Junior rider Harry Hudson (Matlock CC) showed his talent to win his first senior open hill climb at the Rutland Cycling Club event on Mam Nick, while Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team) took victory in the women’s event by over one minute.

Hudson, aged 16, flew up the 2.1-kilometre climb in a winning time of six minutes and 17 seconds.

Starting outside Barber Booth the climb has an average gradient of 9.8% with steeper sections of over 13%.

Nearly 70 riders signed on at The Old Nag's Head in Edale and were treated to good conditions.

Hudson won his age category on Longstone Edge in June by a clear margin and ramped up his National Hill Climb Championship preparation by taking his first overall hill climb victory.

Ross Fawcett (Orwell Velo) won the Wolsey RC 10 in July clocking 21-52 and opened his open hill climb season with a runners-up finish this time out in 6-23.

Completing the overall podium positions was Jamie Philpott (Wahoo Le Col) who finished a further seven seconds back (6-30).

“I like Mam Nick as it’s nice and steep, I like the steep sections,” said Hudson. “I prefer longer climbs, but the gradient suited me well.”

The veteran men’s category saw Leon Wright (Pedal Power Loughborough) post the quickest time with his 6-37 good enough for sixth overall, beating Simon Myatt (Matlock CC) into second (7-09) and Andy Pearson (Serpentine Running Club) in third (7-17).

Hudson was clearly the quickest in the junior category finishing ahead of George Stephen (Beeston Cycling Club) in second (6-56) and Emil Howell (Matlock CC) in third (7-11).

Harley Widdowson (Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy) was the quickest juvenile in 7-01, Finley Huson (Matlock CC) finished second in the age category (7-50) and Alfie Nott (Sheffield Youth Cycling Club) was third (8-09).

Continuing her good form for the season French finished over a minute clear of her nearest competitor in the women’s event.

The 22-year-old from Wilmslow added the win to her collection for the season, including at the Exeter Wheelers event on Stoke Hill last month.

Para-cyclist Morgan Newberry (Loughborough Lightning/TRG) finished second woman in 9-45, while juvenile Maia Howell (Matlock CC) was third overall (9-48).

Jenn Dick (Fusion Cycling Club Dronfield) was the only veteran woman stopping the clock in 10-25.

“It was short and steep, it was good fun,” said French. “It was steep in the middle bit and the last bit hurt into a headwind.

“I’d only ridden it once before in a ride. It’s a really cool climb and the views are amazing in that bit of the Peak District.”

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

* A gallery of images from this event is available here

Results
1 Harry Hudson (Matlock CC)           6.17
2 Ross Fawcett (Orwell Velo) 6.23
3 Jamie Philpott (Wahoo Le Col)       6.30
4 Iain Duffield (PMRR)          6.34
5 Ross Howcroft-Jones (High North Performance)    6.36
6 Leon Wright (Pedal Power Loughborough) 6.37

Junior: Harry Hudson (Matlock CC)  6.17
Veteran: Leon Wright (Pedal Power Loughborough) 6.37

Women:
1 Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team)      8.40
2 Morgan Newberry (Loughborough Lightning/TRG)          9.45
3 Maia Howell (Matlock CC) 9.48
Juvenile: Maia Howell (Matlock CC) 9.48
Para-cyclist: Morgan Newberry (Loughborough Lightning/TRG)    9.45
Veteran: Jenn Dick (Fusion Cycling Club Dronfield)            10.25