Catford Cycling Club Annual Hill Climb


Course: GH/32
DATE: 10th October 2021
Event HQ Stubbs Wood Car Park
Sevenoaks,
TN14 6JA
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EVENT ORGANISER: Le Anh Luong / Catford CC
EMAIL: leluong4@hotmail.co.uk
CONTACT TEL: 07500 737473
How to Enter: Entry via CTT website (Cycling Time Trials: The National Governing Body for cycling time trials)

The Catford Hill Climb Classic - 'The Oldest Continuing Cycle Race in the World'

This prestigious event goes all the way back to 1886 and, with the exception of the war years, has been run ever since. Traditionally on the first Sunday in October (2021 event on Sunday the 10th of October). Prior to the formation of the RTTC (governing body) it was considered to be the 'Championship of All England' and still attracts the very leading 'Hill-Climb' riders from all over the country, be they professionals or amateurs.

The challenge is Yorks Hill, near Sevenoaks, Kent. A 707 yard climb with an average gradient of 12.5%, with two stretches of 25% which requires an all-out lung bursting effort to get up the climb. The current record of 1 minute 47.6 seconds was set by Phil Mason (San Fairy Ann CC) in 1983 and despite the inducement of various special prizes has not been broken for over 30 years! The San Fairy Ann CC, Phil's club is offering to donate 250 UK Pounds to the rider who breaks Phil's record - but it still remains. It is often felt that the record will stand the test of time as it was set in the year of the 'great storm' - hence that year there were very few trees on the hill and so, any 'tailwind' assisted the riders! But this is not true and Phil set it on a different year to the great storm!

This is not only a sporting spectacle viewed by many hundreds but is also a social occasion providing an opportunity for an annual cyclist's 'get together'.

The club produces a Programme for the event which we would encourage all 'watchers' to buy, the Hill Climb runs at a considerable loss and any money generated allows us still to promote and run the very historic and prestigious event.