Ever wondered what it takes to be a hill-climbing champion? The UK National Hill Climb Championships is your chance to witness the ultimate test of speed and ingenuity. This year, the action takes place on Bank Road in Matlock, a course that averages a brutal 14% gradient, with a peak of 20% near the halfway point. It's a short but savage race, with riders pushing their bikes to the limit in pursuit of speed. From high-end carbon frames with the paint sanded off to featherweight fixies and DIY creations held together with little more than hope, the National Hill Climb always delivers a brilliant mix of ingenuity and pure suffering. If you're racing and think your setup deserves a moment in the spotlight, send a few photos and a short description of your bike to news@bikeradar.com. If it catches our eye, we'll be in touch – and you and your bike can enjoy your five minutes of fame. So, get ready to see the sketchiest hacks and ultralight bikes at the UK National Hill Climb Championships. Come and watch the action unfold on Bank Road, Matlock, from 10:45 on Sunday 24 October. But here's where it gets controversial... Is there really a place for DIY creations in a professional race? And this is the part most people miss... The Nationals mark the finale of Britain’s short but savage hill climb season, a uniquely British racing niche that sits entirely outside UCI regulation. It's a race that challenges the limits of human endurance and bike design, and we can't wait to see what you come up with. So, send us your photos and descriptions, and let's see what you've got!
