Luke Walton claimed a first hill climb win of the season at the Blazing Saddles Knight’s Hill climb on Sunday afternoon, with Wendy Mathie triumphing in the women’s event.

Walton, riding for Elevate Race Team, set the quickest time of the day in 3:40-61 for top spot ahead of Brighton Mitre Cycling Club’s George Bentley in 3:43-36, with a time of 3:43-89 helping Olly Thomas of Sussex Revolution Velo Club to seal third spot in the open category.

Walton’s previous three events this campaign had seen him finish 22nd at the CC Basingstoke Watership Down climb, then 24th at Reading CC’s Streatley Hill event before the Cheltenham and County CC event saw him finish ninth at the event on September 21.

However, he also claimed a time trial win this season at the a3crg Goodwood Closed Circuit time trial last month, as well as being fastest road bike in Eastern Counties CA 25-mile time trial and a3crg 50.

“Blazing Saddles always put on a good event,” said Walton. “Today there was a strong headwind which really extended out for the duration of the climb. I'm pleased with my effort and shows I'm improving as we go towards the National Championships.”

In the women’s event Penge Cycle Club’s Mathie took victory in 4:39-68, ahead of Tina Lohr (Horsham Cycling) in 4:47-81, with Denise Stuart of GS Mossa rounding out the top three in 5:30-86

This event was run on the PHC91 course, which starts just south of Charlton on Knight’s Hill and sees riders complete a one-mile uphill sprint to the top of Goodwood.

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

* Photos by Chris Wallis/Wallis Photos.

Results:

Open:

1. Luke Walton (Elevate Race Team) 3:40.61

2. George Bentley (Brighton Mitre Cycling Club) 3:43.36

3. Olly Thomas (Sussex Revolution Velo Club)         3:43.89

4. Patrick Jones (Gloucester City Cycling Club)        3:52.26

5. Sam Fox (Racing Club Ravenna)   3:53.74

6. Steve Coombs (Sussex Revolution Velo Club)      4:01.71

7. Ben Ib (Sussex Revolution Velo Club)       4:05.04

8. Alexander Stuart (GS Mossa)         4:09.35

9. Ryan Edwards (Horsham Cycling) 4:12.46

10. Sebastian Ottley (Racing Club Ravenna) 4:17.45

Women:

1. Wendy Mathie (Penge Cycle Club)            4:39.68

2. Tina Lohr (Horsham Cycling)        4:47.81

3. Denise Stuart (GS Mossa)   5:30.86

4. Sally Symes (Sussex Nomads Cycle Clubs)           5:56.08

5. Julie Hill (Horsham Cycling)          6:35.43