Buxton Mountain Time Trial
The Buxton Mountain Time Trial is organised by Buxton Cycling Club on behalf of Cycling Time Trials and is traditionally held annually on Good Friday.
For 2024 the time trial took place on Good Friday, 29th March, with the Start, Finish and HQ in their usual location at Longnor, and we were pleased to host Round 2 of the CTT Classic Series.
There were five separate events:
Open under 40, and Open Espoirs, on time trial bikes only, who ride 3 laps (33 miles)
All road bike riders, females, and veterans, who ride 2 laps (22 miles)
Juniors ride 2 laps (22 miles)
Paracyclists ride 2 laps (22 miles)
For road bikes there were the following conditions:
(a) Can possess drop or straight handlebars; no tri-bars, clip-on bars or Spinaci bars are allowed; no disc wheels; both front & rear wheels must have at least 12 spokes each; the maximum rim depth allowed is 90mm.
(b) Helmets used in road bike category events must not cover the ears or have a tear drop/pointy style “tail”, any helmet vents must not be covered or blocked. The helmet must not have been altered or had any element added or removed in terms of design or form but may be used as the manufacturer intended (e.g., sliding vents). It is prohibited to add a detachable cover to a helmet. The composition of the helmet material and its surface condition are not subject to any regulations. However, additions to the helmet are not allowed (cover, tape etc.).
(c) For competitors riding road bikes, competitors must predominantly ride holding the drops or brake hoods. Riders may not ride in the “Puppy Paws” position or simulate a Tri-Bar position by resting the forearms on the handlebars
Organiser: chris.lea@buxtoncyclingclub.co.uk
The event was again kindly sponsored by Hotel Milano Helvetia, Riccione in Italy (www.hotelmilano.net), one of the area’s famous “Bike Hotels”. The hotel offered prizes of 2 five day stays on their “Plus” package for cyclists, and in a change for 2024 these prizes were offered to the fastest open veteran on a road bike, and to the fastest female veteran on a road bike. During their stay the package gives our winners bed, breakfast, evening meal and post-ride afternoon buffet along with the assistance of a guide to show them the best local routes (with the hotel’s other guests of course). The prizes don’t include air fares but many UK airports have budget routes to destinations in north eastern Italy which allow easy transfers to the hotel by bus, train or taxi. Bike hire is available at the hotel.
The Hotel Milano Helvetia, in addition, offered a 10% reduction on the cost of their stay (excluding extras like bike hire and bar bills, of course) to ALL ENTRANTS to the event!
Long-standing sponsor of the event, Sam Clark at Sett Valley Cycles, also kindly sponsored the Mountain Time Trial in 2024, as in many previous years.
In 2024, the race ‘enjoyed’ Peak District Spring weather on Good Friday, with a tough headwind on the most exposed upper section of the course.
A superb field of 94 solo riders and a tandem, including reigning and former national time trial champions in Ireland and the UK – Kelly Murphy and Hayley Simmonds, of Doltcini O’Shea Womens UCI Continental Team, and Tokyo Paralympics double gold medallist Ben Watson, as well as past winners and national champions, brought shine to overcast and showery skies.
Ride of the day was done by junior Patrick Casey (Team Grenke Auto Eder) who broke his own course record of two years ago, to record a blazing 55-59 for 2 laps; the fastest two lap time on the day by any rider.
In categories for time trial bikes: Hayley Simmonds was fastest female but was pushed hard by Kelly Murphy, recording 1-02-04 and 1-03-19, respectively. In the event for under 40s, open category, Alex Hodgkinson (Ilkeston Cycle Club) rode the three laps in 1-43-19 (noting that all other riders did two laps). In the paracyclists, Ben Watson (ADDForm Vive Le Velo) won with 1-03-09 (actual) and 46-51 (factored). Dominic Righini-Brand (Spalding CC) was top of the open veteran’s category, in 1-04-18.
As in recent years, the vast majority of the field were on road bikes: Sophie Heighton (Ferryhill Whs) won the junior female category, in 1-28-23, whilst Fraser Cummings (Matlock CC) was quickest open junior, in 1-08-00. In the under 40s, open category, former national hill climb champion Adam Kenway (Team HUUB) came out on top, in 58-40. Bethany Brooksbank (Trek Sheffield) won the female under 40 category, with 1-10-05. In the veterans categories, female and open, Sarah Harrison (Trek Sheffield) and Mark Lovatt (Congleton MyWindSock) triumphed in 1-18-19 and 1-00-54, respectively, each winning a five day stay at Hotel Milano Helvetia, Riccione.
Braving the conditions, and the course, local riders Jon & Liz Batt (Buxton CC) powered their tandem up and down dale, in 1-18-50.
Full results: CTT Classic Series Round 2 RESULT SheetV1-final
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In 2023, the race was again bathed in sunshine.
A stellar field of 111 solo riders and a tandem, including national time trial champions in the UK and Ireland, and Olympic and World champion paracyclists, as well as past winners, brought yet more shine to the event.
In the men’s event, John Archibald (HUUB WattShop) broke his 2019 course record by 33 seconds, winning in an astounding time of 1-16-36 for the 3 laps each of 11 miles; an average speed of almost 26 mph! Kelly Murphy (AWOL O’Shea Worx) was well ahead of the rest of the field in the women’s event,with 1-05-39 for 2 laps. In the paracyclists, Fin Graham and Ben Watson (both Para-T) were separated by just 1 second on actual and factored time, with Fin pipping Ben, with 1-01-41 (actual) and 53-41 (factored). Richard Sharp (ADDFORM Vive le Velo) was top of the Veteran’s category, in 56-40. In the juniors/juveniles, Abbey Thompson (Stonham Barns Park SYRT) was a bit quicker with 1-22-04 than youngest finisher in the race, Joseph Throp (Matlock CC), aged just 12, who rode 1-23-01. And for what may well be the the first time, we had a tandem compete too: paracyclist world time trial champions Jenny Holl and Sophie Unwin (both Stirling Bike Club), recording 1-06-03.
Two-thirds of the field were on road bikes, showing how popular this category has become. James McKay (Team Sheffield) was fastest overall, with 54-05; quickest woman was Lucy Rogers (Congleton CC – MyWindsock) in 1-12-56; Karl Norris (360VRT) was fastest Vet, with 59-20; quickest male and female juniors were Jack Sutton (Stonham Barns Park SYRT) and Sophie Heighton (Ferryhill Whs) in 1-05-11 and 1-20-56, respectively.
Full results: CTT Classic Series Round 2 Result Sheet.
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In 2022 the weather was kind – sunny and dry, not too windy, and mild temperatures for the Peak District….
96 riders entered and 83 rode on the day. We had 5 juniors (the youngest of whom was just 13!), 15 women, 4 paracyclists, 27 men aged under 40/espoirs, and 32 veteran men aged over 40.
The winners of the men and women’s event (any bike) rode very strongly, posting very good times, being Andy Nichols in 1:24:33 and Christina Wiejak in 1:04:18
Fastest veteran was Paul Pardoe, in 57:48
Patrick Casey was fastest male junior in a superb 56:53, with fastest female junior/juvenile Abbey Thompson 1:24:09
In the road bike event, fastest male under 40, woman, and veteran, were Jude Taylor (56:31), Anna Weaver (1:09:31) and Richard Golding (1:04:58), whilst fastest male and female juveniles were Jacob Bradbury (1:14:52) and Sophie Heighton (1:20:07).
Full results can be found on CTT’s website.
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For 2021, due to the Covid-19 situation the event took place on Saturday 2nd October and used the same circuit but with the starting and finishing points close to the junction where the course meets the A53 Buxton to Leek road at the Knights Table pub (previously the Travellers’ Rest)
Headquarters were at Flash Village Hall.
Tough weather conditions made for hard racing in 2021. There was a brute of a headwind on the most exposed section of the course along Morridge Top at 1500 ft altitude, then a troublesome crosswind on the main descent towards Longnor. Thankfully, riders were helped by a tailwind up the big climb towards Flash Bar. It rained throughout.
In the senior men’s event, held over three laps of the 11 mile circuit, there were just three starters from thirteen entrants, such were the conditions. David Fellows (Solihull CC) clocked 1:30:31 on his time trial machine and was well ahead of second-placed rider Joseph Molyneaux (Congleton CC) who finished in 1:53:03 and fastest rider on a road bike. Gareth Haines (Race Hub) was third, in 2:05:52.
In the two lap event, contested by women and veterans, there were far fewer non-starters. Alice Taylor (Congleton CC) was fastest woman, in 1:16:50, relishing the tough conditions. Liz Batt, of the promoting club, was second in 1-20-48. Catherine Hughes (Ilkeston CC) was third, in 1:25:54. All were on road bikes.
Thijs Geurts (Macclesfield Wheelers) was the quickest veteran, in 1:08:06, and on a road bike. Jimmy Froggatt (SKCC) rode out and back from Stockport, a tough ride in itself given the weather and with Long Hill and Axe Edge having to be climbed just to reach the HQ. He clocked 1:10:47, and was also on a road bike. Riding his time trial machine, Andy Hicklin (Peak RC) finished third, in 1:11:09.
Results:
Men:
- David Fellows (Solihull CC) 1:30:31
- Joseph Molyneaux (Congleton CC) 1:53:03
- Gareth Haines (Race Hub) 2:05:52
Women:
- Alice Taylor (Congleton CC) 1:16:50
- Liz Batt (Buxton CC / Sett Valley cycles) 1-20-48
- Catherine Hughes (Ilkeston CC) 1:25:54
Veterans:
- Thijs Geurts (Macclesfield Wheelers) 1:08:06
- Jimmy Froggatt (SKCC) 1:10:47
- Andy Hicklin (Peak RC) 1:11:09
The Buxton CC Mountain TT was again sponsored by Hotel Milano Helvetia, Riccione in Italy (www.hotelmilano.net), one of the area’s famous “Bike Hotels”, and also long-standing sponsor Sett Valley Cycles
Buxton Mountain Time Trial
The Buxton Mountain Time Trial is organised by Buxton Cycling Club on behalf of Cycling Time Trials and is held annually on Good Friday.
The course is a circuit of 11 miles. There are 390 metres of climbing per lap which, along with the variable weather, makes this one of the hardest time trial events in the country. It is set in the heart of the Peak District National Park and so takes place amidst beautiful scenery and so it’s a great day out if you come to watch by bike or car. Many family members, supporters and fans congregate in Longnor to watch the riders pass through each lap.
Course records: Open (3 laps) – John Archibald, 1:16:36, 2023; female (2 laps) – Hayley Simmonds, 59:11, 2018; tandem (2 laps) – Jenny Holl & Sophie Unwin, 1:06:03, 2023; junior open (2 laps) – Patrick Casey, 55:59, 2024; junior female (2 laps) – Rhiannon Gornall, 1:13:45, 2017.
Acknowledgements:
We would like to take this opportunity to thank, in addition to our sponsors:
Hilary Sharpe who has been doing refreshments for over 30 years.
Tony Millington and Judith Soden, our timekeepers yet again for 2024.
All the marshalls and others from Buxton Cycling Club and elsewhere who offer their help.
Course Description – J8/3
The course:
Start in Longnor on the B5053 outside Longnor Primary school. Proceed north and just as leaving Longnor village (just before the derestricted sign) (300 yards) turn left along unclassified road where continue straight on until Flash Bar on A53 (4.1 miles). Turn left on A53 towards Leek. Immediately after the Royal Cottage but before the Winking Man pub turn sharp left (6.8 miles) keeping straight on to return to Longnor (11 miles), going left in Longnor and after approximately 30 yards left again onto the B5053 past the start to follow the circuit for a second and then a third lap.
Please avoid riders who are just setting off as you come through the start. The finish is in Longnor just before the first left turn in the village centre, just after the 30mph limit sign.
There is a time-lapse video of the course here, courtesy of Andy Magnier.
Due to Coronavirus restrictions the course was revised for the 2021 edition of the event, starting outside the Knight’s Table, Flash Bar, with the finish approximately 0.4 miles before Flash Bar, immediately after a no-through road signed ‘Colshaw’
Route and profile, 2024:
History of the Buxton Mountain Time Trial
The original course started on Grin Low Road, headed up Axe Edge (A53), took the left after Royal Cottage and descended to Longnor. Once in Longnor riders turned left along the B5053 past the school towards Glutton Bridge and Brierlow Bar, where the riders turned left just before the A515 and headed back to the start. This was a 2 lap course for the 32 miles.
Between 1974 and 1978 due to RTTC policy banning the use of the existing course, the circuit was amended to a longer 28 mile loop starting at Burlow Road in Harpur Hill, proceeding along Grin Low Road before turning and climbing Axe Edge (A53). Riders then turned left after Royal Cottage but before Longnor a right turn was made to Fawfieldhead and on the B5053 towards Warslow. A left turn was made on to the B5054 and took the riders through Hulme End and Hartington to join the A515 near the Jug & Glass pub to return to Harper Hill, turning into Heathfield Nook Road to finish. The ban was overturned and the Time Trial returned to it’s original circuit in 1979.
In 1990 the event moved from a desolate start and finish on Grin Low Road to Longnor where the Crewe and Harpur Arms was used as the first headquarters.
In 2002 the circuit was amended to what we know it as today, this is in part due to traffic lights being installed on the circuit following a landslip between Longnor and Glutton Bridge.
Event Sponsors
Hotel Milano Helvetia, Italy
We are delighted that the 2024 event was once again kindly sponsored by Hotel Milano Helvetia, Riccione in Italy (www.hotelmilano.net), one of the area’s famous “Bike Hotels”. The hotel offers prizes of 2 five day stays at the hotel on their “Plus” package for cyclists, and in a change for 2024 these prizes were offered to the fastest open veteran on a road bike, and to the fastest female veteran on a road bike. The package includes our winners bed, breakfast, evening meal and post-ride afternoon buffet along with the assistance of a guide to show them the best local routes (with the hotel’s other guests of course). The prizes do not include air fares (although many UK airports have budget routes to destinations in north eastern Italy which allow easy transfers to the hotel by bus, train or taxi), and bike hire is available at the hotel.
The Hotel Milano Helvetia, in addition, offered a 10% reduction on the cost of their stay (excluding extras like bike hire and bar bills, of course) to ALL ENTRANTS to the event!
Sett Valley Cycles
Long-standing sponsor of the event, Sam Clark at Sett Valley Cycles, kindly sponsored the Mountain Time Trial in 2024, as in many previous years.
