Westclose Hill Climb

Andrew Feather continued his build-up to the National Hill Climb Championships by setting a new course record on his way to victory in the men’s event at the Team Tor 2000-Kalas hill-climb, with Alice Lethbridge winning the women’s event.

HuntBikeWheels.com rider Feather, who is now unbeaten in nine races this season, lowered the course record set by Jim Henderson in 2000 by completing the route in just 5-00.2, with Ed Laverack (Backpedal) second in 5-28.7 while promoting club rider Charlie Beake completing the podium in 5-34.4.

Feather will compete in the National Championships in Denbighshire at the end of October, with victory here maintaining an unbeaten season and giving him a psychological edge over his rivals for the title.

In the women’s event Lethbridge, riding for Kingston Wheelers CC, finished the 1.92-kilometre route on 5-57.9, while a time of 8-42.5 helped Southampton University Road Cycling Club’s Grace Reynolds take the runners-up spot.

Fastest junior went to Bristol Road Club’s Harvey Thomas in 5-58.5, while Southampton University Road Cycling Club’s Gabe Dellar was quickest Espoir after clocking 5-39.0 with the veteran category taken in a time of 5-56.5 by Daniel Eastment of 1st Chard wheelers in 5-56.5.

This event, run on the UH20 course, starts in Rodney Stoke just off the A371 and sees riders complete a 1.1-mile course and 172-metre climb and summit Westclose Hill to finish on Broad Lane.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.

Results:

Men:

1. Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com)   5:00.2

2, Ed Laverack (Backpedal)   5:28.7

3. Charlie Beake (Team Tor 2000)     5:34.4

4. Gabe Dellar (Soithampton University RCC)         5:39.0

5. Joe Rees (Bikestrong-KTM)           5:52.7

6. Daniel Eastment (1st Chard Wheelers)       5:56.5

Women:

1. Alice Lethbridge (Kingston Wheelers CC)            6:57.9

2. Grace Reynolds (Southampton University RCC)  8:42.5