Nick Munro (Royal Air Force CA) went quickest in the Muckle CC hill climb, while Hannah Farran (Team Boompods) was the victor in the women’s event in Northumberland.

On a mild and calm morning in Corbridge there were over a hundred riders on the start sheet for the sixth year in a row. First of those hundred riders was Nick Munro who completed the course in 3:57.4.

Martin Mikkelsen-Barron of Velo Club Cumbria was the second placed rider, clocking a time just a second behind the overall winner - 3:58.4. Finishing off the podium was Alexander Storey (GS Metro) with 4:04.1.

Of the nine hill climb’s that Munro has participated in this season he has now won six of them, and in the three that he failed to win he has finished in second. An impressive run of form all building up to the National Championships that take place next weekend.

Nick Munro said after the event “I’m really chuffed to win today after a poor performance in this event last season.  It was important to go out and have a strong ride today.  To then go on and  take the win in what is considered the premier event in the North East District, was the icing on the cake.  It’s a big confidence booster going into Nationals next weekend where I’ll hopefully be able to put in a strong performance.  I’ve not ridden the Old Horseshoe Pass as yet but I’ve felt good out of the saddle and I’ve improved my pacing this year – I think they’ll be key on the day.”

In the women’s event it was Hannah Farran that came out on top, for the third time. Though this time around she shaved a second off the women’s course record on her way to victory. The new course record is now 4:53.6.

Second spot went to Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC), she clocked a time of 5:20.6. The final podium spot was ridden by Melanie Hall (North Tyneside Riders CC) who finished in 5:33.5.

It has been a strong year for Farran, this victory is her sixth of the season, in six open events, giving her good form ahead of the National Championships.

“This climb is a tricky one to pace but my power was good and my pacing strategy worked well," said Farran. "It was slippy from the fallen leaves and overnight rain so I was a bit more reserved on the hair-pins and tried to concentrate on keeping traction.

"Thank you to Muckle CC for running a superb event and to the timekeepers and marshals for giving up their time today.”

In second place with Madeleine Bell of Musselbrough RCC in 5:20.6 and in third place Melanie Hall of North Tyneside Riders CC (5:33.5).

In other categories top junior was Charlie Thew (Racing Metro 15) with a time of 4:25.2. The fastest juvenile was Mason Bulfin of the same team, he clocked 5:08.9.

Of the veteran categories the winners for the Male v40 and v50 were Noel Stoddart (Blaydon CC) and Colin Atkinson (Muckle CC) who finished with 4:28.5 and 4:05.9 respectively.

In the women’s v40 category the victor was Melanie Hall (North Tyneside Riders CC) as she completed the course in 5:33.5. Of the v60 category the winner was Michael Trow (Blaydon CC) as he rode a time of 6:19.4.

The tandem event was won by Ryan Parkinson and Josh Craven of Muckle CC and their time was 5:17.8. Another win of Muckle CC came in the overall team event in which they win with a final total time of 12:23 between Matty Smith, Lee Cuthbertson and Colin Atkinson.

The event also included some great fancy dress - see the photos above!

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

Results:

Men:

1. Nick Munro (Royal Air Force CA) - 3:57.4

2. Martin Mikkelsen-Barron (Velo Club Cumbria) - 3:58.4

3. Alexander Storey (GS Metro) - 4:04.1

4. Colin Atkinson (Muckle CC) - 4:05.9

5. Matty Smith (Muckle CC) - 4:06.7

6. David Huck (Barrow Central Whs) - 4:08.5

Women:

1. Hannah Farran (Team Boompods) - 4:53.6

2. Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC) - 5:20.6

3. Melanie Hall (North Tyneside Riders CC) - 5:33.5

4. Joanne Rea (Team Kirkley Cycles) - 5:40.0

5. Lois Jarvis (Muckle CC) - 5:55.4

6. Caitlin Pollock (Team Newcastle Triathlon) - 6:00.4