Adam Kenway and Jacintha Hamilton-Love were the fastest man and women at the Reading CC two stage hill climb on Sunday morning.

Whilst other local cycling events were lost due to the heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend, the Reading CC 2 stage hill climb took place regardless, proving how hardy those who partake in this brutal sport can be.

A healthy field of 63 riders, took on the first stage of Goring hill, which saw the worst of the heavy rain. Adam Kenway (Vitus Pro Cycling) , national champion in 2016, drew first blood, finishing 2 seconds adrift of the course record held by Richard Gildea (Didcot Phoenix CC), but beating Richard into second place on this occasion by a slender 3 seconds.

Jacintha Hamilton-Love (Dulwich Paragon CC) took honours in the ladies competition with Theo Tadros (trainSharp) fastest rider under 18.

Streatley Hill (classified within UK 100 greatest climbs), was next up. Streatley hill is brutal at the best of times, but when ridden an hour after the first hill climb and with wheel spin noticeable on the 1 in 6 top section, it provided added difficulty for the field.

Andrew Feather (BRC Racing), surprised a few with a narrow victory in 2.25, less than a second clear of the earlier victor Kenway. Jacintha took her second victory of the day in the women’s race, but this time her margin was cut to less than a second over Anabell Orenz (North Cotswold RC). Theo Tadros taking a clean sweet in the under 18 section.

Overall victory going to Kenway with 7.22, a margin of 8 seconds over Gildea. Jacintha was  women’s winner in a combined time of 9.52, Theo Tadros junior winner with 8.42 and his father Peter Tadros (trainSharp), just keeping ahead of his fast improving son, took the veterans title in 8.24.

Results:

1st Adam Kenway (Vitus Pro Cycling) 7.22

2nd Richard Gildea (Didcot Phoenix CC) 7.30

3rd Andrew Feather (BCR Racing) 7.32

1st women Jacintha Hamilton-Love (Dulwich Paragon CC) 9.52

2nd women Anabell Orenz (North Cotswolds) 10.30

3rd women Gemma Hobson (Sussex Nomads CC) 11.28

1st under 18 Theo Tadros(trainSharp) 8.42

2nd under 18 Luca D’arcy Willett (Zappi Racing Team) 9.02

3rd under 18 Oscar Clark (Palmer Park Velo) 9.56

1st vet 40 Peter Tadros (trainSharp) 8.24

1st vet 50 Jonathan Groves (Rapha Cycling Club) 9.54

1st vet 60 Roger Crouch (Dulwich Paragon CC) 11.50

1st team Rapha Cycling Club (Thomas Perren; John Blight; Jonathan Groves)