Brian Ahern proved his form is truly in the ascendancy with a emphatic win in last night's hill climb, beating second place by nearly 30 seconds to retain his title. Rachel Glendon made a rare appearance to defend her crown, managing to hold off her only challenger by just under 20 seconds.

The evening was a gusty one, though thankfully the showers held off for the duration of the event. 37 riders signed on for the event, which was a very decent turnout on such a miserable evening. The course was the same climb as the 2011 National Champs, up Kilmashogue Lane, but starting further back - at the roundabout by the M50 underpass.

Brian Ahern was first off, followed by Rachel Glendon. Both were Orwell Hill Climb Champs for 2012, and indeed both went on to win the provincial climb too. Glendon then collected the full set, winning the national title atop Turlough Hill near Glendalough, though Ahern was ill at the time and didn't compete.

Ahern set the standard high, crossing the line in a blistering time of 9'02". Observers described him as "looking comfortable" on the hill. Glendon likewise set a high bar for the women, with 11'34". She was disappointed with her ride, feeling that she hadn't given everything, but did enough to keep her club champ crown.

The danger men for Ahern were Eric Downey and Brian McArdle, who took silver and bronze last year on Bohernabreena. Downey set the course record for Kilmashogue Lane last year, with a fast time of 9'05", but the strong winds prevented him from matching that last night, coming home in 9'41". He admitted he hadn't been doing much training, and his season is virtually finished now. He can take comfort from his bronze medal, to add to his gold from the 10TT, and the fact that next week he will be named as the overall winner of the inaugural Orwell League.

McArdle managed 9'28" to take silver, nearly 30" behind Ahern. The pyschological advantage of his polka dot jersey might've worked on Downey, but it didn't faze Ahern. The sprint specialist has now won the hill climb three times in a row, and previously in 2008, with Odhrán Connors the winner in 2010, and track star Stephen McNally in 2009. Clearly there is something about the self-flagellating suffering of the climb that appeals to the Rás legend.

Ahern, pushing hard for the win (courtesy of Diarmuid Collins)

Likewise Glendon seems to love the masochism of the climb champs, with her collection of titles. Though in 2012 she made a clean sweep of the women's champs, this year she has been far more selective to put more focus on her successful triathlon season. Last night she only had to fend off a single challenger, rising star Isabel Cogan. It was a tough call, but Glendon managed to open up 20" on Cogan to seal the win.

Glendon holding off Santini (courtesy of Diarmuid Collins)

Cogan still walks away with the silver medal and a time of which to be proud - a reinforcement of her flying form ahead of next month's Rás na mBan, where she'll be riding on the Leinster team.

Taking fourth overall was Neal Hudson, a shade under ten minutes at 9'58". That's a storming time from the Scratch rider, who's been consistently strong all season. He'll be racing the Wexford 2 Day this weekend, and we hope he replicates his performance in the hill climb TT there. In a stunning fifth overall, top Semi-limit man Seamus Nolan beat all the Semi-scratch riders, and most of the Scratch group, on a classic Italian steel frame. Though a late joiner to the league, Nolan showed his talent with a dominant win in Brittas in round 9, and we hope next season we'll get to see even more of this promising rider.

Aidan Collins and Patrick O'Brien took the last of the placings in Scratch, claiming they were saving themselves for the weekend. We'll be expecting big things lads!

Patrick Santini came out of near-retirement to clinch the top spot in Semi-scratch, with Nick Watson only a handful of seconds behind. Indeed the top four of Semi-scrach were within 16" of each other, including Donal Brady and Ed O'Mahoney. Jamie Busher and Oisín Boland completed the points for that category, with two excellent times around the 11'30" mark.

In Semi-limit, behind winner Nolan, Colum Bradley put it a top time to best Junior Fionn Sheridan. Sheridan's mere appearance must be applauded on the day after Leaving Cert results night, and likewise his sister Naoise Sheridan, who put in a brave effort, despite spending a very successful but demanding night on the track on Wednesday. Brian Doyle was hot on the heels of the elder Sheridan, with Dave Mc making a cameo to take fourth place, putting a disappointed Ken McCullagh in his place on the climb. Donnacha McCormack snaffled the last of the Semi-limit points with a very decent 11'38".

Ken Mc sums up how we all felt on that final ramp (courtesy of Diarmuid Collins)

Finally, Fergal Daly took his second set of 17 points as the lone participant in Limit, following the 25TT. He is currently second Limit rider overall, behind Keith Harte, but could overtake Harte if he gets a result next week. Best of luck Fergal, give it socks for the last round!

By our calculations, Eric Downey now has an unassailable lead in the overall. Pat O'Brien should take silver, and Gavin Dodd is likely to hold on to bronze, unless Tom Blennerhassett can cause an upset. Julian Moore is the top rider outside of Scratch, in 5th spot. Then comes Liam Rowsome and Peter Gerrard, followed by Brians McArdle and Doyle. Doyle is another Semi-limit, just ahead of top Semi-scratch, Jamie Busher, who completes the top ten.

Next week's course is a new one, so it's a tough call as to how it'll play out. Riders will need to be well warmed-up for the climb out of the Devil's Elbow, and everything is likely to break up further coming out of Glencree. The steady drag of the Military Road might weed out a few weaker riders, but it could all come back together in the latter half of the course.

Full details are on the forum, but the race will be followed by a barbecue and prize-giving in the Blue Light. We're looking for a few more volunteer marshalls, as this round was originally scheduled to be a crit. Please offer your services in the forum if you can!

Orwell Hill Climb TT Medallists 2013

Men:
Gold: Brian Ahern @ 9:02
Silver: Brian McArdle @ 9:28
Bronze: Eric Downey @ 9:41

Women:
Gold: Rachel Glendon @ 11:34
Silver: Isabel Cogan @ 11:53

Orwell League R19: Hill Climb TT Champs (Kilmashogue Lane)

Limit:
1 Fergal Daly 12.40

Semi-limit:
1 Seamus Nolan 10.07
2 Colum Bradley 10.36
3 Fionn Sheridan 11.08
4 Brian Doyle 11.14
5 Dave McLoughlin 11.19
6 Donnacha McCormack 11.38

Semi-cratch:
1 Patick Santini 10.26
2 Nick Watson 10.32
3 Donal Brady 10.39
4 Ed O'Mahoney 10.42
5 Jamie Busher 11.23
6 Oisín Boland 11.30

Scratch:
1 Brian Ahern 9.02
2 Brian McArdle 9.28
3 Eric Downey 9.41
4 Neal Hudson 9.58
5 Aidan Collins 10.10
6 Patrick O'Brien 10.12

First Woman
Isabel Cogan