James Hutchins and Katie-Ann Elliston were quickest man and woman on the roads of Woodham Ferrers in Essex, winning the Essex Roads CC hill-climb on Saturday afternoon.
Hutchins (Cycling Club Hackney) claimed a slim but maiden career victory on record despite never breaking into the top three prior to the day’s event.
The 45-year-old finished fifth in this event last year and even though his finishing time this season was six seconds slower than 2018, 2-24.3 was all that was needed to take victory.
Gareth Wignall (Hertfordshire Wheelers) had previously set foot on a podium but still bettered his best result on record, moving up a personal best of third to second thanks to a time of 2-25.7, just over a second off the winning time.
The podium spots were filled with riders bettering previous best placings, and Chris Hartono (LFGSS CC) was no different as the 24-year-old found himself amongst the top three for the first time, clocking 2-30.2.
Quickest female prize went to Katie-Ann Elliston (Southend Wheelers) powering up the hill in 3-00.2.
17-year-old Elliston finished 28 seconds better off than second place as she was also second quickest junior rider overall.
Faye Faiers (Thanet RC) was second behind Elliston, clocking a time of 3-28.4.
Alfie Salmon (Lee Valley Youth CC) was the quickest rider under 18 years of age as the juvenile finished in 2-36.9, which was good enough for fifth overall.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by Jack Cudworth.