was pleased to get the win," he said.

"It was a tough climb made harder by freezing cold temperatures! I had thought of riding Horseshoe but thought I would support Nova Raiders and Shropshire CCA. It will be interesting next year to see how my time compares."

Veterans' winner Mark Hammond also took the overall runners-up spot with a fine 5:00.7, taking full advantage to extend his Veterans Series lead.

This is Hammond's third Veterans win on a climb he knows well and trains on – although conditions seemed to have an adverse effect.

"I struggled to get warm in the brisk morning conditions which probably contributed to me being 10 seconds slower than my personal record for the climb," he revealed.

"I was happy with both the Veterans win and overall second. A good new climb which offers a constant effort. Thanks to the Nova Raiders for organising".

Satoor wasn't the only rider setting a course record with 16 year-old Hollie Owens setting the women's benchmark of 7:26.3 in, not only her first event for Nova Raiders, but her first ever hill climb.

Owens seemed to take to the format, saying: "For my first hill climb it was a tough going but an enjoyable course."

Result: 1 James Satoor, Mid Shropshire Wheelers, 4:46.3; 2 Mark Hammond, Paramount CRT, 5:00.7; 3 Jordan Stamp, Wrekin College Triathletes, 5:16.5; 4 Lewis Page, Mid Shropshire Wheelers, 5:21.8; 5 Hollie Owens, Nova Raiders, 7:26.3.

Overall top 10 after six rounds: 1 Kirk Vickers, SCCA Private Member, 98; 2 James Satoor, Mid Shropshire Wheelers, 76; 3 Sam Holwill, Hafren CC, 60; 4 Sam Morris, Revolutions Racing, 52; 5 Mark Hammond, Paramount CRT, 46; 6 James Davies, Oswestry Paragon CC, 40; 7 Lewis Page, Mid Shropshire Wheelers 38, 8 Tyler Brennan, Hafren CC, 36; 9 Ian Coupland, Mid Shropshire Wheelers, 30; 10 Jack Morris, Oswestry Paragon CC, 24.