The 2016 hill climb takes place on Bank Road, Matlock on the 30th October. Some of the competitors who took part in the Monsal Hill Climb this year such as Joe Clarke, Adam Kenway and Lou Bates are joined by many big names in the hill climbing scene.
In total 240 competitors will be taking place hoping to win the National Title for 2016.
The climb is a popular challenge on the hill climb circuit, and has been used before for the National Hill Climb championships in 2008. The competition takes in all of Bank Road, as well as Rutland Street and part of Wellington Street, Matlock. It is 834 metres long, with an average gradient of 14% reaching a maximum gradient of 20%.
The setting makes for a good atmosphere and is an excellent location for the spectator to enjoy watching the climb. It starts in the heart of Matlock and climbs in a north easterly direction, the prevailing wind is normally behind the riders, and could have a big impact on times for the climb.
To view the favourites for the race Paddy Power are taking bets so you can view who is tipped to win here.
Strava makes for interesting reading on Bank Road, it looks like a few of the competitors have been practising on the road with some interesting times posted. You can view the Bank Road segment here, but bear in mind this is not the entirety of the route for the National Hill Climb.
If you are taking part or spectating and would like further information about the course and event organised by Matlock Cycling Club there are some good links below:
Cycling Uphill Blog by Tejvan Pettinger – Bank Road, Matlock
VeloViewer – Bank Road segment
Matlock Cycling Club – Organisers of the event
Facebook page for the National Hill Climb 2016