REBECCA Richardson capped off the best season of her career to date with a podium finish at the National Hill Climb Championships in Devon last week.

The Llanfyllin star completed the gruelling 3.1 mile course in 17:41 to end 24 seconds off top spot which was claimed by professional rider and defending champion Hayley Simmonds.

Richardson is a member of the Brother UK fusion RT team who has enjoyed a stellar season, including bronze at the Welsh Road Championships and 18 consecutive race victories and 13 course records.

Meanwhile Hafren Cycling Club was well represented at the UCI Chrono Des Nations in Les Herbiers in France.

Sam Holwill, Emma Serjeant and Louise Hurdley took part in the individual time trial bicycle race which attracts Europe’s best riders.

With thanks to the Newtown Twinning Committee and Comite de Jumelage du Pays des Herbiers, Hafren Cycling Club have the opportunity each year of helping dedicated riders of the club to potentially get a start place at this prestigious event.

Holwill put in an amazing performance to end 17th in the youth race and can look forward to more European junior road races next season.

Serjeant and debutant Hurdley completed the elite women’s race with Montgomery based Serjeant trimming three minutes from her course record.