News: Ben Swift to Ride Monsal

BioracerBanner

Twice on the podium at Milan San Remo, Ben Swift is the special guest rider at the Monsal Hill CLimb this weekend

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

News: Ben Swift to Ride Monsal

After wanting to ride for many years, but unable due to other commitments, Team Sky’s Ben Swift will make his first ever appearance at the 86th HMT Monsal Hill Climb.

MilanSanRemoFinishPODIUM

The runner up at Milan San Remo who has also been third, will treat the legendary Monsal crowds to an explosive display. The 26 year old sprinter who moves to the new Lampre team in 2017, will follow in the footsteps of many a great Monsal rider including Tom Simpson, Russell Downing, Dean Downing, Adam Blythe and of course, the record holder Malcolm Elliott.

Ben will be riding the traditional end of season classic, The Tour of Lombardi the day before and will be flying back from Italy to the UK on the Saturday night which is not the best preparation for such a prestigious hill climb, but Ben is really up for giving the crowds a spectacular display that will see him go up the Derbyshire hill described as a sprinters climb.

BenSwift_Podium_San Remo

Ben certainly won’t be guaranteed a win as he’ll be up against the usual crop of local pros and will be pushed hard for a top spot by the most talented hill climbers in the country.

The big question is, can Swift live up to his World Tour status and be a real threat to the 24 year old record set by Elliott in 1982? Year after year, talk of riders breaking the record is always a hot topic in the run up to the event. The only rider to come close was friend of Swift, Russell Downing, riding for Life Repair in 2003.

Russ smashed his was to a blistering 1:18.3 but was still 4 seconds short of Elliott’s amazing time of 1:14.2. Russ was back in 2007 and 2010 and posted a times of 1:19.1 and 1:20.5. Given Ben’s ability, local knowledge and exceptional talent, a time of under 1:20 could be very much on the cards.

We all wish Ben the best of luck for the Tour of Lombardi and can’t wait to see him make his way up through the crowds which are sure to be at full voice on Sunday getting behind him.

2016_ShuttVeloRapideAdvert

AlpsCyclesMidstory

 

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Cero

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: