ONLY four intrepid riders braved miserable conditions to compete in the annual Alton Cycling Club Hill Climb Championship.

There were far more spectators and officials than competitors congregated on Brightstone Lane to witness the event.

In the end, it was an extremely close-run thing. Charlie Williams (father of reigning champion Ollie Williams) recorded 4mins 11.3secs and just pipped Nigel Hicks’ time of 4-11.6 to take the title.

Louie Malatesta, riding the event for the first time, took third place with a creditable 4-24.5.

Easily the fastest up the hill was junior member Ollie Suatt who continued his fine form this year by recording 3mins 30.00secs. Ollie rides regularly with Alton CC, but his first-claim registration is with VC Meudon, so he could not qualify for for the title of Alton club champion.

Alan Jacob, Dick Weatherbed and Andy Elliott performed time-keeping and pushing-off duties.