PROMISING Vale cyclist Tom Perry secured a highly impressive fifth place in the under 18 age group category in the 2015 National Hill Climb Championships in Yorkshire at the weekend.
Perry, who attends Prince Henry’s High School in Evesham, qualified for the National Championships held at Jackson Bridge near Holmfirth following strong hill climb performances at Porlock, Somerset, and Shelsley Walsh back in October.
In his first National Championships, 15-year-old Perry found himself tackling a course measuring 1,590 yards, with gradients of 18-20% and an average gradient of 11% from start to finish.
Perry, of Ashton-under-Hill, attacked the gruelling climb from the start, cheered on by noisy supporters brandishing cowbells, and completed the course in six minutes and two seconds.
His time was good enough to secure fifth place against much older and more experienced competition.
Perry previously competed in triathlon events around the UK before deciding to concentrate on cycling in 2015. He is now a member of Evesham Wheelers and also trains at Wyre Forest.