Thanks to Leila for letting VB readers know about another great achievement by Matt Harris. Well done Matt, Islanders will be very proud of you. Ed
The Catford (Yorks Hill-Kent) and BEC (White Lane-Surrey) hill climbs, originating 116 years ago are the prestigious and tough races that take place in Surrey- Kent.
Matt Harris, VRCC club member and John Lovell travelled up there the weekend of the 7th October, so Matt, an upcoming road racer could take part on both events taking place on the Sunday, and achieve a good time to qualify for British Nationals.
Island hillclimb winner
Matt, who is part of the VRCC has successfully won the trophy for this years Hillclimbs on the Island. His training and progression has led to these great triumphs and considering this is his first season of racing, this is a sign of great things to come.
John Lovell (Matts’ mentor) has commented on Matt’s achievement for the weekend, “He is upcoming, has great potential an has the right attitude. He was against elite racers and professionals in this hill climb race. The two races he took part in, the Catford and the BEC are both gradients of 25% (1:4), one of these climbs being a constant steep percentage, and the other being two very steep sections.
“Matt did both of them, them both being on the same day, the Catford he did in 2:31:1 and the BEC in 2:19:7. What he’s achieved this year will give him the chance to now take part in the British National Championships next year now his name and potential is known. He did 700 yards in each race, not long, but 700 yards or purgatory, and his position in the Catford was 40th out of 102 racers. I am proud of Matt and as his mentor I know he is going to go far.”
Asthma no barrier for Matt
Matt, who lives in Ryde, suffers from chronic asthma, which could constantly disable him from achieving these triumphs, but he powers through it an will not give up his goals.
He added, “Racing hills is my speciality, so these two big races had been set in my sights for a while. It’s my first season of racing, which has gone very well, although next season I will be upping my game in time trialling and will be racing in the ’12 British National Hill Climbing championships.”
For those who are from the area, and know what the hills are like in Ventnor, to give you an insight of the effort required, the equivalent of these hills climbed by Matt, is the same as cycling for a mile up La Falaise car park hill.
It’s one thing riding up these hills, it’s another thing racing / sprinting.
Well done and and good luck for the future Matt!
