VeloNorth’s final road cycling event of the season was a memorable one.

Harsh weather at the Skagway Hill Climb made for a low turnout – just three riders, including one from Juneau.

But each participant powered through the steep alpine ascent, earning a final feather for their soggy caps as the Yukon road cycling season came to an epic conclusion.

Juneau’s Rob Welton was the first to the finish line at the summit, enduring the weather for one hour, 13 minutes, 20 seconds.

Welton is the president of the Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay.

Coming in second was Carcross rider Simi Morrison (1:31:16), followed by Whitehorse’s David Jackson (1:39:18).

Jackson finished despite dismounting at one point after succumbing to cold and flu-like symptoms.

The gruelling race sees cyclists start at the South Klondike-Dyea junction, then climb 19 kilometres to the summit – an elevation change of roughly 1,000 metres.

“Hats off to the three riders that made their way to Skagway on a day not fit for ducks,” race organizer Mike McCann said in a post on VeloNorth’s Facebook page.

“Despite the weather, it was fun,” added Morrison, the race’s lone female participant.

The start of the race saw temperatures at 8 C alongside heavy rain.

“Most of the ascent saw torrential cold rain soak the trio to the bone and the temperature drop to 3 C by the finish,” McCann said in his race summary. “But despite the harsh conditions, each affirmed it was an experience they would treasure ... once they warmed up.”

McCann turned to a Bible verse to summarize the event: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

Last year’s hill climb was held as part of the Tour de Skagway, which consisted of three races.

Ian Parker of Whitehorse won that hill climb event with a time of 55:57.