Monsal set for hill climb spectacular

Cycling and countryside fans will be in for a fantastic spectacle in a beautiful setting as the popular Monsal Hill Climb time trial returns to the Peak District.
Monsall hill Climb 2014 - Kieran Simcox (Bike Box Alan/Whiston Velo) Pic By: James WilliamsonMonsall hill Climb 2014 - Kieran Simcox (Bike Box Alan/Whiston Velo) Pic By: James Williamson
Monsall hill Climb 2014 - Kieran Simcox (Bike Box Alan/Whiston Velo) Pic By: James Williamson

The incredibly popular annual Sheffrec Cycling Club event attracts hundreds of spectators to Monsal every year for free and the 85th edition of the Healthcare Management Trust competition is expected to be no exception.

Competitors, including amateurs and pros, will be taking on the one-in-six, 675 yard steep climb from 11am, on Sunday, October 4, with cheering fans lining the route and emulating scenes from the Tour de France.

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Organiser Marc Etches, of Sheffrec Cycling Club, said: “The Monsal Hill Climb has proved to be very popular with about 130 riders plus reserves in 2014.”

The famous annual event was started by a few mates riding out to Monsal Head, near Bakewell, at the end of the track season and timing each other up the hill.

Following its launch in 1930, the event has gone on to attract over 100 riders every year from club level to professionals from all over the country.

Renowned ex-cycle pro Malcolm Elliott will be keeping a keen eye on the hot favourites after his remarkable record time of one minute and 14.2 seconds in 1981 has remained intact for 33 years. Last year’s winner was Graham Briggs, of Rapha Condor, with Russell Downing, now of Cult Energy, in second spot followed by Orica-Green Edge’s Adam Blythe, of Dronfield.

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Marc Etches added: “Over 1,000 people came to watch last year and this event is regarded as the best hill climb.”

Those interested in entering before the September 26 deadline can visit http://www.monsalhillclimb.org.uk/entry_details.html for details.