Mike Vaughan Cycles rider Matt Clinton narrowly misses out on 2009 National Title

After an excellent series of Hill Climb Events for Matt Clinton the 2009 National Championship Jersey was not to be his, as Cervelo Test Team Professional Dan Fleeman showed that he had the legs on the day.

The event staged by the Thurcroft CC up the gruelling 1,200 metre Climb of Pea Royd Lane, out of Stocksbridge, Sheffield, fielded an entry of 150 competitors competing in categories including Veterans, Women, Under 14's and Open.  The early morning sun soon gave way to blustery conditions which kept the showers at bay until the very last of the competitors took to the course.

Eighteen year-old Mike Cuming (Raleigh Avanti) moved into the lead as the first rider inside four minutes with a time of 3:47.5, which was to remain the best team for over an hour until Fleeman made his entrance. Fleeman’s split time showed what all the rest were going to be up against with a scorching 1:29.2, followed by a final 3:17.8, 30 seconds up on Cuming.

Other riders struggled to make an impact on Fleeman’s time as the second place position switched between riders, with Jim Henderson clocking 3:39.4 to move into silver half a second ahead of Michael Smith of Team Milton Keynes, before Clinton entered to defend his title. 

As Clinton reached the halfway mark he trailed 6 seconds behind Fleeman’s time and he was unable to claw back any of the defecit over the final 600 yards, finishing in 3:31.6 to finally take second place riding his fixed gear Giant Omnium.

Following the race Clinton was philosophical and vowed to challenge for the National title again in 2010.

“I was over geared, 42x20, too big. I had made the wrong choice, the wind changed and the rain was causing my back wheel to slip,” Clinton said. “I did my best, I’ll go for it again next year.”