CYCLISTS of all ages, from eight to 80, put their pedal power to the test as the fourth annual Edward Elgar Bicycle Challenge came to the town centre on Sunday (May 31).

The event challenges people to cycle from the bottom to the top of Church Street, in Great Malvern, in the quickest time possible.

Almost 50 riders took part this year, the biggest field the event has attracted to date. Most participants had two or three attempts, while one determined rider attempted the 151 metre course an incredible 12 times.

The eventual winner was 28-year-old Jon Harmer, of Cowleigh Road, whose time of 18.19 seconds was narrowly outside the course record of 17 seconds.

The fastest female rider was Castlemorton’s successful international mountain biker Belinda Tarling, who clocked a time of 20.62 seconds.

The oldest rider to take part was Wilfred Harper, of Shuttlefast Lane, who made it up the hill in 57.63 seconds and the youngest participant was Lewis Brooks, of Fruitlands, who is just eight years old.

The challenge is organised by Malvern Fringe and Velo Club Sevale, Malvern’s Cycling Club.

Spokesman Steve Price said it had probably been the most successful incarnation of the challenge to date.

“It was brilliant,” he said. “The sun shone down on us and we had more people take part than ever before.

“We had a fair few people come out and watch, especially around lunch time. People who were passing by stopped and cheered and of course there were people out supporting their friends and family.”