News – Chilterns Hill Climb

2014_LeCol_BannerR1

Penn House in Buckinghamshire the regal setting for Le Col’s King of the Chilterns Hill Climb this summer

RST Cycle Clothing & Trigon Bikes

News – Chilterns Hill Climb 

The charming Penn House in Buckinghamshire is the regal setting for the crowning of Le Col’s King of the Chilterns this summer. Following the huge success of last years event which saw large crowds gather to cheer on all the riders, the classique Hill Climb looks like being one of the highlights of the GE Chiltern Cycling Festival on July 12th.

The 2015 climb is set entirely within the grounds of this magnificent country estate and follows the same format as previously. Times are taken from riders first climb, with the fastest 40 qualifiers getting the chance to race in the head to head round against their closest rivals.

LeColHC

The race culminates in the final duel for the King of the Chilterns title. Billed as the ultimate test of “Brain and Brawn” it’s not all about brute climbing power, a smart race strategy and positioning could give you an advantage in the later rounds.

This years race will be supported for the second year by Hamptons International together with new partner Le Col performance clothing. Le Cols, Yanto Barker says “we are really pleased to be part of this exciting new Hill Climb format, the spectacle of two riders battling it out side by side is always thrilling and compliments Le Cols commitment to high end performance at all levels of our sport.”

Alongside some of the pro’s and elite climbing specialists the organisers are expecting, entries are also open to local and club riders looking to see if their skills out of the saddle measure up. Rob Askey from the organising team says “we were delighted last year with the atmosphere on the slopes, one of the best things for us was seeing the crowd really get behind every rider from the start and then seeing the top juniors give the older competition a run for their money”

The climb itself is close to a mile long and whilst gradients average just 10% the course twists and turns challenging riders all the way up, there’s even a short downhill section in the middle, before kicking up again to the top. The tactical nature of the hill will make great viewing for spectators especially once the fastest riders from the first round are set off in pairs to try and qualify for podium places.

By the time the best riders are ascending the hill for the third time the crowd is at fever pitch and the riders are racing man against man. Last years event was won by Glyndwr Griffiths, Arctic Tacx RT the welsh hill climb specialist was cheered all the way to take the coveted jersey.

With prizes worth over £1500 from Le Cols Italian made Pro and Sport collections, including Ladies and Junior categories, the overall winner gets a limited edition “King of the Chilterns” jersey created by Le Col and all riders will receive a Le Col hat at sign on.

Yanto Barker says “we want to reward the effort and dedication that riders put into winning these kinds of events and creating an exclusive jersey design reflects that. We hope to have some members of the One Pro Cycling team involved on the day and show Le Cols support for the festival.”
The Hill Climb is fast becoming a favourite part of the festival with the local community turning out in large numbers to watch all the action. Hamptons Internationals Kraig Butler says “We are delighted to continue our with partnership with the Chiltern Cycling Festival for the second year. Last year was hugely successful for all concerned and we are very much looking forward to this years event at Penn House” Alongside the Hill Climb the event consists of a full day of action from Road and MTB Sportives to Retro rides and children’s Go ride racing.

There’s a velo village and bike expo, alongside a vintage market, gourmet food stalls, beer festival & tent, music and much more. Full details can be found at chilterncyclingfestival.com With FREE entry and parking its a great day out for all the family just 30 minutes from central London, you can relax in the grounds & lawns of Penn House whilst watching all the action this Summer.

ENTER THE HILL CLIMB

The GE Chiltern Cycling Festival on 12th July and a full day of cycling action at Penn House estate situated between Amersham and Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire. Velo VIP tickets and Entries now open

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: