SOMERSET Road Club hosted their annual Open Hill Climb at Cockercombe on the Quantocks on Sunday. 

The event attracted 30 riders who tackled the short but sharp ascent towards Triscombe in damp and cool conditions.

The male overall winner was Joe Norledge, of Bristol South CC, in a time of 4:37 and first placed female was Joanne Jago, of Performance Cycles CC, in an impressive 5:32.

There was home success for SRC rider Andy Winterbottom, of Bishops Lydeard, who was second in the Veteran 50-plus category, recording a superb 5:42.

The annual event was organised by SRC rider Gemma Waterjohns, of North Petherton, and ably assisted by numerous SRC members on the day.

Later the same afternoon, SRC riders were at it again at the Minehead Festival of Cycling. 

The flagship event, which coincided with the arrival of the iconic Flying Scotsman steam train, saw riders pitch themselves against a challenging Town Centre criterium course attracting many spectators and providing a superb atmosphere.

Once again, Hannah Newsham, of Taunton, was in fine form for SRC taking third place in the female event in an exciting sprint for the finish.

Adam Laws, of Bridgwater, finished sixth in the male fourth category, resulting in him gaining his third cat licence.

The weekend also saw SRC riders Darren Webb, of Taunton, and Mike Waterjohns, of North Petherton, travel to Abergavenny in Wales for a 10-mile open time trial hosted by Cardiff RCC. 

In very squally conditions, the riders performed well with Webb completing the course in 21:16 to come fifth, and Mike 14th in 22:33.