Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC) managed his effort perfectly as he took victory in the Zurbaran Racing hill climb, while Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC) won the women’s event.

Cunningham, aged 35, covered the 1.4-kilometre climb, named Unthank Bank, in a winning time of three minutes and 45 seconds – which was also a new course record.

The 1.4-kilometre climb heads towards Stanhope, Durham and has sections of 12% in gradient after the opening 200 metres before easing towards the top.

Cunningham, from Ilkley, won four open hill climbs last season and opened his account for 2024 with an early victory.

Muckle Cycle Club riders provided a challenge with Marcus Cram finishing second overall in 3-57 ahead of team-mate Adrian Armstrong in third (4-08).

“It was a really nice event,” said Cunningham. “I was pushed really close by Marcus (Cram) again.

“The climb was very front ended with the steepest section at the start but there was a bit of a breeze on the tops so I had to manage the effort well over the distance.

“I’m happy with how it went and looking forward to entering some more of these.”

Quickest veteran on the climb was John Bowman (Muckle Cycle Club) who stopped the clock in 4-12 which was good enough for fifth overall.

Meanwhile, youth competitor Ezra Bateman (Clifton CC York) finished seventh overall with a fine time of 4-28.

Bell was pushed all the way for victory in the women’s event and set a new course record winning time of 5-11.

The Musselburgh RCC rider also won the Tyneside Vagabonds CC mountain time trial over 47 miles in May and added another win to her collection this time out.

Finishing just four seconds behind was Ellen Reynolds (Elevate RT) in second (5-15) and best veteran Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon CC) finished in third place overall (5-23).

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

Results:

Open:
1 Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC)       3.45
2 Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club) 3.57
3 Adrian Armstrong (Muckle Cycle Club)     4.08
4 David Fellows (Solihull CC)           4.09
5 John Bowman (Muckle Cycle Club)           4.12
6 Colin Atkinson (Muckle Cycle Club)          4.18
7 Ezra Bateman (Clifton CC York)    4.28
8 Lee Cuthbertson (GS Metro)           4.29
9 Tom Harcourt (Team Judge Tyrekey)         4.32
10 Graeme Wardale (South Shields Velo Cycling Club)       4.37

Youth: Ezra Bateman (Clifton CC York)       4.28

Women:
1 Madeleine Bell (Musselburgh RCC)           5.11
2 Ellen Reynolds (Elevate RT)           5.15
3 Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon CC)       5.23
4 Bethany Brooksbank (Trek Sheffield)        5.25
5 Lilja Raine (Loughborough Students Cycling Club)           6.05
6 Lesley Fellows (Solihull CC)          8.43
7 Deborah Jefferies (Manilla Cycling)