September’s climb up St Giles hill followed by a drag along the Andover Road out of Winchester city centre didn’t attract much rider enthusiasm this month. Perhaps the combination of a tough segment and the return of poor weather was too much for most, with only 8 riders making an attempt.
In the women’s competition, Isla Hoult continues her disruption of the accepted order, taking another first place with a fast time of 05:12. Franie Ng was a little behind in second place with a time of 05:27 and Annie Dixey came in third on her shoulder, with a time of 05:33.
In the women’s GC competition, things are now super tight heading into the final month of this year’s competition. Annie Dixey tops the table on 124 points with Franie Ng just 3 points behind on 121 points. With Isla Hoult in third on 98 points, only Franie and Annie can contest the overall GC win, but Isla could still play a ‘Queen-Maker’ role, depending on her performance in October’s segment, potentially splitting the points sharing available. This will be the most exciting finale to the women’s competition in recent years!
In the men’s competition, Oscar Hoult, our 2023 ‘Champion Designate’ yet again topped the monthly table, now for the 9th consecutive month. His time of 04:29 made him the only rider to dip under the 5-minute barrier and he was comfortably ahead of the remainder of the field. Mr Consistency, Jim Cascarini took another second place, with a quick time of 05:06. Sam Talent came in third with a time of 06:20 taking a crucial 10 points in the process.
In the men’s GC competition, Oscar and Jim solidify their already unbeatable first and second places. The battle for the last podium spot comes right down to the wire for October. Matt Gilmour, who has been otherwise engaged over the course of the year on various national and international race duties, sits in third spot on 42 points, however Sam Talent has leapfrogged a number of other riders, to sit close behind in fourth spot on 34 points. Another third place in October for Sam could see him overcome Matt’s lead to claim the final podium position, so long as Matt fails to register in the top-09 on October’s segment.
Congratulations yet again to Oscar and Isla who win the free hot drink and slice of cake from South Downs Social café, who continue to kindly support and sponsor our club’s annual segment of the month competition.
October’s final segment of this year’s competition covers an undulating section of the Venta Spring road race course along the Northern section of the Andover Road.
Click the link here to take a look at October’s segment:
Results and position for September segment challenge and current GC ranking
Men’s GC position
Women’s GC position
