Kieran Wynne-Cattanach and Illi Gardner stepped up preparations for the National Hill Climb Championships with impressive victories at the Huddersfield Star Wheelers Jackson Bridge hill climb on Saturday morning.

Riding for Team Lifting Gear Products, Wynne-Cattanach continued a fine season by sealing first place in 4:06-7 for the 0.9-kilometre climb, with a time of 4:07-8 helping junior Harry Hudson (Harrogate Nova Race Team) to second place while the final spot on the podium went to Team PB Performance rider Jude Taylor in 4:16-20.

Wynne-Cattanach, for a long time an emerging star, has found great form this season and last weekend was crowned champion at the Welsh National Championship among a host of impressive wins in 2024.

Riders are now fully focused on the National Championship, which will be hosted by Muckle Cycle Club on October 27 using the Dipton Mill Road course in the historic town of Hexham, and both Gardner and Wynne-Cattanach will be eyeing the top prize among a competitive and talented field.

After the win, Wynne-Cattanach said: "I've done this climb twice before as a junior - that was in 2015 when I did the open event and followed it up with my first Nationals as they were held on Jackson Bridge that year.

“All I remember about the hill is that there was a corner - I've absolutely no recollection of how that day went other than I was third junior and remember being quite pleased with that.

“So arriving this morning, I had to look at it again as a fresh climb.

“I rode up it this morning and took it all in - the lower section is steeper, the middle section is where you have to press on and try and focus, then it's all out from the corner.

“I climb seated but once I stand up, it’s kind of an all-in effort as it takes quite a bit out of my legs.

“My partner was amongst the great crowd cheering at the top and she shouted for me to sprint - I timed it well and held it all of the way to the line.”

A strong ride from Gardner saw her post 4:55-7, beating the previous course record of 5:15-7 and comfortably ahead of runner-up Joanna Brewis (Sheffrec Cycling Club) in 5:37-0, while a time of 5:54-4 ensured that Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team) claimed the third spot on the podium in 5:43-4.

"I've not done this climb before,” admitted Gardner after ride. “Living in Cardiff I tend to do most of my events down there. 

“I've had a great summer doing longer climbs out in the mountains, so I am a bit nervous about the prospect of a shorter climb for this year's Nationals. 

“I went up to recce the Nationals course a few weeks ago and I liked it more than I thought I would.

“Coming and doing a completely different climb today has brought a bit of enthusiasm and excitement.

“I've only done a couple of open events this season and they have both been long, so I thought a good way to motivate myself would be to come and do something a lot shorter.

“I got a bit excited and carried away at the start and went off a bit too hard - there was a bit of wheel slip when I went to stand up a couple of times, so I had to sit straight back down.

“Overall, I have to say I'm very pleased with today.”

This year marks the 50th Edition of the Granville Sydney Memorial Hill Climb at Jackson Bridge, named after the club legend who won the hill climb national championship six times, taking home the title in 1963, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1972 and 1973.

* 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)    4:06.7

2. Harry Hudson (Harrogate Nova Race Team)         4:07.8

3. Jude Taylor (Team PB Performance)          4:16.2

4. Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club)           4:16.4

5. David Scott (MULE Cycling Club)            4:34.8

6. Kieran Savage (Schils – Doltini Race Team)         4:35.0

7. Rowan Baxter (Shibden Cycling Club)      4:40.2

8. Iain Duffield (VENTURE RACING)        4:41.0

9. Seth Jackson (Willebrord Wil Vooruit)       4:49.3

10. Lee Ager (Muckle Cycle Club)    4:49.9

Women:

1. Illi Gardner (Cardiff Ajax Cycling Club)   4:55.7

2. Joanna Brewis (Sheffrec Cycling Club)     5:37.0

3. Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team)     5:43.3

4. Bethany Brooksbank (Trek Sheffield)        6:14.7

5. Alison Dockney (Macclesfield Wheelers)  6:19.1

6. Bronwen Jenkinson (Saint Piran)   6:24.7

7. Evie Smith (Huddersfield Star Wheelers)   6:28.7

8. Maia Howell (Matlock Cycling Club)        6:36.1

9. Eliza Saxton (Huddersfield Star Wheelers)            6:47.6

10. Seraphina Green (360cycling)      6:58.1