Andy Cunningham (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) went quickest in the GS Metro hill climb, while Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) was the victor in the women’s event in Northumberland on Sunday morning.

It was another successful trip to the North East District for scratch rider Cunningham as he took the win on the Hedley on the Hill climb in a time of 4:11.9.

20 seconds off the pace in second was Alexander Storey of GS Metro, he clocked a time of 4:32.8. Following that time for third was Colin Atkinson of Muckle CC, his final time was 4:37.6.

“Today’s event feels a lot more low key than the last time I was on this hill, which was five years ago now in the National Championships hosted by GS Metro in 2017,” said Cunningham.

“In a way I’m pleased that I didn’t go faster than my time back then as I probably would have been a bit miffed and would have started thinking back to nationals wondering if I could have gone quicker.”

In his last effort here back in 2017 he placed seventh overall. This was his second open hill climb event of the season, having won both of them after previously triumphing in the North Tyneside Riders climb last weekend.

In the women’s event it was Joanne Rea that headed the field, completing the Hedley on the Hill in 5:55.9.

Claiming second spot was Angela McGurk (Blaydon CC), she clocked a time of 6:42.4. Lois Jarvis (North Tyneside Riders CC) was to follow that time she recorded a final time of 6:44.3 to complete the podium.

Joanne Rea was happy to take the win today on the back of her win on Winter’s Gibbet last weekend. Whilst she felt that her power was a bit down from last weekend’s effort, she managed to finish strong and was only a couple of seconds short of her marker from the 2017 nationals.

Results:

Men:

1. Andy Cunningham (Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli) - 4:11.9

2. Alexander Storey (GS Metro) - 4:32.8

3. Colin Atkinson (Muckle CC) - 4:37.6

4. Lee Ager (Muckle CC) - 4:41.1

5. Matty Smith (Muckle CC) - 4:42.3

6. Freddie Jagger (Team Lifting Gear Products) - 4:43.8

Women:

1. Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) - 5:55.9

2. Angela McGurk (Blaydon CC) - 6:42.4

3. Lois Jarvis (North Tyneside Riders CC) - 6:44.3

4. Jen McMahon (Jadan Vive Le Velo) - 7:02.8

5. Heather Witham (Blaydon CC) - 7:15.2