Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.Com) set a new course record on his way to taking an impressive victory at the Fibrax Wrexham RC HC on Horseshoe Pass, while Joanna Blackburn (High North Performance) was the women’s winner.

Feather, aged 37, posted a winning time of eight minutes and 33 seconds taking 19 seconds off the previous course record.

The 3.7-kilometre climb in North Wales has a steady gradient of around 5% allowing riders to get into a steady rhythm to the top.

Feather won the national hill climb championships in 2020 before finishing runner-up in the same event last year.

This year’s National Championships is being held on the Old Horseshoe Pass which is close to Sunday’s climb allowing riders a chance to recce the course and test themselves in the same area.

Ed Laverack (Backpedal) won the National Hill Climb Championships in 2019 on a lengthy climb and was also in North Wales to test himself finishing second in 8-50 which was 10 seconds faster than Richard Bussell (AeroCoach).

Rueben Corlett (Birkenhead North End CC) was the quickest junior rider in 12-06 while Osian Parry (Anglesey Cycling Group) was the best juvenile (13-45).

“It was good, I’m pretty pleased,” said Feather. “I’ve never done that climb before and it was a good one to do so I’m pleased. I’m pleased with how the form is.

“The nationals is a bit steeper on a different climb but there was a good field there today so it was good to test my legs.”

In the women’s event Joanna Blackburn (High North Performance) showed her form ahead of the nationals posting a winning time of 10-58, which was 18 seconds short of the course record.

Rebecca Richardson (Team Brother UK) will also be a contender and placed second on this occasion in 11-05 while Alison Dockney (Macclesfield Wheelers) was third (11-27).

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* A gallery of images from this event is available here

Results:

Men:

1 Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.Com) 8.33
2 Ed Laverack (Backpedal) 8.50
3 Richard Bussell (AeroCoach) 9.00

Junior: Rueben Corlett (Birkenhead North End CC) 11.59

Juvenile: Osian Parry (Anglesey Cycling Group) 13.45

Women:
1 Joanna Blackburn (High North Performance) 10.58
2 Rebecca Richardson (Team Brother UK) 11.05
3 Alison Dockney (Macclesfield Wheelers) 11.27