Kieran Wynne-Cattanach stepped up preparations for the National Championships with victory at Rossendale Road Club’s Crown Point hill climb on Saturday morning, while Rachel Galler was quickest woman.

Riding for Team Lifting Gear Products, Wynne-Cattanach posted a 2:38-1 with the strong headwind denying him a chance at the course record, while Team PB Performance rider Jude Taylor claimed second in 2:42-9, narrowly edging Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club) into third in 2:43-2

“The Crown Point course that Rossendale RC hold their event on is one that I've got close to Malcolm Elliot's course record on before, but I knew that wouldn't be attainable today with the massive headwind that was forecast,” said Wynne-Cattanach after his win.

“It makes such a difference on a straight road like Crown Point!

“My ride itself felt pretty tough, but I managed to hold my effort for the duration and not tip into the red, which is a nice sign at these intensities.

“Fellow competitors, locals and volunteers from the organising club, Rossendale RC, meant there were plenty of friendly faces and it made for a really nice morning.

“It was also great to see such a strong field of women on the start line and all putting in some mega rides!”

In the women’s event Galler (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team) clocked 3:33-4 to take the top prize, with Macclesfield Wheelers rider Monica Greenwood taking second in 3:38.3 and a time of 4:17-1 helping Ruby Blanc cap a strong day for 360cycling – seven seconds ahead of clubmate Melissa Moscrop in 4:24-2.

“It's the first time I've done Crown Point, and today it was 'blowing a hoolie' which made it quite a hard ride,” said Galler.

“However, I knew it was the same style of climb and gradient as the Nationals so I thought it was worth journey down for this one to check it out, and of course I am happy to take the win today.”

The team prize went to 360cycling trio Alexander Sutton, Charlie Brennan, and Benjamin Horrobin, who finished fourth, seventh and 10th respectively in the open category while Joe Watkins-Wilson’s sixth overall placing in 3:04-8 earned him the junior prize.

Riders enjoyed a largely sunny day but had strong southerly winds to contend with throughout.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Kieran Wynne-Cattanach (Team Lifting Gear Products)    2:38.1

2. Jude Taylor (Team PB Performance)          2:42.9

3. Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club)           2:43.2

4. Alexander Sutton (360cycling)       3:00.5

4. John Bowman (Muckle Cycle Club)          3:00.5

6. Joe Watkins-Wilson (North Cheshire Clarion)       3:04.8

7. Charlie Brennan (360cycling)         3:15.4

8. Jason Caine (Barrow Central Wheelers)     3:23.3

9. James Scrivener (Macclesfield Wheelers)  3:24.7

10. Benjamin Horrobin (360cycling)  3:30.5

Women:

1. Rachel Galler (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team)          3:33.4

2. Monica Greenwood (Macclesfield Wheelers)        3:38.3

3. Ruby Blanc (360cycling)    4:17.1

4. Melissa Moscrop (360cycling)       4:24.2

5. Helen Thomas (Rossendale Road Club)     6:26.4