Copyright © 2017 Graeme Hilditch

RIDELONDON - THE CLIMBSNewlands Corner, Leith Hill and Box Hill

The Big 3Of all the worries and concerns that first time RideLondon cyclists have, it’s the three big hills that cause the most anxiety.

The challenge of cycling 100 miles and spending over 6 hours in the saddle, for most people, isn’t nearly as daunting a prospect as cycling up Newlands Corner, Leith Hill and Box Hill.

The questions I am asked most frequently about RideLondon are all about these climbs.

• How hard are they? • Which climb is the hardest?• Will I be able to make it up without stopping?

Relax - you’ll be fine

Like any event, from the London Marathon to the Prudential RideLondon, provided you have put the time into training, you will be able to successfully climb all three hills without too much problem.

I’d be lying if I said they were easy, but provided you have put the training hours in and you follow the advice in this guide AND view the tutorials in the GH Training Video Library on how to tackle each climb, I promise you’ll be able make it to the top.

Slow and SteadyAlmost without exception, the reason why riders fail to make it to the top of a

climb is all down to incorrect pacing.

Get your pacing right and your legs will be able to tolerate and clear the lactic acid build up in your legs.

Get your pacing wrong and you will not only find the climb far more difficult that it should be, but you run the risk of being forced to dismount and walk the rest of

way.

Pace is vital to climbing success - especially on these three climbs.

Copyright © 2017 Graeme Hilditch

NEWLANDS CORNERA STEADY 1 MILE CLIMB - WITH A HUB AT THE TOP!

STRAVA SEGMENT INFO:

• Distance: 0.9 miles• Avg Grade: 5%• Max Grade: 11% (approx)

Newlands Corner

Although I use the word reluctantly, Newlands Corner is a relatively “easy” climb.

Of course, no climb is “easy” if you haven’t done the training, but the Newlands Corner hill is a steady climb without any nasty or unexpected kicks.

Once the climb starts, the incline remains fairly constant for the duration which helps you get into a rhythm and meet the demands of the climb without too much difficulty.

Climb Tactics

As you’ll notice in the above video, the road surface and width of the Newlands Corner climb is perfect for a mass participation event like RideLondon.

The condition of the road is excellent and it’s nice and wide, meaning it is easy to adopt your tactics - whatever they might be.

If your goal is to simply reach the top in once piece, my advice would be to choose one side of the road or the other and stay there. Get into a good rhythm, take it steady and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

Stopping at the Hub?If you plan to stop at the hub at the top of the climb (please note, it can get very busy there, so only stop if you need to) stay on the RIGHT hand side of the road.

If you do not wish to stop, stick to the LEFT hand side of the road.

Copyright © 2017 Graeme Hilditch

LEITH HILLA NARROW 1.3 MILE CLIMB - TOUGHEST CLIMB OF THE 3!

STRAVA SEGMENT INFO:

• Distance: 1.3 miles• Avg Grade: 6%• Max Grade: 15% (approx)

Leith Hill

If the Newlands Corner climb is the “easiest” then the Leith Hill climb has to be the toughest.

Unlike Newlands Corner, the road surface on Leith Hill is not only narrow - but also a lot bumpier. Throw in the fact that it’s a longer and steeper climb AND it greets you at mile 55, it’s safe to say that this climb is one you will have to concentrate on and above all - respect.

Sting in the tail

As you’ll see in the video above, there are a few “stings in the tail” of this climb.

Just when you think the hard work is over and the hill flattens a little, it comes back at you a few hundred meters later with another incline kick, which catches so many riders out.

The beginning of Leith Hill is very kind and it eases you into the climb, but just when you start to get into a decent rhythm the incline increases and you know the hard work is about to begin.

Leith Hill Climbing TipThe road does get quite narrow, so choose a side (left for slower riders,right for

faster riders) and stick to that side for the duration of the climb. Be aware of other riders around you and avoid changing your line unexpectedly.

Avoid the temptation to “kick for home” too soon - or those nasty “stings in the tail” will claim another victim.

Copyright © 2017 Graeme Hilditch

BOX HILLA ZIG-ZAGGED 1.5 MILE CLIMB - THE MOST ATTRACTIVE!

STRAVA SEGMENT INFO:

• Distance: 1.5 miles• Avg Grade: 4%• Max Grade: 11% (approx)

Box Hill

With out a doubt, Box Hill is by far the most attractive climb on the RideLondon course.

Despite popular belief, it’s not the hardest, it’s certainly not the easiest but it’s definitely the prettiest.

The road surface is excellent, the width is good for the most part and although the hairpins kick up a little, there are no nasty surprises with the inclines, so you can get yourself into a good rhythm from the start and steadily make your way to the top.

Enjoy the view

The Box hill climb is an attractive one and one you should try, safely of course, to cherish and enjoy. The views as you slowly make your way up the zig-zag climb are stunning, which helps to make the climb that much more enjoyable.

Box hill is the climb that most cyclists fear before the race, but provided you get you pacing right and you stay in the saddle for most of the time, it’s really not that bad.

Box Hill Climbing TipAlthough the severity of the climb is nothing you won’t be able to handle, the fact that it hits you at mile 65, when you have tired legs, is the reason why riders find

it a challenge.

If you are feeling tired, just remember to take you time and ride at a slow, steady and rhythmical pace.

Take comfort in the knowledge that it’s the last significant climb of the race.