What is believed to be the first central London hill climb with a full road closure takes place tonight (Thursday, 22 July) on Swains Lane, the renowned hill to London's Highgate featured in Simon Warren's book "100 Greatest Cycling Climbs".
The event entry list is full, with 120 riders due to tackle the 950m ascent spread over two hours. Amongst the first-timers, club riders, fixed-wheel riders and folding bike enthusiasts will be some of the UK's top hill-climbing talent in the shape of Matt Holmes (Arctic RT), Jamie Newall (Corley Cycles), Chris Metcalfe (Matlock CC), Jodie Crawforth (Arctic RT) and the in-form Dave Clarke (Pendragon Le Col Colnago), recent winner of the East Yorkshire Classic Premier Calendar Road Race.
The Vets category looks strong too, with Matt Seaton and comeback rider and previous winner of the BEC hill climb Don Wiley, both of Mosquito Bikes / Londoncyclesport, on the start sheet. The Women's event has also attracted riders from all over the country including the reigning Rollapaluza roller-racing National Series winner Melissa Bury (Sport City Velo) and Sarah Byrne of Motor Point Marshalls Pasta.
First rider Dale Bickham, Rollapaluza CC, is off at 18:31hrs while Dave Clarke will start last at 20:30.
Condor cycles are supporting the event with top-notch prizes totalling over £750 in value and Rollapaluza themselves are putting up a cash prize pot of £500.
Full details may be found at www.urbanhillclimb.com
