on 14th July 2015
The Biggest, Toughest, Longest (96 miles) and Richest (over £2,000) Road Race for Veterans ever held in U.K. (The Battle of Edge Hill) sponsored by Polypipe; produced a brilliant winner in Roy Chamberlain from Team Corley. Roy knew the roads around Kineton well, as he used to live in Coventry and often raced and trained on these roads with the event Organiser Mick Ives, when a member of Coventry Olympic C.C. in the 80’s. Chamberlain was always in the thick of the action including a long break early in the race. With approximately 25 miles to go 3 riders left the field behind, following the very tough climb of Sunrising Hill, and with just 6 miles to go Chamberlain rode clear to a well earned victory and a £200 prize. 2nd place went to Rob Watkinson from Doncaster Wheelers and 3rd place to another local rider –Darren Atkins—riding his first road race of the year.
The King of the Mountains (sponsored by Jewson) – which was fought out over 2 climbs of Sunrising Hill and 3 climbs of Edge Hill, was won by Andrew Prince of Stafford R.C., with Robert Fowler of Rutland C.C. in 2nd and Mark Thomas of Worcester C.C. in 3rd.
King of the Sprints (Sponsored by Raleigh) was won by James Fox of Luton C.C.. with Roy Chamberline in 2nd and Phil Whiteley Worcester St Johns in 3rd. These sprint primes were fought out at Edge Hill village twice and Edge Hill Memorial 3 times.
Most aggressive rider prize (sponsored by Challenge Tyres) was won by Andy Prince of Stafford R.C. and the Team award (sponsored by B.B.B) was won once again by Luton C.C.
Large crowds cheered riders on the 2 main climbs and the organisers provided 2 Service vehicles; a Broom Waggon (all linked by race radio); Live commentary; and Photo Finish. Results were out within 1 hour of the finish.
The event was organised by Mick Ives and supported by Team Jewson—M.I.Racing—Polypipe members and a few others from Local Clubs. This is the 2nd running of the event and Organiser Ives wants to make it bigger and better and feature it as a Classic event. This year had an International flavour with a rider from Spain and another from Hong Kong.
Team Jewson—M.I.Racing –Polypipe riders also figured well in other events. At the Stourport on Severn circuit Peter Banham finished 2nd and Phil Blacker 3rd in the British Cycling event mid week. Meanwhile at the Midland Friday Evening Summer Moutain Bike series Kirby Bennett was pipped at the line and had to settle for 2nd place, with Peter Busby finishing 3rd and Tim Stowe getting 4th place. Busby then went onto ride and finish the tough 96 mile Battle of Edge Hill race just a day and half later.
Top Time Trialist Jonathan Wears, who was expected to be fighting for a podium place in the British Cycling National Championships in Lincolnshire on Thursday, had his hope dashed when he punctured after 16 miles—his first ever race puncture—At the time Jonathan ,was in contention for a medal.