Kieran Wynne-Cattanach finally claimed a sub-five minute time and with it victory in the open category at the Halifax Imperial Wheelers hill climb on Mount Tabor on Saturday afternoon, with Olivia French winning the women’s grouping in West Yorkshire.

Riding for Team Lifting Gear Products, Wynne-Cattanach earned an impressive triumph in 4:56-9, just outside the existing course record of 4:34-0 set by Tom Bell in September 2021, as the Welsh rider set down a marker ahead of the upcoming National Championships in October.

Runner-up on Saturday was Ilkley Cycling Club’s Andy Cunningham in 5:07-1, having won six of his previous eight hill climbs so far this season, with Venture Racing rider Iain Duffield claiming the final spot on the podium in 5:33-4.

On his win, Wynne-Cattanach said: “It was a lovely sunny warm day at Stocks Lane, but the strong headwind made things a little more challenging, especially towards the top of the climb.

“I've done the event a few times before and never in ideal conditions but I have always wanted to go sub-five minutes.

“I managed that, so that was quite satisfying, it's a real brute of a climb that doesn't relent.

“It was a very friendly atmosphere back at the HQ with the other riders, which I really enjoyed.”

In the women’s event French (Stolen Goat Race Team) was clear of the field in 6:52-4, with promoting club rider Helen Buchan second in 8:43.2 while a time of 9:02-9 helped Josie Cram (Venture Racing) to third spot.

No rider was able to mount a challenge to Mary Wilkinson’s course record of 5:45-5, which has also stood since September 2021, when both records were broken on the same day.

After the race, French said: “It is one hell of a climb!

“I’d driven up it on the way back from Cragg Vale last weekend so kind of knew what I was in for, but the long drag at the top into yet another headwind caught me out a bit and the last minute or so really, really hurt.

“I found some nice soft grass to collapse into at the finish though so it worked out well in the end.

“Huge thanks to Halifax Imperial Wheelers for putting on a great event - I’d love to come back next year.”

This event, run on the V9919 course, starts just northwest of Sowerby Bridge in Luddenden Village and heads north for one mile and seven yards to finish on Mount Tabor.

Reigning hill climb champion Andrew Feather was expected to participate but was a late withdrawal due to car problems.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Kieran Wynne-Cattanach (Team Lifting Gear Products)    4:56.9

2. Andy Cunningham (Ilkley Cycling Club)  5:07.1

3. Iain Duffield (Venture Racing)       5:33.4

4. Kieran Savage (Cycling Sheffield) 5:36.8

5. Tom Selby (Royal Navy Cycling)  5:54.6

6. Joe House (Venture Racing)           6:21.7

7. Chris Donnelly (High Peak Cycles Race Team)     6:22.0

8. Craig Beasley (Seacroft Wheelers) 6:46.6

9. Simon Warren (Norwood Paragon CC)      6:50.0

10. David Chell (Tri Preston)              6:51.8 

Women:

1. Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team)     6:52.4

2. Helen Buchan (Halifax Imperial Wheelers)           8:43.2

3. Josie Cram (Venture Racing)          9:02.9

4. Jayne Fielden (Halifax Imperial Wheelers)            17:59.0