THE famous hill at Shelsley Walsh saw a different kind of sporting action when pedal power took over.

Sixty competitors of all abilities contested the first cycling hill climb time trial at the Worcestershire venue.

The event was organised as a joint venture between Worcester St John’s Cycling Club and Wyre Forest Cycling Club with riders competing against the clock up the steep, demanding 1,000-yard tarmac track.

Opening the proceedings and first off the line was 12-year-old Charlie Genner, of Bromyard, who set a time of four minutes 47 seconds to win his class.

The quickest climb of the day of 2.43 was set by Warwickshire’s Matt Clinton, who was riding for Mike Vaughan Cycles.

Event organiser Rick Allen said: “This inaugural event has been a tremendous success with several of the United Kingdom’s top time trialists taking part and giving very positive feedback.

“Next year’s date is already in the diary and it will be bigger and better still.”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who presented the awards, said: “I am definitely a ‘fair-weather’ cyclist but do use a bicycle at Westminster and I am amazed at the standard and performance of these riders.

“They are truly inspiring role models and it is good to see cycling in general being on the rise in Worcestershire as people take advantage of our glorious countryside and scenery.”

Adding a touch of celebrity to proceedings was injured ex-serviceman Jaco Van Gass, the winner of two gold medals at last month’s Invictus Games, who completed the course in 3.34.

He said: “This is my first visit to Shelsley Walsh and what a wonderful venue it is.

“The organisation has been great, creating a wonderful atmosphere, and the support given by spectators to riders going up the hill made all the difference.”

St John’s competitor Julian Church received plenty of vocal support from wife Deb and sons Oliver and Charlie as he rode through the Kennel section of the long, strenuous track.