THIS year’s Ramsbottom Rake hill climb turned out to be one for the history books as organisers hailed it the best ever.

Hundreds of people turned up for the annual event, organised by Bolton-based Lancashire Road Club, which sees riders tackle the testing 875m steep course.

It was the biggest turnout since the event started in 1929 with 105 competitors taking to the course.

The riders were cheered on by hundreds of family, friends and local residents who lined the route which started at the library in the town centre and climbed towards Lumb Carr Road near to the Shoulder of Mutton pub.

Organiser Duncan Smith said: “It has gone amazingly well. So many people have come, not just to take part but also to support. The Rake is an iconic climb and it’s tough I think that’s why it attracts so many people and it’s a really good community event.”

Ramsbottom resident Ian McKinley, of Lancashire Road Club, completed the course for the second time.

He joked: “I feel horrific. I said I wouldn’t do it again and here I am. It has become one of the biggest events in the country.

“People from all over the country come to take part – it’s fantastic. The support and atmosphere is amazing it really helps to get you over the finish line.”

This year saw the biggest number of female competitors, with 14 completing the course. The prize money of £100 was equal for men and women for the first time.

Speaking about the decision to change it, Mr Smith said: “The LRC Committee decided last year that the same prize money should be offered to men and women.

“The women are doing the same course as the men, it’s only right they should get the same prize.”

This year’s female winner was Becky Lewis from Wrexham who broke the female record with a time of 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

She said: “It is the first time I have done it but I thought the whole thing was brilliant. It was really well organised and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have won. It’s nice to know that women are now being recognised in the sport on the same level as men.”

In addition to the prize money the winners were given a red rose jersey and an illustration from Ramsbottom artist Adam Rowlinson.

Talented young cyclist Francis Woodcock, aged 13, from The Bury Clarion Cycling Club was the fastest in the juvenile category with a time of 3min and 7sec.

While 17-year-old Ben Hudart from Bolton won the prize for fastest junior.

He said: “I’m over the moon to have won. It was very tough but it’s a great end to the season for me.”

Corrine Side, aged 15, from Hawkshaw, completed the course for the third time, she said: “The atmosphere was really good, it is really hard so to have people cheering you on really helps.”

In the men’s category the course record of 2min and 14sec, which has stood since 1993, was nearly broken by the Joseph Clark who recorded a time of 2mins and 17sec.

Peter Roscoe, secretary for The Bury Clarion Cycling Club, commented: “It really is a fantastic event, in some ways it’s like the Tour de France because people can get so close and see the riders in their agony.

“It’s a really good community event with people coming out to support the riders.”