Porlock Toll Road Hill Climb

Reigning national champion Illi Gardner made it three out of three for the weekend with victory in the second Minehead CC hill-climb on the longer Porlock Toll Road.

Meanwhile, fastest overall in the 4.2-mile event was Ed Laverack (Backpedal) who was the overall winner of the weekend treble along with Gardner.

Having won the previous day’s Bridgwater CC climb as well as the early morning Porlock stage one, Gardner showed her grit with a rain-soaked win in a time of 17-07.2, which left the Wahoo-Le Col rider an impressive ninth out of all the entrants.

Her time was quickest female by more than three minutes from Olivia French (Stolen Goat RT), while third this time was Emily Lockwood (Performance Cycles, who was another 14 seconds back.

Laverack powered up the climb in 14-12.2 to win by 1-13 from Iain Duffield (PMRR), with Arion Oates (PDQ Cycle Coaching) another 30 seconds back in third.

Event organiser Louise Crossman said: "We were on the verge of cancelling the event when the thunder and lightning arrived but, encouraged by the stoicism of marshals and competitors, decided to keep going.

“I'm very impressed by all those who helped on the day, many thanks to all. Minehead CC would like to thanks GTH, Singer Instruments and Miles Tea and Coffee for their support."

Gardner’s preparations for the National Championships continues next Saturday with the Cheltenham and County CC climb of Bushcombe Lane to the west of Winchcombe.

Laverack is next hoping to be in action at the Mid-Devon CC climb of Haytor next Saturday, and then moves on to the VC Cumbria Whinlatter Pass climb the following weekend.

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