PORLOCK Toll Road provided a spectacular stage for the National Hillclimb Championships on Sunday, as riders from across Britain tackled one of the country's most demanding climbs in challenging, windy conditions.

Organised by Minehead Cycling Club (MCC), the prestigious championship brought the nation's leading hillclimbers to West Somerset, with local riders competing alongside national champions and some of the biggest names in British cycling.

A persistent headwind made the 4.1-mile climb particularly gruelling, especially on the exposed upper slopes. Riders had to dig deep to maintain their speed, carefully balancing their effort over a climb that demands both strength and tactical judgement. Far from spoiling the spectacle, however, the conditions added another dimension to the racing.

The highlight of the day came in the men's competition, where Ed Laverack reclaimed the national title in a thrilling contest with four-time champion Andrew Feather. Laverack's winning time of 14 minutes 32.1 seconds was just 1.2 seconds faster than Feather, demonstrating how little separated the two riders after nearly 15 minutes of climbing. Rowan Baker took third place in 15:00.8.

In the women's event, Illi Gardner secured her fourth national hillclimb title, completing the course in 17:33.1. Maria Holdcroft finished second in 18:13.9, with Karolina Zydelyte third.

Both Laverack and Gardner have won on the Toll Road before and that experience showed.

The junior competition also produced outstanding performances. Ezra Bateman recorded the fastest time of the day, climbing in an astonishing 14:31.9. Oliver Swinburn was second in 14:58, with Gus Dutton third in 15:10.9. Mabli Phillips won the junior women's title.

Ezra Bateman is 16 and rides for the World Tour Decathlon CMA Under 19 team, from the Porlock stage to the Grand Tour stage, you’ll see him soon at the highest level.

MCC competitors included Stephen Toogood, who completed the climb in 21:54.5, and Robert Myram, whose time was 22:46.9. Other local riders included Nathan Bale, Lee Musto, Geoff Ware, Tim Rook, James Ware, Janet Hewlett and Ben Turner.

Their participation underlined the strength of cycling in West Somerset, with local enthusiasts taking on the same demanding course as the country's elite competitors.

Bringing a national championship to Porlock was a significant undertaking for MCC and its volunteers. The club's experience of organising local hillclimbs helped deliver an event that welcomed riders and spectators to Exmoor for one of the highlights of the British cycling calendar.

Unlike shorter, brutally steep hillclimbs, Porlock rewards riders who can sustain a powerful effort over a much longer ascent. Sunday's headwind made that challenge even greater, particularly on the exposed upper sections.

For spectators, the result was compelling racing, with the men's title decided by little more than a second and exceptional performances across other categories.

The championship provided a fitting showcase for Minehead Cycling Club and West Somerset, demonstrating that the area can host major sporting events while giving local riders the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Organizer Louise Crossman said: “The riders may have finished exhausted, but the headwind helped make the racing memorable, ensuring Porlock once again proved a worthy venue for Britain's finest hillclimbers. We are grateful to all the volunteers and supporters who were out in the weather all day. We especially would like to thank the Porlock Manor Estate.”