Ed Laverack (Backpedal) kicked off his open hill climb campaign with an impressive win in the Velo Club Cumbria event on Whinlatter, while Abi Plowman (Alba Development Road Team) was quickest woman.

Laverack, aged 30, was runner-up in last year’s National Hill Climb Championships and won the same event in 2023.

Last season Laverack posted a time of 6-27 on Whinlatter, despite being slightly slower on this occasion he posted a winning time of 6-51.

Whinlatter is one of the steadier climbs in the Lake District with an average gradient of 7% and maximum of 15%.

The Velo Club Cumbria event was run over 1.75 miles – starting outside Braithwaite and finishing outside the entrance to Whinlatter Forest Park Visitor Centre.

David Scott (MULE .C.C.) won the Ludlow Cycling Club HC earlier this month, but had to settle for runner-up on this occasion in 7-26.

A close battle for the podium positions saw Luke Tamblin (Oxford University CC) finish third a further two seconds back (7-28).

The quickest veteran on scratch was Callum Anderson (Musselburgh RCC) who finished ninth overall in 8-05.

“It went well,” said Laverack. “I think the dynamic of the climb has changed due to trees being cut down on the side of the hill, meaning the wind affects it a lot more.

“There was a headwind. There was some pretty heavy showers a couple of hours before the start which brought in a weather front.

“I’m not doing any more now until the nationals. Where I live means you have to travel at least two hours to any hill climbs.

“I’m going to keep things consistent and be at home to train without the travel time involved in racing.

“I’ll probably surprise myself at the nationals, I won’t win, but I’ll pro ably surprise a few people who think I don’t like short climbs.

“I think a top-five could be on the cards.”

Plowman, aged 25, was firm favourite in the women’s event after winning the Lakes Road Club/Barrow Central Wheelers event on The Struggle last weekend.

The Alba Development Road Team rider placed third in last year’s National Hill Climb Championship and is in good form once again.

Plowman’s time of 8-36 was over a minute faster than second placed Katherine Barnes (University of Bristol Cycling Club (UOBCC) in 9-45.

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

Results
1 Ed Laverack (Backpedal)        6.51
2 David Scott (MULE .C.C.)        7.26
3 Luke Tamblin (Oxford University CC) 7.28
4 Adrian Armstrong (Muckle Cycle Club)             7.33
=5 James Pearce (Solihull CC) 7.40
=5 Ludo Hirst (University of Bristol Cycling Club (UOBCC)        7.40
7 Matthew Brown (Team Lifting Gear Products)              7.50
8 Jude Davison (Beacon Wheelers)       7.52
9 Callum Anderson (Musselburgh RCC)             8.05
10 David Hill (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk)  8.10

Women
1 Abi Plowman (Alba Development Road Team)              8.36
2 Katherine Barnes (University of Bristol Cycling Club (UOBCC)            9.45