Record Holder Returns....

by Garry Beckett

Record Holder & Winner of the 2007 Bec C C Hill Climb and National Hill Climb Champ Dan Fleeman, of Team Raleigh,  is returning to this years edition of the Bec CC event on 10th October, to both try and better his record, as well as walk away with the honour of once again being ‘King of the Hill’ ......

“I feel pretty confident that I can better my previous record," said Fleeman. "My form is good after a strong road season, and since having a short lay off since the Tour of Britain and some much needed recovery time.. I’m now ready and raring to go again.   Also I have the added bonus of not being a Bec Hill Climb ‘virgin’ any longer, so I now know how much pain to enjoy!! and I’ll certainly be giving it my best shot".

Fleemans record breaking ride back in 2007, was his first attempt at a Hill Climb when he managed to topple the sturdy 13 year record of 1.44.4 set by Gary Dodd  then a member of the Kingston Phoenix RC..     Dodds 1995 record had looked pretty secure for many years to come as nobody was getting within 6 secs of it during that period, but Dan looked comfortable when he raised the bar to a new record of 1.43.02 and took over the Crown, from a very worthy past champion 

Can he do it once again??  With a record number of entries this year, and many of them being new names to the Bec event, could a suprise winner much like in 2009 come from one of the ‘lesser’ fancied rankings, or will it be one of the more ‘seasoned’ road men who could upset Fleemans ambitions... With such a quality field the outcome would be a tough call for anyone to pick the overall winner,  but you can be sure theres going to be some ‘battle royales’  across all the categories on the slopes of the famous White Lane gradient in 2010...plus of course all those that take part for the sheer hell of it,  to try & better their own PB’s of previous years, or just soak up the ‘unique’ noisey enthusiasm of the many spectators that crowd the hill to encourage them onwards & upwards towards the finish line.....

This year should  Fleeman, or any of the other entrants  manage to set a new record, they’ll be £1,500 to the good, thanks to new sponsor Mark Wilkinson of DsD /FX adding a Jewellery prize (value £500) to the already substantial 1st Prize of £1,000.00 which is jointly sponsored by Ron Keeble, Gem Hygiene & Gem composites, and Dr Matt Rabin, Chiropractor to Team Garmin Transitions & Croydon Chiropractic Clinic, not a bad haul for under 2 minutes effort....

But with the economic climate affecting ‘even’ the hardiness of the Bec CC Hill Climb!!!  The generous cash prize list has had to be revamped a little this year to show products and equipment, as well as some cash...  Even so with the lack of the more traditional  ‘cash’ only prize list at the Bec CC event, we have still managed to swell the total value of prizes to £3,196.00 thanks to our many generous sponsors and supporters a couple of whom wish to remain anonymous...

We at the Bec CC are very grateful for all the support we receive, in making this event possible.  So please take some time to check out our sponsors services etc.. It helps us, help them, help us.....and most importantly, keep the event alive....

For edge Composites 01689 872448     enquiries@gemcomposites.co.uk
Gem Hygiene for cleaning products  Ron Keeble 01689 872448

DsD /FX 0207 337 2683   www.dsdfx.co.uk

Rouleur        www.rouleur.cc

Dr Matt Rabin   www.croydonclinic.com 0208 656 2330

Simon Warren author of 100 greatest cycling climbs

If anyone has any questions & queries about the event please contact me by phone (Not via the Bec Website) on Tel 07802 898259

See you on the 10th 

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Last years event was won by Michael Leonard Smith of Team Milton Keynes. He picked up the trophy at the 2009 Bec Luncheon from the clubs friend, Mr Wiggins.

 2009 Event  - Overall Results - Team Results - Photos