RIYADH, 4 January — Nigel Howell’s course record was safe for another year as 34 tough cyclists tackled the hardest event of the calendar, the feared Zahid Tractor sponsored 5km climb of Dirab Escarpment.

On paper the only rider strong enough to challenge the record, Blain Reeves, gave it his best and came up just short despite good conditions.

His time however matched that of last year’s champion Stuart Heade, which was a fine achievement in itself.

The Hill Climb is considered a specialist event which generally suits the lighter riders and this year was no exception with a crop of new names appearing at the top.

Consistent Gerard Robards rode well again, just beating training partner and mountain bike specialist Colin Small.

Small later revealed that he and Robards take advantage of living close to the Kasm Al’Aan escarpment and often train in that area together.

Rob Patrick filled the next spot with another top four performances which this year also claimed him the veteran’s record.

Philippines all-rounder Jaime Sunga put in a great performance to edge out UK’s lightweight Marcus Escott who in turn came in front of the battling masters Paul McParland and Alex Mackay who could not be split on time.

It was at this point the first riders with are considered to have a "sprinters" physique came in, with Herbert Rom and club chairman Mark Nelson struggling to keep up momentum.

Event organizer Peter Waddell, recently returned after receiving a top award from Queen Elizabeth, was pleased to have made it to the top of the hill despite carrying a running injury which haven’t made the climb any easier.

Most of the Cat B riders stayed away for this hard event, so all credit to K. Malone who as always rode with enthusiasm to take the top prize.

A group of Wheelers also raced in the celebration of Eid city center race sponsored by the Municipality of Riyadh.

Of these Rob Patrick and Colin Small made it into the prizes against strong opposition from the Saudi National and Regional squads.

Thanks to Abdallah Al Sarhani who made it all possible.

Results: 1st B. Reeves 9m12s, 2nd G. Robards 9m37s, 3rd C. Small 9m45s, 4th R. Patrick 9m54s, 5th J. Sunga 10m28s, 6th M. Escott 10m35s, 7th P. McParland, 8th A. Mackay 10m43s, 9th H. Rom 10m44s, 10th M. Nelson 10m51s, 11th E. Seneres 10m58s, 12th G. Morete 11m05s.