Kieran Savage claimed a first open victory in almost three years at the Vive Le Velo Flixton Brow hill climb in Yorkshire on Sunday morning.
Riding for Schils – Doltcini Race Team, Savage was fastest to the top with a stunning 3:07-68, seeing off the hard charging Iain Duffield (Venture Racing) who clocked 3:17-41, while Paul Shepherd, riding for Otley Cycling Club, rounded out the all-seniors overall podium with an impressive time of 4:04-8.
Savage last topped the podium at the Cestria Cycling Club Peth Bank on October 9 2021, his last win before a three-year break, returning to the sport this season with a fourth at Halifax Imperial Wheelers on September 21 this year.
In the closely contested veteran category John Flanagan took the honours with 4:14-79 time, chased hard by former organiser and promoting club rider Andrew Askwith with 4:19-76 with Cameron Turner earning third place in a time of 4:50-25 for Malton Wheelers.
Riders are now preparing for the hill climb national championships to take place at the event of this month on October 27 and promoted by Muckle Cycle Club, with Savage hoping to take his place among the contenders.
The weather was dry, however strong headwinds greeting riders when they turned onto the foot of the climb made for challenging conditions for competitors.
This event, held on the A491 course, starts south of Flixton and heads uphill northbound on Flixton Brow for 1.6 miles to finish on Main Street.
* 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 Savage (Schils – Doltcini Race Team) 3:07.68
2. Iain Duffield (Venture Racing) 3:17.41
3. Paul Shepherd (Otley Cycling Club) 4:40.8
4, John Flanagan (Moonglu Cycling Club) 4:14.79
5. Andrew Askwith (Vive Le Velo) 4:19.76
6. Sam Leng (AIMS Cycling) 4:37.88
7. Cameron Leslie (Royal Air Force) 4:46.66
8. Cameron Turner (Malton Wheelers) 4:50.25
9. Keith Storey (Seacroft Wheelers) 5:00.26
10. Steve Burrows (Vive Le Velo) 6:40.73