I went to the National Hill Climb Championships last Sunday and what a terrific event it was. It was played out on Rawsons Rake at Ramsbottom (bit of alliteration there) and was won by Jack Pullar and Lynn Hamel. The crowds were amazing despite the atrocious weather, showing what a gritty bunch us Northerners really are. It is the atrocious weather that i love when it comes to taking sports pictures. The subject always looks to be suffering more (if that is possible on a 1 in 4 hill climb!) and the colours and skin tones seem more enhanced when soaked through.

The commentary was done by the acerbic Peter Graham from the organising Lancashire Road Club and he really doesnt care who he offends, especially in his words, the idiots who take their dogs to the race. He also saved a bit of criticism for the fans who had cycled there. “What fool takes a bike to a bike race?”

Next stop Cross, cross and more cross.