You’ve probably read about Illi Gardner and Andrew Feather winning the National Hill-Climb Championships in North Wales last month, but each and every rider taking part was chasing their own hopes and dreams.

One of those being cheered up the Old Horseshoe Pass by the army of enthusiastic spectators was 11-year-old Finn Miller, a Matlock Cycling Club rider who epitomised the spirit of this unique event and embodies the future of our sport.

We caught up with the youngster to find out how his day turned out to be one to remember.

CTT: When did you start thinking about riding the National HC Champs?

Finn: Only about a week before the entry deadline. My dad was already entered and we were heading to Llangollen with the rest of my family to support him, so rather than just supporting I wanted to be competing as well.

CTT: How did you feel about riding the National Championships?

Finn: Having gone to Winnats Pass the previous year (but not raced) I was excited about riding through the crowds.  My Dad kept asking if I was sure I wanted to do it and kept telling me it was long and steep but this made me want to do it more to prove him wrong.

CTT: What extra training did you do for it?

Finn: I spent many evenings on Zwift riding up Alpe Du Zwift as well as a cyclo-cross race a few weeks before the event.

CTT: Talk us through the day. Travelling, preparing, the excitement, the atmosphere, during the race how did it feel?

Finn: We drove over on the Friday before the event as it was half term and got to the climb at around 4pm. We drove down it to get a first look, and my initial thoughts were ‘this looks steep!’

Dad and I then rode to the bottom and started to ascend. He kept telling me to get into a rhythm and keep going. We got to the cattle grid, I felt OK and put in a bit more effort, however the very steep bit was yet to come. I had to then stop just after ‘that tree on the right’, a brief pause to catch my breath and then completed the remainder. Dad suggested going back down to the cattle grid and giving the top section another go. Although I tried again, I couldn’t get up the top bit without stopping.

On Saturday we decided not to go back and try again and went to Chirk Castle to take my mind off it. That night I went to bed telling myself ‘you can do it’, but I was still doubting myself. Dad put a message on the UK hill climbing Facebook page asking for an extra big cheer to get me up.

On Sunday I woke up at half six to get to HQ in plenty of time I sat down for toast reading the responses from the Facebook post they really helped me stop doubting myself, when we arrived at the HQ I met quite a few people wishing me good luck.

When we got to the Old Shoe itself me, my brother and my sisters went to the café for a hot chocolate, we cheered lots of people on and at 9:59 my Dad set off. When he had finished I met him at the top of the climb we then went to our car to get my stuff ready half an hour later we were rolling down in not the nicest of weather (we got drenched, so not the best of warm ups). I got down there and rode around for a bit before 251 was called.

During the race I didn’t get a great start and nearly fell to the side. Up to the cattle grid I kept an even pace - 1, 2, 1, 2 counting in my head - then I sped up slightly for the “Flat bit”. The next bit was the hardest, the bit I couldn’t complete before. That bit was tough but once I had made it to the crowd the pain didn’t matter and I sprinted the last 500 metres to the top using energy I didn’t have to make it.

At the top I just stopped and rolled forwards. I was done, my legs were in so much pain but I was very happy to have made it.

At the presentation ceremony I found out I had won a medal for fastest 11-year-old boy, which was the icing on the cake.

CTT: Afterwards, how did you feel?

Finn: Tired but very happy and proud for the rest of the weekend and into Monday, all my family and friends were messaging me.

CTT: What plans do you have for next year?

Finn: I want to ride the nationals again and probably a few more local hill climbs. I’ve done Monsal before, so that is on the list.

CTT: What do you like about riding your bike?

Finn: I’m not sure of an exact reason – I like going faster than walking or running. Riding with friends and family is good, and it keeps me fit.