Annie's Wheely Good

Annie Simpson came within touching distance of bagging the latest BUCS Hill Climb title after a terrific ride from the Team Northumbria scholar.

Endurance specialist Simpson had targeted a top 10 finish in the first major event of the new University season.

And the Yorkshire star exceeded all expectations with a stunning display of focus and determination to take joint second spot.

Simpson finished 24 seconds behind winner and local favourite Sarah Byrne, who made the most of riding on her home course at Derbyshire’s Curbar Gap.

But the result has given Northumbria Cycling a massive boost going into what promises to be a terrific 2012.

In the men’s event Ross Creber claimed joint 16^th spot in the 144-strong field – finishing less than a minute behind winner Henry King from Leeds.

And Northumbria’s Ben Newman bagged joint 53^rd in the main event triathlon competition to complete a promising day for the University’s cycling scholars.

Performance Sport assistant Heather Steel said: “All three of our scholars performed exceptionally well and the results prove their hard work is paying off.

“I don’t think anyone – Annie included  - expected a second-place finish in the women’s Hill Climb and everyone at Northumbria is delighted with the result.”

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