'I've made significant changes' – UK's best hill-climbers reveal their different approaches for this year's National Championships

Professional cyclists are gearing up for the National Hill-Climbing Championships, set to take place on Porlock Hill in Somerset on October 25th. While the World Road Championships, Paris-Tours, Il Lombardia and other events are approaching, the domestic hill-climb season has already commenced. The course at Porlock Hill is notably different from the steep and short efforts at the Nationals, offering a much shallower rise over a four-mile distance. This could attract power riders, while the usual hill-climb winners must adapt their strategies.

Reigning men's champion Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels.com) has made significant changes to his approach this year, working on a new position during hill-climbs. He has shifted to riding in drops, extended his reach by six centimeters, and lowered the front end of his bike by five centimeters. Feather has also adjusted his handlebar width from 42 to 32 centimeters.

These modifications, along with riding an S-Works Tarmac, have led him to win six out of six hill-climbs this season, including races like Nebo Road Hill-Climb in Wales and Great Dunn Fell event with a comparable gradient to Porlock Hill. Feather emphasizes that the Nationals is the primary focus, as he would rather focus on winning other races before the Nationals.

Three-time former hill-climb national champion and last year's silver medallist Illi Gardner (Cardiff Ajax CC) is looking forward to the longer distance on Porlock Hill, noting the potential impact of wind at the summit. She maintains her usual approach to hill-climbs, has not changed her equipment or aerodynamics, and has been training for the upcoming Everesting Championships in Sicily. After the Everesting event, Gardner will shift her focus back to shorter hill-climb events before the National Championships.