MORE than 400 cyclists got on their bikes to take part in the two-day Bradford on Avon Cycling Festival last weekend.

Ninety-nine adults tackled the infamous hill climb up Market Street and Masons Lane, with the winner Andrew Feather completing the course in 53.44 seconds to smash the old record of 58 seconds.

Organiser Charlotte Forrester said: “It was a fantastic achievement by Andrew. In fact, the top six riders this year all beat the 2015 record.

“The two fastest women were Anna Karenina and Aimee Parsons in the joint first place time of 1.15.53.

“It was great to see so many spectators turn out with thunderclaps and cowbells to cheer the riders on.

“One rider, Kevin Pfister, did the climb on a Brompton with tiny wheels in a time of one minute and 25 seconds.”

In addition, 25 youngsters took part in the mini-Hill Climb from The Swan Hotel to the corner of Masons Lane and Newtown.

The winning boy was Alexander Barrington-Crow in 18.34 seconds and the fastest girl Maia Howard in 22.16 seconds.

The youngest hill climber of the day was Hunter Forrester, aged five, and the oldest was Mark Lomax, aged 72.

The festival continued on Sunday with up to 240 riders taking part in two sportives of 25 miles and 50 miles.

A further 76 people took part in a 8km family fun trail ride, 49 of whom were under 16.

For the under fives, the Westview Day Nursery organised the Great BOA Toddle.

Charlotte added: “The event raised over £500 for the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH in Bath for the new neo-natal intensive care unit.”

Other youngsters enjoyed an array of activities, including a Shoretrax course supplied by DC Cycles and cycle football.

Local firms AB Dynamics, Moulton Bicycles, TT Cycles, Jones Hill Financial Planning and Varn Digital Marketing sponsored the festival.