Newcastle University Triathlon Team host alumni Hill Climbing event

For the past few years in February/March time, Team Newcastle Triathlon has hosted a Past Versus Present Duathlon, inviting alumni and athletes from other universities to compete in a run, a cycle and another run. But with our club merging with the Cycling Club and after some of our athletes had a great time racing at the BUCS Hill Climb event in November, we knew that we wanted to do something different and host our own Hill Climb instead.

A hill climb event is the shortest road cycling event with each racer starting from a stationary position, either one foot on the ground, or a track start; both feet clipped in and held up by someone else.

Scoping the Northumberland roads for a hill steep enough and long enough for a 3 minute effort, while also being safe for supporters and easy to get to, was no easy task, but our cyclists found the perfect 1.3km strava segment at Berwick Hill, in Ponteland. While it is not the steepest at only 2.8%, the long drag was definitely enough to challenge our riders as well as being accessible for first timers.

On Saturday 15th, with everyone fuelled by romance and sticky toffee pudding, we left West Jes at 8.30am and cycled up to Berwick Hill. We gave the briefing at the top of the hill and people got their numbers and starting times. We shared out coats, started stop watches (timings were a feat of logistics, but glad to say we pulled it off) and sent riders down the hill to find spots to cheer on from.

With those heading to the horse races cycling first, our first rider started at 9.45am and zoomed up the hill, passing blaring music and shouts, reaching the top in 3 minutes 10 seconds. An epic and fast start setting the bar high for everyone. From then, riders appeared at the top every 2 minutes and everyone was chuffed to have taken part in this unusual style race! After everyone had cycled, we then had our fix wheel category. Riders cycling up with only one gear and George W smashed it out the park.

We then cycled to Kirkley Cafe for coffee, cake and a sit by the fire to warm up. A 10/10 spot for those exploring Northumberland but beware, everyone will be wearing lycra. We cycled back to Newcastle and, after a cold but sunny morning, we were met with rain!

Awards were presented in the evening with George P winning the mens/open with 2.45 and Emma C taking home first place for the women with 3.23. We celebrated 2nd and 3rd for both categories with those athletes taking home some beautiful cycling caps and we had a brilliant evening singing karaoke and resting our legs. It was an absolutely brilliant day out for TNTC thanks to those who organised it, raced and to those who just came along for the ride (pun intended). We can’t wait to do it all again next year.