Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) and Bexy Dew (Army Cycling) completed a perfect opening weekend to their hill climb seasons by completing a double at the Somerset RC HC.

Former National Hill Climb Champion Feather also won the same event last season and knocked six seconds of his winning time last season to win in four minutes and four seconds.

The UH23 course climbs steadily through Cockercombe for just over one mile suiting the more powerful time trialists.

Under-23 rider Cameron Biddle (Vredestein Basso) also finished second to Feather the previous day and had to settle for the same result finishing two seconds down in 4-06.

Fellow youngster George Kimber (Spirit Tifosi RT) got his hill climb season underway with a third-place finish in 4-13.

“I’m training pretty well and hitting my peak power this year which is pleasing,” said Feather.

“Yesterday’s climb was actually more suited to me as it was steeper. Today was shallower so it was more beneficial to stay in the saddle while I prefer to get out of the saddle.

“Whatever I did it seemed to work even if it was not the most aerodynamic. I’m quite pleased so far and I’m now entering a few events I haven’t ridden before.

“I like to do new climbs as it’s quite hard to come back for the third year of doing the same hill climb and stay motivated.

“I’m really pleased with the good results so far and I’m looking forward to the National Hill Climb which is on a shorter climb this year.

“I would rather it was a bit longer as it it’s in a bit of a grey area of whether it suits climbers or sprinters.”

Meanwhile, in the women’s event after winning her first open hill climb the previous day Dew made it a double victory in a time of 5-23.

Emily Kate Walton (Beeston Cycling Club) took second in 5-49 while Louise Crossman (Minehead CC) finished third clocking 8-53.

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