Tim Strickland earned a stunning win on his hill climb debut at the CC Basingstoke Watership Down climb on Saturday morning, with Charlotte Dalton topping the female grouping.

Riding for London Dynamo, Strickland produced an impressive time of 1:51-74 to snatch victory and a new course record from previous holder Ewan Tuohy (Arctic Aircon Race Team) who had set it at 1:54-2.

Although Tuohy had lowered his previous best mark to 1:53-45 it was not enough to hold off Strickland, while a time of 1:55-29 helped David Fellows (Solihull CC) to the final spot on the podium.

In the female category, Elevate Race Team enjoyed a successful day with two of the top three in Dalton and Ellen Reynolds posting 2:37-25 and 2:45-70 respectively, sandwiching runner-up Anna Boniface (Reading Cycling Club) who was just 0:00-11 off top placing in 2:37-36.

Madeleine Heywood’s existing course record of 2:31-9 remains untouched in the women’s category.

“This was my first hill climb race of the season and an incredible way to kick things off!” said Dalton. “It was fantastic to see such a strong women’s field and many younger riders competing too.

“My legs were a bit weary after a week in the Lake District, but the steepness of the climb really suited me and I was spurred on by the enthusiastic crowds (including a dinosaur and a rabbit!)

“I might have gone out a bit too hard initially, but I managed to recover on the flatter mid-section of the climb, allowing me to power through the final ramp.

“A big thank you to the organisers at Basingstoke CC and the timekeepers for hosting a superb event. I’ll definitely be back next year!”

There was plenty of excitement to be found on the hills of Watership Down, with a series of tight contests befitting of the home of Richard Adams’ famous 1972 novel.

This event, held on the HHC009 course, is now in its sixth year of competition and sees riders complete a steep one-mile climb up Watership Down.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Tim Strickland (London Dynamo) 1:51.74

2. Ewan Tuohy (Arctic Aircon Race Team)    1:53.45

3. David Fellows (Solihull CC)          1:55.29

4. Josh Coyne (Pump and Pedal Racing)        1:59.33

5. Andy Richardson (Muckle Cycle Club)     2:00.47

6. Jonathan Allen (Cowley Road Condors CC)          2:00.67

7. Daniel Hills (Sunday Echapee)       2:01.09

8. Robin Taylor (Bristol South CC)    2:04.50

9. Christopher Jackson (Backpedal)   2:05.62

10. Danny Lake (360VRT)     2:08.14

Women:

1. Charlotte Dalton (Elevate Race Team)       2:37.25

2. Anna Boniface (Reading CC)         2:37.36

3. Ellen Reynolds (Elevate Race Team)         2:45.70

4. Sophie Wood (Elevate Race Team)            3:42.57