In far from ideal conditions, last year’s Hardriders TT winner, David Fellows (Solihull CC), put in a really strong ride to retain the Broughton Cup and at the same time break the outright course record.
David Fellows (Solihull CC) retains the Broughton Cup and sets new record time – photo Paul Dean
The club’s annual Open Hardriders TT earns its name not only because of the tough nature of the course, with its steep ascent of Sunrising hill, but also because it’s traditionally held in the cold and often wet month of March. So, moving the event to June this year due to COVID, should have meant better conditions. However, nothing is certain with the British weather, and the field had to contend with a chilly swirling crosswind along most of the course, ensuring the event was no easy ride.
Fellows’ time of 50.09, lowered the course record set in 2017, by an impressive 1.29. However, he was pushed hard by the club’s own Luke Norris, who was just 30 seconds behind, on 50.39. This time, almost equalled the previous outright record, but substantially lowered the club record by 3.30. Another club member, Josh Newbould, made the third placed podium position on 52.28, adding to a good day for club riders, with five in the top 10 positions.
Luke Norris was the first club member home in second place – photo Paul Dean
In the women’s category, 8 riders took up the challenge of this tough course, with the club’s Naomi de Pennington again showing her strength with a new Open record time of 58.27, which placed her 13th overall. Fellow club rider Sian Marsh was second on 1.00.49, with Emma Bexson (Stratford CC) in third on 1.01.34
Naomi de Pennington powers her way up Sunrising Hill – photo Paul Dean
Top 10 results; 1. David Fellows 50.09, 2. Luke Norris 50.39, 3. Josh Newbould 52.28, 4. Chris Spencer 52.41, 5. Ant Harriss 53.03, 6. Mark Wise 55.00, 7. Simon Bull 55.01, 8. Oliver Billing 55.17, 9. Graham Martin, 56.10, 10. Ed Moss 56.59
Full photos from the event can be found over in the gallery.