NINE Bury Clarion members entered the prestigious Rake event hosted by Lancashire Road Club on the infamous climb that more than 30-per-cent gradient in places.

The main target was to win the team prize – it has become a focus for the club over the last six years. 

On Sunday, six of the nine rode personal-best times – a testament to the training they have been doing.

Francis Woodcock was the fastest, posting 2mins 48secs (PB) for 11th overall and second fastest junior.

He was only beaten by Josh Whitehead – an outstanding rider who is the current North West Junior Road Race champion. 

Joseph Cadwallader and David Gamble (PB) set the same time of 3:08 to make up the fastest three and go on to win the team prize.

Cadwallader said: “This really is brilliant for the club, this is something we target every year and to win it is very hard fought.

“These things don’t happen by chance, they only happen when they are hard fought and strived for.

“To ride in the same team as Francis Woodcock is a honour as I am sure he will go on to be an exceptional cyclist in the future. “Myself and the rest of the team take inspiration from his dedication and resolve.

“To make it in this game you need a lot more than ability, most of all you need resolve and determination.

“I can 100 per cent say this kid has that. He loves this climb as he lives less than 200 metres from it, and I am sure he will be back next year to try and improve further.”

Declan Brady (3:13), James Duffy (3:46), Marcus Hurst (4:17) and John Stirzaker (3:59) all rode big personal bests. 

The overall winner was once again reigning national hill climb champion Dan Evans (2:23) who commented on Twitter: “THE RAKE! So happy to tick this one off, the only climb that had eluded me and made extra special by winning in the champs stripes.”

The women’s event produced a course record by Fiona Burnie (3:05).

Next week, Clarion will compete at Pendle Hill in the NLTTA Hill Climb Championship. 

Woodcock, whose kit is provided by Lusso Cycling Clothing, based in Radcliffe, will then focus on his last event of a long season in the National Hill Climb final in three weeks’ time.