Andy Cunningham (Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli) claimed the top spot in the North Tyneside Riders hill climb, while Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) was the winner of the women’s event on Sunday morning.

Cunningham made amends for the late start penalty which he incurred at the same event last season, taking the win with a time of 7:12.1.

Nick Munro of the Royal Air Force CA finished second with a time of 7:31.1. Following that time to claim the final podium spot was Matty Smith (Muckle CC) in 7:38.6.

“The climb starts off quite steep before it flattens out a bit,” said Cunningham. “So I thought I’d give it the beans at the bottom and try and hang on. That seemed to work today, although I don’t think it was a particularly fast day.

“I’ve got hill climbs every week now until the end of October, this being my first event. I might try and get back up this way next weekend for the Hedley on the Hill climb if late entries are still being taken.”

Joanne Rea of Team Kirkley Cycles took the win for the women in a time of 9:26.1.

Ellen Powell (Durham City Velo) claimed the second spot on the podium, she clocked in at 9:46.1, while just over ten seconds slower was Melanie Hall of the promoting club to finish of the podium with her time being 9:56.4.

The bottom half of the 2.2-mile climb in Elsdon, Northumberland, was covered in thick mist making the conditions quite chilly, but by the half way point riders broke through into warm sunshine and perfect hill climbing conditions.

Rea’s last open event took place in the form of the National 15-mile Championship in June, she claimed a spot in the top 15 and has not participated in an open event until now.

Darren Robson and Melanie Hall were the fastest riders from the host club and were presented with the Club’s Hill Climb shields.

Before the prize-giving in the Village Hall, a minute’s silence was observed to acknowledge the sad passing of The Queen.

* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission.

Results:

Men:

1. Andy Cunningham (Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli) - 7:12.1

2. Nick Munro (Royal Air Force CA) - 7:31.1

3. Matty Smith (Muckle CC) - 7:38.6

4. Alexander Storey (GS Metro) - 7:38.9

5. Colin Atkinson (Muckle CC) - 7:48.1

6. Lee Cuthbertson (Muckle CC) - 7:48.4

Women:

1. Joanna Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) - 9:26.1

2. Ellen Powell (Durham City Velo) - 9:46.1

3. Melanie Hall (North Tyneside Riders CC) - 9:56.4

4. Lois Jarvis (North Tyneside Riders CC) - 10:24.3

5. Angela McGurk (Blaydon CC) - 10:39.4