National champion Andrew Feather was crowned winner of the Cheshire Maverick hill climb by just three-tenths of a second on Saturday, while Olivia French finished fastest in the women’s category.

In a precursor to next month’s National Championships, Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) clocked 5-41.3 to beat rival Andy Cunnigham (Ilkley CC) to the title, with the former having to settle for second with 5-41.6,

Laurence Fryer-Taylor of Macclesfield Wheelers was just behind the top two to seal third in 5-50.

Feather is set to defend his title against Cunningham at October’s National Championships, and whilst the Ilkley CC rider recorded a victory over him at the Border City Wheelers hill climb last week, it was Feather who sealed the win on the slopes of the Peak District.

“I enjoy doing new climbs, although it was probably a bit shallow for me at only 5%,” said Feather. “I was happy with my ride and to scrape the win from an in-form Andy Cunningham, who is looking really strong this year.

“I’m looking forward to the National Championships next month - it looks like a good course. I've done a couple of recons and there's some great riding up in Northumberland.”

In the women’s category French (Stolen Goat Race Team) posted 6-57 to stave off competition from Bethany Brooksbank (Trek Sheffield), who came in second with 7-33, while Alison Dockney’s (Macclesfield Wheelers) time of 7-49 saw her into third place.

It is a first win for French in only her second CTT event this season, having earned second spot behind Joanna Brewis (Sheffrec CC) at the Border City Wheelers hill climb six days ago.

“I was really happy to have a good day on my local hill,” said women’s winner French. “It was the first climb I got taken up by my dad when I started riding in 2020 and I remember barely making it up without putting a foot down in just under 15 mins.

“Four years later and I’ve knocked about eight minutes off that with family cheering me on at the top! It was a lovely day out so a huge thanks to Cheshire Maverick CC for putting it on and all the volunteers for their hard work.”

Joe Watkins-Wilson of North Cheshire Clarion was winner of the junior category in 6-09, a time good enough for fifth, while James Hayward of Woolwich CC was the first veteran rider to finish in 6-14, earning himself sixth place overall.

Benjamin Rawsthorne of Waldy Wheelers was the fastest espoir rider on the course with 6-50, a time which saw him seal 16th place in the overall standings.

This hill climb event, run on the J9/8 course, begins along Bakestonedale Road just outside of Pott Shrigley village before heading east. Proceeding towards Charles Head, it finishes 800 yards short of the junction leading to the B5089.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) 5.41

2. Andy Cunningham (Ilkley CC) 5.41

3. Laurence Fryer-Taylor (Macclesfield Wheelers) 5.50

4. Iain Duffield (Venture Racing)        5.57

5. Joe Watkins-Wilson (North Cheshire Clarion) 6.09          

6. James Hayward (Woolwich CC) 6.14

Women:

1. Olivia French (Stolen Goat Race Team) 6.57       

2. Bethany Brooksbank (Trek Sheffield) 7.33           

3. Alison Dockney (Macclesfield Wheelers) 7.49

4. Rebecca Bowler (Station South CC) 9.02 

5. Lia Stynes (Macclesfield Wheelers) 10.15

6. Rachel Lawley (Eat Plants Not Pigs CC) 11.03