Marcus Cram finished preparations for next weekend’s National Hill Climb Championships in fine style with victory and a course record at the Outlands CC Hammer Square Bank climb on Sunday morning, with Rachel Galler winning the female category.

Riding for Muckle Cycle Club, Cram picked up a timely third win of the 2024 season having previously won at Allen Valley Velo on MH24 on September 22 and before that at North Tyneside Riders Winters Gibbet climb on course MH9 on September 8.

This time out, Cram posted 1:44-60, beating the existing 1:52-0 course record set by Karl Denton, with Outlands rider Nick Munro second in 1:51-90 and Cram’s clubmate Hugo Storey taking third place in 1:56-30.

“Today was a really tough climb to nail, steep pitches with a lot of fallen leaves coupled in with the heavy rain put a real focus getting the power down in the right places and choosing the correct gearing,” said Cram.

“I'm really happy to take the win with a course record, I'm mid taper for the Nationals now so it's great to confirm the form with a win. Massive thank you to Outlands CC and all the helpers today, the weather was terrible but they still put on a great event.”

A time of 2:23-80 helped Galler (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team) to top spot in the women’s event, beating Ingrid Shepherd’s 2:32-09 course record, while Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon Cycling Club) took second place in 2:39-90 and a time of 3:00-30 saw her clubmate Louise Burnie into third.

And fastest female Galler said: “It was my first time up this climb and although the weather was against us today with a storm, I enjoyed it and happy to take the win and course record.

“It was difficult to get the power out due to wheel slip but managed to get some good form and rhythm on what is a short but steep hill.

“It was great to see the commitment today with a big field of riders out in those conditions and as per to the organisers and timekeepers a huge thanks.”

Riders will now turn their attention to the RTTC National Hill Climb Championships next weekend, promoted by Muckle Cycle Club and held on Dipton Mill Road.

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

Results:

Open:

1. Marcus Cram (Muckle Cycle Club)           1:44.6

2. Nick Munro (Outland Cycling Club)          1:51.9

3. Hugo Storey (Muckle Cycle Club) 1:56.4

4. Ezra Bateman (Clifton Cycling Club)                    1:58.0

5. John Bowman (Muckle Cycle Club)          1:59.2

6. Adrian Armstrong (Muckle Cycle Club)    1:59.5

7. Daniel Keegan (Cestria Cycling Club)       1:59.6

8. Oliver Pemberton (Musselburgh Road Cycling Club)       2:02.8

9. Rafe Williams (Team Judge Tyrekey)        2:06.1

10. David Hill (Giant-Kendal-Sidas.uk)         2:06.7

Women:

1. Rachel Galler (FTP Fulfil the Potential Race Team)          2:23.8

2. Sarah Wilkinson (Blaydon Cycling Club)  2:39.9

3. Louise Burnie (Blaydon Cycling Club)      3:00.3

4. Joanne Rea (Team Boompods)       3:03.2

5. Eleanor Dixon (Outlands Cycling Club)    3:21.3

6. Sarah Allen (Outland Cycling Club)          3:33.1

7. Agnes Wolkowska (Outlands)         3:46.8

8. Heather Witham (Blaydon Cycling Club)  3:50.5

9. Deborah Reed (Alnwick and District Wheelers)    4:53.4

10. Victoria Lowrie (Alnwick and District Wh)         5:03.00