Andy Cunningham claimed victory at the AIMS Cycling hill climb in a remarkably quick race that saw the previous course record bettered by three riders, while fastest female was Lucy Home.

Riding for Ilkley Cycling Club, Cunningham posted 2:39-2 to see off the challenge of Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club) in 2:43-3 and Nick Munro (Outlands) who set 2:39-6 for third place.

Cram was first to break the old course record for the one-kilometre Kildale climb and was swiftly followed by Cunningham, while Munro later also bettered the old course record held jointly by Jacob Vasey and Jonathan Allen of 2:57-0.

After his win, Cunningham said: “I chose this climb as it’s still early days for hills and I’ve not done this one before.

“I’m trying to get into the rhythm of doing them every week – I started with the Muckle CC test event but last week there wasn’t anything on so I did a 25. 

“I’m down to ride the Billy Lane event next week, so I seem to be ticking off all of the North East climbs. 

“It makes sense to target climbs of around three minutes over the next few weeks with an eye on Nationals. 

“Marcus Cram seems to be going well at the moment, so I’m keeping my eye on him.”

In the female grouping, Home took victory for the promoting club in 4:14-7, ahead of Nuala Robinson (Fietsen Tempo) in 4:29-2, while Manilla Cycling rider Deborah Jeffries completed the podium places in 7:24-0.

“The hill was short but steep, a real leg stinger,” said Home after the ride.

“Thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, and supporters on the road. It was great to have so many of my family and friends watching!

“Hopefully I’ll also be riding Tan Hill climb this season - one of my favourite hills climbs!”

This event is held in the stunning North Yorkshire surroundings at the small village of Kildale, a 12 minute drive east of Stokesley and only a 19 minute drive from the A19, making it accessible to most riders.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Andy Cunningham (Ilkley Cycling Club)  2:39.2

2. Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club)           2:43.3

3. Nick Munro (Outlands)       2:49.6

4. Ezra Bateman (Clifton Cycling Club York)            3:07.2

5. Richard Lilleker (Cleveland Wheelers Cycling Club)       3:11.5

6. Louie Wilson (Reifen Racing)        3:17.3

7.Joe House (VENTURE RACING) 3:27.9

8. Mike Jeffries (AIMS Cycling)                    3:31.10

9. Daniel Robinson (North Tyneside Riders Cycling Club)   3:37.9

10. Rohan Rayner-Smith (Cleveland Wheelers Cycling Club)          3:49.1

Women:

1. Lucy Home (AIMS Cycling)          4:14.7

2. Nuala Robinson (Fietsen Tempo)   4:29.2

3. Deborah Jeffries (Manilla Cycling)            7:24.0