Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) took his sixth open hill climb victory of the season in the Stratford Cycling Club event on Saintbury hill, while Ellen Reynolds (Elevate RT) won the women’s event.

The 38-year-old recorded a winning time of five minutes and 28 seconds – equalling his time on the same hill two years ago.

The 1.2-mile climb has an average gradient of 9%, but a maximum of 18%, as it climbs through the Cotswolds and the village of Saintbury.

Two years ago Feather won the Solihull CC two-stage hill climb over Saintbury and Dovers and matched his time over the first climb on this occasion.

Cameron Biddle (HUUB WattShop) led the battle behind finishing second in 5-49, while veteran Leon Wright (Pedal Power Loughborough) completed the podium positions finishing third in 6-09.

Feather has won the National Hill Climb Championship in three of the last five years and will be aiming to win the title for a fourth time next weekend.

“It was good,” said Feather about his victory. “I had a rubbing break which was a bit annoying but I got over it. It was a good time and equal to the last time I did it a couple of years ago.

“I’m feeling much better now compared to September when I didn’t feel very well. It’s nice to get a win. I’ve got one to go, [the National Championship] next week when Ed Laverack is probably the favourite as he is a specialist over the longer climbs.

“But I’ll see what I can do.”

Taking part in her first open hill climb of the season, Reynolds won the women’s event stopping the clock in 7-41.

Fellow Elevate RT rider and veteran Celia Brown finished second in 8-46, while Emma Bexson (Stratford Cycling Club) placed third in 10-02.

Charlie Hussey (High Wycombe CC) was the quickest juvenile stopping the clock in 7-16 which placed him 12th overall.

Noah Roscoe (Cheltenham & County Cycling Club) was second juvenile in 7-39, while Henry MacWilliam (Stratford Cycling Club) finished third (12-22).

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

Results:

Men:
1. Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com)    5.28
2. Cameron Biddle (HUUB WattShop)          5.49
3. Leon Wright (Pedal Power Loughborough)           6.09
4. Matt Melville (Elevate RT) 6.46
5. Andrew Martin (High Wycombe CC)        6.49
6. Kit Buchanan (Solihull CC)           6.54

Women:
1. Ellen Reynolds (Elevate RT)          7.41
2. Celia Brown (Elevate RT)  8.46
3. Emma Bexson (Stratford Cycling Club)    10.02