16yr Old Germain Burton, obliterates the opposition at the Bec C C Hill Climb
9th October 2011
Photos by Dave Hayward -
Bec CC Hill Climb 09.10.2011
Race Report
Full RESULTS / Team, Ladies, Vets, Jnr Awards / View Official Photos
When the organiser of the Bec CC Hill Climb, Garry Beckett, predicted some close racing amongst the top seeded riders at this years event, his prediction would have been spot on if the Winner, Germain Burton, De Ver Cycles had not been in the equation....
On a tough day at the White Lane course, where a damp road surface hindered traction for many & the wind sent most of the ‘Big Hitters’ backwards on their previous years times, 2nd to 10th placings were closely fought over with just 5 secs seperating them....
Then came Germain, the 16yr old climbing sensation, who blew away his peers with an amazing time of 1min45.1 secs,... A huge 7.9secs faster than 2nd place & 2009 Bec Winner Michael Smith, Corley Cycles/Cervelo Alpha Road Club who finished with a very credible 1.53.0
This was Burtons 2nd successive win at his fourth time of competing at the Bec event, and the 2nd time a Junior has taken the honours in the 56 year history of the event... Not only was Germain proud as punch to win the 1930’s Mr & Mrs R.G.Beckett Solid Silver Trophy, but he was also reasonably pleased to be walking away with the £1,000 winners cheque in his back pocket again....!!!.
Robert Gough, Adeo Cadence RT, winner of the mornings Catford CC event for the 2nd year running & 2nd in the Bec event in 2010, was hoping to topple Burtons crown. But unfortunately for Gough traction problems on the steepest part (1in4) of the 700yard course, robbed him of any chance of getting on the podium, although realistically he was only ever on for 2nd or 3rd given Burtons stomping ride...A valiant ride, but his disappointment was obvious to all that witnessed him cross the line...
Richard Cartland did a credible ride coming home to take 3rd spot in 1.54.3 which sealed the Team award for Team Corley Cycles/Cervelo Alpha RC for the 2nd year running & a nice little ‘earner’ of £900.00 to split with Jake Hales their 3rd Team member who managed a 4th on GC with 1.54.6
In the ladies Category, Karla Boddy, High Wycombe CC took the win at her very first appearance in the Bec event, from Deborah Percival 34 Nomads/Gem Hygiene & Emily Bagnall, Kingston Wheelers CC... 2.40.5, 2.42.8, 2.55.1 respectively
Kingston Wheelers CC also had a good showing in the Vets Category where they took 2nd John Storms 2.02.9 & 3rd Edward Francis 2.11.6 from Vet fast man Peter Tadros, Ingear quickvit/Trainsharp 1.59.9 
In light of Germain also being the fastest Jnr, but the overall Winner his prize money went to 2nd 3rd & 4th fastest Jnrs Thomas Miller, London Dynamo 2.29.2 Tom Fricker, Farnham R.C 2.31.0 & Oliver Martin Bec CC 2.46.1
There were many notable rides, in the bulk of the field. Some were heard to be very pleased with their achievements and others not so, but such is the discipline of Hill Climbing..!!!
But the beauty of this event, is its not just about the fast boys, as the huge crowd get behind every rider that fights their way up the climb, and urge them on towards the finish line...
With massive vocal support, and Tony Gibb on the Mic making his debut appearance as a non competitor at the Bec event, both riders & spectators were kept entertained & informed with the results & stats to fill in the very, very few quiet gaps in proceedings...A great atmosphere prevailed over the hallowed climb of White Lane, and kept the reputation of the Bec event up there amongst the best of British Hill Climbs.
All in all the Bec Cycling Club were once again very pleased with the way the event went & hope that everybody, both competitors & spectators enjoyed themselves enough to want to come back to the 2012 edition 14th October, 14.00hrs, same venue... And on behalf of the Bec CC, organiser Beckett would like to thank all involved, sponsors, media, riders, spectators & Tandridge District council who grant a closed road permit for the day, that make it such a sucessfull day on the Hill...
