Ramsbottom Rake Hill Climb back in town as cyclists crowned

First originating almost 100 years ago, the Ramsbottom Rake Hill Climb took place on Sunday, October 13 and this years event saw 63 riders take part. 

Gemma Mitchell, 44, from Chorley, finished first place in the women’s race with a time of three minutes and 43 seconds.

She has been riding for eight years and had competed “two or three” times previously in the popular race, but this was the first time she won.

The annual event was attended by people from across the region (Image: Phil Taylor) Gemma said: “This is a good local one. I’m so happy with the outcome.

"I came second last year but this time, I came for the win and I got it. I’m overjoyed.”

The winner of the men's race was Kieran Wynne-Cattanach, 27, from the Peak District, and this was his seventh time competing.

He said: “This is one of my favourite races of the year. I commit a lot to it. I do get nervous beforehand but always do the best I can.

“I love the climb, the atmosphere, the comradery and the history - it suits me.”

The elite mountain biker achieved his fastest record with a two-minute and 18-second win.

Gemma Mitchell won first place (Image: Phil Taylor) Kieran Wynne-Cattanach came first in the men's race for the second time (Image: Phil Taylor) Keiran won the same race two years ago, coming out on top with a time of two minutes and 26 seconds.

He added: “I want to say a big thank you to the marshals and organisers. I know it takes a lot of hard work to put together.”

The event is organised by the Lancashire Road Club and cyclists from around the region flock to Ramsbottom to take on the challenge.

Organiser Ben Huddart from Lancashire Road Club said: “It went really well. We had a lot of support from the club and marshals. It’s such a unique race and the that fact we can close roads is amazing as we couldn’t run the event without that.

“It’s steep route but it’s a brilliant one to do for the atmosphere, There’s not many in the country like it and it’s probably the closest people can get to riding a professional race.

“I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.”

This was his first year in the role since former organiser Duncan Smith stepped down.

Ben added: “I’ve ridden in the race for the past 10 years so when he stepped down, I volunteered to help.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at the club, to Bury Council for helping with the closures, and to the local residents and businesses for being so supportive.”

The route length sits at just under 1km and takes place between Ramsbottom and Holcombe village.

It has an average 10 percent gradient, with some parts of the Rake reaching an approximate 25 percent incline and is considered one of the toughest climbs in Britain.

It begins outside the library on Carr Street before competitors make their way up to Tanners Street, moving on to Rawson's Rake before finishing in Holcombe.

It has previously made up part of the route for the Tour of Britain and the Women's Tour of Britain.