Ross Howcroft-Jones (Rapha Cycling Club) took victory in his first hill climb event of the season, while Lindsay Bamford (Farnham RC) was the only woman competitor.

Howcroft-Jones, aged 34, made the long trip from Conwy for the one-mile climb near Holybourne in East Hampshire

The climb starts relatively gently before steepening sharply and then flattening out considerably into a drag up to the finish.

The previous day’s rain made way to good conditions for Sunday’s event with a warm temperature and a light wind.

This year Farnham Road Club have brought the event date forward to August, ahead of the main hill-climbing season, to give riders the chance to see how their training is progressing.

Howcroft-Jones also won the Buxton CC/Sett Valley Cycles event on Bunsall Cob last season and was 10 seconds clear of his nearest opponent this time out.

Jonathan Allen (Cowley Road Condors CC) led the battle behind finishing second in (3-50), while quickest veteran Thomas Willian (Elevate RT) was a further five seconds back (3-55).

“It was a bit of a turn up and ride really as I was travelling from four hours away,” said Howcroft-Jones.

“I watched a YouTube video of the climb before a recce on the morning, and then I was ready to go. I was pleased to get the win, it’s a good result.

“The sensations feel different this season as previously I’ve peaked too soon, I’ve got a couple of months to improve this season.

“In the last couple of years I’ve peaked in two or three weeks time. This is a really good start to this season and a confidence booster as I didn’t know what to expect with not coming from the area.”

Howcroft-Jones will be looking to add another win to his total next weekend at the Dursley Road Club event before having a few weeks off before the Halifax Imperial Wheelers CC event on September 21.

In the women’s event Bamford was the only competitor and completed the course in a time of 7-11.

Bamford also finished runner-up in the women’s road bike competition at the Farnham RC 10-mile event in July.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Ross Howcroft-Jones (Rapha Cycling Club)          3.40
2. Jonathan Allen (Cowley Road Condors CC)          3.50
3. Thomas Willian (Elevate RT)         3.55
4. James Nichols (Oxford University CC)     4.02
5. Charlie Godfrey (Oxford University CC)  4.03
6. Mike Godfrey (Farnham RC)         4.24
7. Ryan Edwards (Horsham Cycling) 4.25
8. Harry Jenner (Waldy Wheelers)     4.27
9. Dean Johnston (Farnham RC)        4.35
10. Chris Potts (Farnham RC) 4.44

Woman: Lindsay Bamford (Farnham RC)     7.11