The weekend brought the 5th race of the English Championship to Glenridding. After all the rain of the past weeks the sun shone. The race is a medium counter which takes in the summits of Catsycam, Helvellyn and St Sunday. It’s a race with a good mix of running, tough climbs and steep descents. The ladies started 10 minutes before the men to ease congestion at the start. The Keswick men wanted a good result to help regain the English Title. With a steep long climb at the start it was no surprise that Rob Jebb was at the front but Keswick’s Brennan Townsend was right with him. Brennan is a former pro cyclist so knows how to work hard. On the last climb it was Steve Hebblethwaite who led after Brennan got a bad line off St Sunday. There were 5 in with a chance at this point But Steve and Brennan made it a 2 horse race after climbing well. Brennan just getting the better of Steve on the flat run in. Mark Lamb finished 3rd making it a Keswick 1,2,3 and helping the team to maximum points to take into the Championship. It was a great turnout for the Men with to many involved to mention. In the ladies race it was a great win for Helm Hills Kelli Roberts who led from start to finish. Keswick’s Jenn Bell had her best ever result in the Championship finishing 6th. Zoe Webber also had a great race finishing 20th. All the Keswick Ladies did really well and Lesley Malarkey received the prize for first Veteran 70. Which is a great achievement on such a tough course. It was really great to see so many Keswick vests, and to see so many great performances.
