Ryder Secures Second Consecutive British Hillclimb Championship at Prescott




Matthew Ryder has successfully defended his British Hillclimb Championship, securing the 2025 title after another outstanding display at Prescott. His remarkable consistency throughout the season, highlighted by 14 victories in 26 competitive runs, solidifies his position at the pinnacle of the sport.
The Prescott event saw Ryder and his teammate Sean Gould dominate in their shared Gould GR59. This vehicle, recently reconstructed following an incident involving Gould at Shelsley Walsh a month prior, proved its resilience and competitive edge. The duo's exceptional performance included each securing a first and second place in the two championship run-offs. A significant factor in Ryder's title confirmation was Will Hall's repeated success in keeping four-time champion Wallace Menzies from higher positions, effectively sealing Menzies' inability to overtake Ryder in the standings, despite upcoming rounds at Doune and Loton Park.
The competition at Prescott was notably affected by unpredictable weather. A heavy morning thunderstorm particularly impacted early qualifiers, with Paul Haimes experiencing the most severe conditions at the start line. However, Ryder navigated the wet track with precision in the opening run-off, clocking an impressive 40.68-second climb to take the win. Gould, Hall, and Menzies trailed closely, while Alex Summers rounded out the top five. In the subsequent, drier run-off, Gould narrowly surpassed Ryder by merely 16 hundredths of a second, marking his second win of the season. Hall, Menzies, and Summers once again occupied the top positions, with Alex Coles also delivering a commendable performance in his smaller-engined Force TA, securing two eighth-place finishes.
Ryder's consistent performance and strategic excellence throughout the season have undeniably earned him this consecutive title. His ability to adapt to varying conditions and maintain a competitive edge speaks volumes about his skill and dedication, culminating in a well-deserved championship victory.