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Former pro cyclist wins Mount Baker Hill Climb

Phil Gaimon dethrones Cal Skilsky; 370 riders participate

By Connor J. Benintendi Staff Reporter

Former professional road racing cyclist Phil Gaimon paced all racers by two minutes, winning the Mount Baker Hill Climb in the event’s first-ever sold-out edition on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Gaimon, a two-time hillclimb world champion and 2017 USA Cycling Hillclimb national champion, finished first with a time of 1:14:42 in the competitive division. Cal Skilsky, who won each of the last two years, finished fourth with a time of 1:17:22.

Robin Watson (second, 1:16:51), Manuel Fehlmann (third, 1:16:51) and Rex Li (fifth, 1:21:36) rounded out the rest of the top-five finishers.

Phil Gaimon, a two-time hillclimb world champion and 2017 USA Cycling Hillclimb national champion smiles for the camera with his arms crossed.
Phil Gaimon, a two-time hillclimb world champion and 2017 USA Cycling Hillclimb national champion, finished first with a time of 1:14:42 in the competitive division. (Photo courtesy of Whatcom Events)

Alesha Miller was the first female to finish — racing in the competitive division — and took 27th with her time of 1:30:27. Charles Lantz, who finished 38th with a time of 1:34:12, was the first recreational division competitor to cross the finish line.

Bill MacMillan finished first among seven racers age 70 or older, clocking a time of 1:59:29 and coming in at 152nd overall out of 370 participants who finished. Simon Turner led all social division riders with his time of 2:04:57, finishing 170th overall.

Full results from the 2023 Mount Baker Hill Climb can be found on Pacific Multisports’ website.

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