More than 170 cyclists took part in third annual le Tour de Menlo Sunday, riding either 30 or 50 miles routes along the challenging terrain of the MidPeninsula.

The 50-mile course included five hill-climbs totaling 5,000 feet, an elevation gain that exceeds riding to the coast and back. Two of the climbs, on Crestview and Mylendy in San Carlos, were timed, and prizes will be awarded to the "King and Queen" of the hill for the first- and second-best times.

In the women's division, this year's winners are Victoria Bastide of Menlo Park, who set a new women's record of 19 minutes total for the two climbs. Laura Stern of Menlo Park, who finished in 22 minutes, was runner-up.

Jesse Bastide of Menlo Park and Robert Pasco of Belmont finished in a tie for first in the men's division, with a total time of 16 minutes, also a record.

The winners will receive either a $100 gift certificate from Menlo Velo cycle shop in Menlo Park, or a pair of MauiJim sunglasses.

The ride started at Menlo-Atherton High School, and moved north through Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo and Hillsborough.

Former six-time professional Canadian road-race champion Linda Jackson, riding with a group from Palo Alto Bicycles, said she enjoyed the event: "It is a great ride. It has neat, steep hills, which are the area's best-kept secret."

Proceeds from the ride, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Menlo Park and the Almanac, will support the Rotary tutoring project at Garfield School and Rotary college scholarships, which are awarded every year to local high school students.