Hannah Farran and Archie Irving won the first and only stage of the planned two-stage Blaydon CC hill-climb as heavy rain forced the second and longer stage to be cancelled in Whittonstall on Sunday.

The weather held up just enough as junior rider Irving (Beacon Wheelers) tackled the half-mile first stage in Whittonstall North in 1-59.3, ending as the only rider to break the two-minute barrier.

“I was very surprised to get the win today,” said Irving. “Due to the wet I lost a bit of traction in places, but today was all about getting a fast start on the flatter section and holding on all the way to the line, rather than being too conservative at the off. 

“I’m now focusing on doing longer efforts with an eye on the nationals at the end of the month.”

The win becomes Irving’s first ever on record as he went seven seconds better than second-placed Jamie Johnson.

Johnson (Barnesbury CC) took victory in this event last season and perhaps had the second stage gone ahead, final standings may have looked different. But nonetheless, Johnson maintained a run of three consecutive runner up places.

The serial podium finisher clocked 2-06.4 with veteran Graeme Wardale (Team Bikestop Tyrekey) third in a time of 2-08.2.

Hannah Farran (Team Boompods) was quickest woman in a time of 2-31.9, winning by over 10 seconds. The win was Farran’s fourth in seven hill-climbing events this season on record.

“I’m happy with today’s win,” said Farran. “I rode to power and enjoyed the short, sharp climb. The weather wasn’t great but I seem to always go well in these conditions.”

In second was Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon CC) who couldn’t trump Farran after also finishing second behind her last weekend.

Wilkinson clocked 2-42.3, while Emma Glover (Cestria CC) was third in 2-56.7.

Muckle CC teammates Colin Atkinson and Colin Blacklock won the days V50 and V60 categories respectively with Atkinson fourth overall while Noel Stoddart was fastest home club rider in tenth overall.

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