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The 125 competitors in the 7th Seven Hills Killer mountain bike challenge were blessed with near perfect riding conditions on the Isle of Wight, when clear blue skies, spectacular scenery and dry conditions were the order of the day.
Cllr Shirley Smart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council waved off the first riders at 9.30am on Sunday 6th October, in what was the final event of a successful 16 day Isle of Wight Cycling Festival.
This challenging mountain bike event requires competitors to orienteer a course disclosed on the morning of the event, which takes them over some of the toughest, steepest and stunning Isle of Wight terrain. Appealing to riders all ages, the Seven Hills Killer event included family, group and individual entries.
Novices and first timers took part alongside previous competitors from both the Island as well as further afield including: London, Ware – Hertfordshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, Warminster – Wilts, Guildford – Surrey and Wimborne – Dorset.
Winner of the Fourteen Hills Killer event, 23 year old Simon White from Shanklin, Isle of Wight, summed up his day after taking just 4 hours 16 minutes to complete the course of around 52 miles covering 14 hills in the Expert category. He said, “The event is a real personal challenge. It simply doesn’t get any tougher than this. Conditions were unbelievable for this time of year. It was a well organised event and due to the dry conditions, the time was very fast.” White, who trains 4-5 times a week, rides for Vectis Offshore and has raced in several other MTB events around the country. This year was the second time he has taken part in the Isle of Wight’s ultimate mountain bike challenge.
The majority of entrants however took part in the more popular Seven Hills Killer, with 111 riders setting off from Freshwater Bay for the finish at Ninham Farm in Shanklin – a distance of around 26 miles. The atmosphere of the event was best described by this year’s Seven Hills Killer winner, Ryan Copeland from Newport, Isle of Wight. “I took part not only because I wanted to win after coming so close several times before (3 times 2nd place!), but because I love the Isle of Wight and the wonderful trails it offers mountain bikers. It’s a fantastic event and a great day out for everyone involved.” Copeland completed the course in 2 hours and 3 mins, just 4 minutes ahead of Ross Haydon who took 2nd place.
Event co-organiser Jeff Smith of The Bike Shed in Merston was delighted with the number of entries. “Each year the quality of riders rises above expectation and one thing is clear, that those who prepare thoroughly really end up enjoying the day. It is great that such a large number of Island riders continue to support the event and each year we welcome more and more competitors from the mainland, creating a truly competitive spirit.”
“It is a pleasure to host the Seven Hills Killer and to highlight the fact that the Isle of Wight is among the very top places to go mountain biking in Britain. We look forward to another successful event in 2003.”
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