ET among those taking part as Newbury Velo Cycling Club makes British cycling history by hosting the UK's first combined Cycling Time Trials and British Cycling hill climb event, complete with an inclusive Limitless category
Newbury Velo Cycling Club made British cycling history by hosting the UK's first combined Cycling Time Trials and British Cycling hill climb event, complete with an inclusive Limitless category.
The Walbury Hill Climb attracted 92 riders across four sub-event hill climbs races: a traditional CTT Open event, British Cycling Short, Medium, and Full courses, and welcomed riders using electrically assisted bikes, tandems, tricycles, and handcycles.
The youngest rider was just four years old, and the oldest was 65.
It also saw Darren Batten of Newbury Velo take on the hill climb aboard a restored Kuwahara ET — a replica of the bike from the 1982 film ET.
James Avison, event organiser from Newbury Velo, said: "[The day] wasn't just about racing up a hill - it was about creating an inclusive day where everyone could challenge themselves, regardless of their equipment or experience level.
“We're thrilled with the response and the incredible community atmosphere, the smiles and laughs were amazing to witness."
The club said that the “innovative format addressed a gap in competitive cycling”, by providing options for riders who would traditionally be excluded from racing.
Organisers also added that the “decision to combine governing bodies and create multiple distance options proved popular, with CTT competitors staying to watch and support British Cycling event riders, fostering exactly the community spirit the organisers envisioned”.
Newbury Velo’s vice chair and event co-organiser, Andy Jones, added: “It’s not often that you wake up to several emails from competitors wanting to say thanks and commend the events organisation, that tells us we did it right.”
The club said that following the success of the inaugural combined format, it has plans to build on this foundation for 2026, “having demonstrated that inclusive, multi-format events can serve the diverse needs of the cycling community while maintaining competitive integrity”.
Pictures by Phil Cannings.
