Feather and Heighton success at Team Bikestop Tyrekey Climb
Reigning National Hill Climb Champion Andrew Feather picked up where he left off with victory in the men’s event of his first competition of the season at the Team Bikestop Tyrekey Hill Climb, with Sophie Heighton finishing as the fastest woman.
Riding for HuntBikeWheels.com, Feather clocked 4-11 to seal a dominant win ahead of runner-up Ewan Tuohy (Dartford Road Club) in 4-44, while Jonathan Abbott, riding for the promoting club, took the final spot on the podium in 5-04 – just a second ahead of clubmate Tom Harcourt who set 4-05 for fourth.
Feather will be hoping to continue his magnificent form of 2022, where he managed to complete the campaign unbeaten with 11 wins from 11 rides culminating in his success at the nationals, where he overcame longtime rival and competitor Tom Bell on the course at Horseshoe Pass in North Wales.
In the women’s event, Ferryhill Wheelers rider Heighton set 7-32 to finish as quickest female on the course.
The 22 riders, who all competed on road bikes, faced a strong crosswind on the course, making conditions quite tough on the climb and competitors finding it hard to get into a rhythm on the climb with the steepest part coming at the bottom.
There is a little descent halfway up and then a gradient of between seven and eight per cent up the finish making it deceptively hard.
* All reports are copyright of Cycling Time Trials/Snowdon Sports. Not to be used without permission. This report by James Ayles.
Results:
Men:
1 Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.Com) 4.11
2. Ewan Tuohy (Dartford Road Club) 4.44
3. Jonathan Abbott (Team Bikestop Tyrekey 3FS) 5.04
4. Tom Harcourt (Team Bikestop Tyrekey 3FS) 5.05
5. Mike Jefferies (Cleveland Wheelers CC) 5.27
6. Sam Leng (AIMS Cycling) 5.30
Woman: Sophie Heighton (Ferryhill Wheelers) 7.32