ANOTHER top quality field of cyclists will be taking to the roads above Ramsbottom on Sunday (13th) when the Lancashire Road Club holds its annual Hill Climb over the punishing Rake course.

The event, second only to the National Hill Climb in terms of prestige, has become one of the most popular events on the local sporting calendar.

This year's race promises to be fiercely contested and is wide open. Four-time winner and course record holder Jeff Wright is on international duty in Australia and last year's winner Stuart Dangerfield unable to defend his title.

However, there will be plenty of quality performers on show with Sean Tyson, who finished third in 1994, the in-form Stuart Green and Mike Turnbull the favourites.

There is plenty of incentive for anyone who can power up the 970-yard course in first place with a first prize of £200.

Bury jewellers Lepps are providing a Rolex watch for anyone who breaks the current record of two minutes 14 seconds.

The event is sponsored by Quicks For Ford, Lepps Jewellers and Bury Council. Prizes go down to 15th as well as for juniors, juveniles, veterans and fastest woman.

The first competitor will depart the Carr Street start at 12.30pm with Tyson last off at 1.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.