If you’ve ever watched a cyclist grinding up a near-vertical road, lungs burning and legs screaming, you know there’s something heroic about the fight against gravity. That’s exactly what the UK National Hill Climb Championships is all about — a brutal, beautiful test of power, endurance, and mental grit that has become one of the most anticipated events in British cycling.
I’ve followed this championship for years, and every edition feels like a celebration of everything we love about the sport: relentless competition, historic climbs, passionate crowds, and riders giving absolutely everything to conquer a hill in record time. Whether you’re a long-time cycling fan or new to the scene, here’s everything you need to know about this legendary event.
What Is the UK National Hill Climb Championships?
The UK National Hill Climb Championships is an annual cycling time trial organized by Cycling Time Trials (CTT), dedicated entirely to one thing — the fastest possible ascent of a steep British hill. Riders tackle the climb individually, racing against the clock in a pure test of power-to-weight ratio and mental toughness.
What makes this event so special is its simplicity. No pelotons, no tactics, no drafting — just riders, their bikes, and the road pointing skyward. It’s a discipline where the lightest bikes, strongest legs, and fiercest determination come together to make history.
The Stang, located in the scenic but unforgiving Yorkshire Dales, is a climb famous for its steep gradients and shifting pitches. It’s the kind of road that separates the contenders from the pretenders — and that’s exactly what makes it perfect for a national title showdown.
A Championship Steeped in History
First held in 1944, the UK National Hill Climb Championships has a long and storied legacy. Over the decades, it has crowned many of Britain’s most iconic cyclists, including Chris Boardman, Malcolm Elliot, and countless other stars who went on to make their mark on the global stage.
One of the championship’s most charming traditions is that it changes location every year, showcasing Britain’s most challenging climbs. From the legendary Winnats Pass in Derbyshire to the scenic but punishing Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire, each venue brings a different kind of challenge — and a new opportunity for riders to etch their names into the history books.
How the Competition Works
The format of the UK National Hill Climb Championships is refreshingly straightforward. Riders set off individually at timed intervals, and the fastest time to the summit wins. Because the event is purely against the clock, it’s a test of individual strength, pacing, and mental resilience.
There are multiple categories:
- Senior Men’s and Women’s titles – the main event and most prestigious crowns.
- Junior categories – for up-and-coming young riders.
- Occasionally veterans’ categories, celebrating experienced riders still pushing their limits.
The event attracts both professional cyclists and elite amateurs. It’s not uncommon to see riders from domestic racing teams competing alongside independent riders who specialize exclusively in hill climbs.
Past Champions: A Look Back at 2024
Before we look ahead to 2025, it’s worth revisiting the highlights from 2024, when the championships were held on Dipton Mill Road in Hexham, Northumberland. The climb’s demanding gradients and tricky pacing made it a true battleground — and some staZndout performances emerged:
| Category | Champion | 2024 Climb |
| Men’s Champion | Harry MacFarlane | Dipton Mill Road |
| Women’s Champion | Illi Gardner | Dipton Mill Road |
| Junior Men’s Champion | Harry Hudson | Dipton Mill Road |
| Junior Women’s Champion | Maia Howell | Dipton Mill Road |
These riders set the bar high for the 2025 edition, proving once again that raw power and careful pacing are the keys to success in hill climbing.
The Evolution of Hill Climb Racing Technology
The UK National Hill Climb Championships is not just about human power — it’s also a showcase of how cycling technology has evolved over the decades. Back in the early days, many riders opted for fixed-gear bikes, stripping away derailleurs to save precious grams.
Today, things look very different. Advances in carbon fiber frames, ultra-light components, and finely tuned gearing systems give riders every possible advantage. Weight remains crucial — many hill climb bikes weigh under 6 kg — but modern gearing allows riders to maintain cadence even on brutally steep gradients.
This evolution shows just how seriously the event is taken. For many riders, this isn’t just another race — it’s the biggest day of their season.
Why the Hill Climb Championships Matter
It might not have the glamour of the Tour de France or the global audience of the Olympics, but the UK National Hill Climb Championships holds a special place in the heart of British cycling. It’s a grassroots event that connects elite riders with local clubs and passionate fans. The atmosphere on race day is electric — spectators line the roadsides, cowbells ring, and every rider, from first to last, gets a hero’s welcome at the summit.
For many, this event is also a gateway. Riders who excel here often go on to bigger things, from national road titles to professional contracts. But even for those who never race abroad, winning a national hill climb title is a badge of honor that carries weight in the cycling world.
What to Expect at The Stang in 2025
The Stang promises to deliver everything fans love about the UK National Hill Climb Championships — and then some. With steep ramps, exposed sections, and unpredictable weather, it’s a course that demands total commitment.
Expect fireworks from Britain’s top climbers. Defending champions Harry MacFarlane and Illi Gardner will likely return to defend their titles, but challengers are already lining up. With a deep pool of talent and the added drama of a new climb, the 2025 edition could be one of the most fiercely contested in years.
Quick Comparison: Past vs Upcoming Championships
| Year | Location | Men’s Winner | Women’s Winner | Host Club |
| 2024 | Dipton Mill Road, Hexham | Harry MacFarlane | Illi Gardner | Allen Valley Velo |
| 2025 | The Stang, Yorkshire | TBD | TBD | Otley Cycling Club |
This simple snapshot shows how the event evolves year by year — new climbs, new champions, but the same relentless spirit.
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FAQs About the UK National Hill Climb Championships
1. How long is a typical hill climb in the championships?
Hill climbs vary in length, usually between 1 and 3 miles. What matters most isn’t distance but gradient — most courses feature steep sections exceeding 10%, with some ramps pushing beyond 20%.
2. Can anyone enter the UK National Hill Climb Championships?
Yes, provided they are members of a Cycling Time Trials (CTT)-affiliated club and meet the entry criteria. While the competition is fierce, strong amateur riders regularly qualify and compete alongside top-level athletes.
3. What kind of bike is best for a hill climb race?
Lightweight road bikes with optimized gearing are the norm. Many riders go to great lengths to shed weight, using carbon components and minimalist setups to maximize their power-to-weight ratio.
4. What makes The Stang such a challenging climb?
The Stang is known for its steep pitches and variable gradients, which force riders to constantly adjust their effort. Combined with potential Yorkshire winds and autumn weather, it’s a true test of strength and strategy.
Final Thoughts: Why This Championship Captures the Soul of Cycling
The UK National Hill Climb Championships is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of cycling at its most elemental. There’s no hiding in a peloton or relying on team tactics. It’s just you, your bike, and the road that rises ahead.
Each edition writes a new chapter in a story that began in 1944, and the 2025 race on The Stang is poised to be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you’re cheering from the roadside or watching from afar, you’ll be witnessing a tradition that defines British cycling — a battle against gravity, against time, and ultimately, against yourself.
