51 continuous years of the Wigmore CC Open Hill Climb
We were excited to be able to hold the 51st running of our annual Hill Climb with you all this year.
From its inaugural ascent on Cold Blow Lane in 1976, moving to its established and now beloved location on Hollingbourne Hill in 1993, riders support has made this event one of the cornerstones of our club year. To every rider, past and present, who has tackled the challenging slopes, thank you, to all the past organisers and helpers, another big thank you.
Congratulations to James Gardner and Michelle Lewis on their winning rides on the 51st annual Wigmore CC open hill climb.
The riders were greeted with a dry and pretty warm day, with what seemed like a nice tailwind too, all in all perfect conditions. James Gardner, riding for Velo Club Deal, took the victory and also the over 40’s prize. Second was Ryan Oldham (Elevate RT) and rounding out the podium was Bigfoot CC’s Daniel Pink. Michelle Lewis of Peckham Cycle Club took the women’s victory, with Hayley Empett (Ashford Wheelers) second and Debbie Percival (Medway Velo Club) riding her 21st Wigmore Hill Climb appropriately wearing bib number 21 finishing third.
Louis Turner of San Fairy Ann CC came very close to breaking the 4 minute barrier in winning this year’s Junior’s category.
Riley Wastall (4T+ Cyclopark) won the youth’s category in his second year in the age group and an exceptional 47 seconds quicker than his winning time last year.
The over 50s category was won by Glenn Hutchison (6AM Cycling) following on from his first win in the age group last year. Dave Gearing of Woolwich CC won the 60s age group doing one better than last year’s second place.
The team prize this year went to Marden’s K20 Cycling Club with Charlie Pellen (5th), Tom Patrick (7th) and William Davison (8th) all finishing in well under 4 minutes.
Michael Stanley (Medway Velo Club) claimed the Medway Towns Trophy for the fastest Medway cycling club rider.
Wigmore CC once again extend their thanks to the Boyd family for the use of the farm buildings at the top of Hollingbourne Hill. The area makes a great HQ for both parking and presenting the rewards.
Once again photography was courtesy Mike Savage, please check out his great images, why not purchase a photo as a reminder of the enjoyable pain of climbing Hollingbourne Hill at max effort or a perhaps it’s time to update your Strava profile image?
See here for Mike’s gallery:
https://www.mikesavagephotography.co.uk/event-galleries/2026-events/2627-004/
The catering was provided by The Petite Retreat of Bearsted, many thanks, a wonderful addition to the outdoor results area.
Finally, a big thank you to all the volunteers who ensured that the event was safe and issue-free.
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Start timekeeper | Paul Buckley |
| Finish timekeeper | David Abbotts |
| Recorders, runners & results board | Jason Nind Steve Penny Phil Appleby |
| Flyer | Mike Finch |
| Results board preparation | Mike Finch |
| Awarder of prizes | Robert Philbrook |
| Pusher off | Robert Philbrook |
| Signing in/out | Antony Bee |
| Start area | Martin Hunter |
| Marshals (hill & parking) | Robert Philbrook |
| Overall coordinator | Robert Philbrook |
| Start and results sheets | Steve Penny |
And, of course, thank you to all the riders for making the 51st Wigmore CC Hill Climb another success, we look forward to seeing you plus your club mates next year for our 52nd open hill climb!
For all the results, see here:
2026 Hollingbourne Hill Climb – Wigmore Cycling Club