George Romney Ltd were proud to sponsor the 2023 National Hillclimb Championship on Sunday 29th October, which saw over 400 riders fight their way up the infamous Struggle. Located just outside Ambleside, the Struggles takes competitors on a 2.67 mile ride, featuring an average gradient of 8.2% and a maximum gradient of 24%!
An electric atmosphere greeted riders at the finish line, with hundreds of spectators cheering competitors on with cowbells and vuvuzelas. Serious pain faces were on show as riders made the final climb to the finish line, pushed on by the energetic crowd, a dinosaur and the Struggles very own Pharmacy worker! Cold Dark North were once again on top form, helping to create a real party atmosphere.
Andrew Feather finished 1st in the senior male category with a time of 00:11:48 which saw him retain the National Champion title and set a new course record.
Illi Gardner finished1st place in the senior female category with an impressive time of 00:15:03
A full breakdown of the race results can be found here
Started in 2019 by Jack Talbot, the charity event is in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance, who saved Jack's life in 2017. Each rider received a complimentary bar of Romney's Kendal Mint Cake at the event sign in booth. Romney's also donated over £250 in prizes to the various categories 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
The event has so far raised a staggering £14,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance! We would like to say thank you to our fellow title sponsors Wheelbase, who did a brilliant job of designing the finish line banners. A big thank you to all of the volunteers who made the day run smoothly, the spectators who created a brilliant atmosphere. Finally, and the biggest thank you of all, to Jack Talbot who has put so much into this event over the years. Jack should be extremely proud of what he has created and everyone at Romney's feel privileged to play a small role.
