Nick Munro (Outlands) and Rachel Galler (Fulfil the Potential Race Team) honed their form ahead of the National Hill Climb Championship by winning the Houghton Cycling Club climb event on Quarrington Hill.

Munro, aged 38, was the only rider to break the two-minute mark on the 890-metre climb stopping the clock in a winning time of 1-57.

Starting outside Bowburn the climb Quarrington Hill has an average gradient of 6.9% as it climbs past the Cassop National Nature Reserve.

Spindata had predicted a victory for Munro in 2-00 but he went three seconds closer on this occasion to win.

Hugo Storey (Muckle Cycle Club) was predicted to push Munro close for victory, but a snapped chain ruined his chances.

Veteran rider Colin Atkinson (Muckle Cycle Club) instead led the battle behind finishing second in 2-06, while Rafe Williams (Team Judge Tyrekey) placed third (2-07).

It was Munro’s fourth hill climb victory of the season and he is now targeting the National Hill Climb Championships in two weeks.

“I’m really happy to take the win, although it was a shame that Hugo Storey was unable to finish due to a snapped chain,” said Munro.

“Hugo is flying at the moment and I always like to see where I stack up against the best in the region.

“I felt really strong, the best sensations of the season which bodes well for the build-up to the Nationals in two weeks.

“Thanks to Houghton CC and the timekeepers for another top event!"

In the women’s event Galler’s winning time of 2-19 was good enough for 11th place overall and 25 seconds clear of her nearest female competitor.

The 33-year-old had won four open hill climbs coming into the event and her impressive form led her to a fifth success.

Galler was also just a single second slower than her 2-18 course record set last year.

Elspeth Chatto (Blaydon CC) finished second woman in 2-44 and Anna McQueen (Alnwick & District Triathlon Club) was third (3-05).

Tracey Sample (Alnwick & District Triathlon Club) was the quickest veteran woman stopping the clock in 5-09.

"I was beaten by my former self,” said Galler. “I went out to try and break my own course record which I set last year, but missed out by one second! 

“It was nice to be back racing in the North East today and for it to be on Quarrington Hill.

“It's a climb that suits me well and I'm happy to come away with the win. I look forward to Outlands Hammer Square Bank next weekend to freshen up before Nationals."

The youth competition saw Aidan Raftery (North Tyneside Riders CC) finish as quickest boy in 2-37 and Edith Shaw (Tyneside Vagabonds CC) was the quickest girl (3-44).

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

Results
1 Nick Munro (Outlands)        1.57
2 Colin Atkinson (Muckle Cycle Club)          2.06
3 Rafe Williams (Team Judge Tyrekey)         2.07
4 Matthew Smith (Muckle Cycle Club)         2.08
5 David Hill (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk)            2.10
=6 Frank Moore (GS Metro)   2.15
=6 Christopher Peach (Outlands)        2.15
8 Michael Noble (Muckle Cycle Club)          2.15
9 James Corfield (GS Metro)  2.17
10 Joe Stringer (Muckle Cycle Club) 2.19

Veteran: Colin Atkinson (Muckle Cycle Club)          2.06
Youth: Aidan Raftery (North Tyneside Riders CC)    2.37

Women
1 Rachel Galler (FTP (Fulfil The Potential) Race Team)       2.19
2 Elspeth Chatto (Blaydon CC)          2.44
3 Anna McQueen (Alnwick & District Triathlon Club)         3.05
4 Sarah Allen (Outlands)         3.23
5 Sarah Scott (Torvelo Racing)           3.25
6 Edith Shaw (Tyneside Vagabonds CC)        3.44
7 Tracey Sample (Alnwick & District Triathlon Club)          5.09

Youth: Edith Shaw (Tyneside Vagabonds CC)           3.44
Veteran: Tracey Sample (Alnwick & District Triathlon Club)           5.09