A true vintage hill climb with the very first edition in 1933 and it has hosted the national championships in 1964 when Eric Wilson took his 4th and final victory. The 1964 championships were held on the long course, which hasn't been used since. Peaslows is a proper classic with a ballistic course record is ballistic set by a hill climb legend. In 1981 Malcolm Elliott blitzed his way up in a time so fast, it has held steadfast for over 40 years.
If I was being harsh, the climb isn't anything special. A typical peak district climb, it starts steep then gradually fades but there are no noticeable features or even character. Bizarrely, the hill climb course finishes halfway up the hillside which seems like a waste. It was decided in 1934 and proved popular then, possibly due to the condition of the road at the top.
Peaslows would be classed as a short and steep climb and there is very little respite. The steepest ramp is at the start and it's debatable whether it's worth starting hard and holding on, and this is probably suitable with a tailwind. I would argue that it's worth holding back to not die into the headwind at the end.
I spoke to the organiser afterwards who hinted they would like to host nationals for the 100th anniversary of the event. So watch this space.
if you are further interested in the hill climb history of Peaslows please see this link http://withingtonwheelers.com/OpenHillClimbHistory%201933-2019%20pdf.pdf
If I was being harsh, the climb isn't anything special. A typical peak district climb, it starts steep then gradually fades but there are no noticeable features or even character. Bizarrely, the hill climb course finishes halfway up the hillside which seems like a waste. It was decided in 1934 and proved popular then, possibly due to the condition of the road at the top.
Peaslows would be classed as a short and steep climb and there is very little respite. The steepest ramp is at the start and it's debatable whether it's worth starting hard and holding on, and this is probably suitable with a tailwind. I would argue that it's worth holding back to not die into the headwind at the end.
I spoke to the organiser afterwards who hinted they would like to host nationals for the 100th anniversary of the event. So watch this space.
if you are further interested in the hill climb history of Peaslows please see this link http://withingtonwheelers.com/OpenHillClimbHistory%201933-2019%20pdf.pdf
2024 Event
I’d had a disappointing ride on Pea Royd Lane the day before and was ready to pump it on Peaslows. The weather was the typical awful hill climb weather one only seems to get when you’ve got a point to prove. We had a block 15mph headwind and drizzle. The course record was safe for another year.
My head was in the game today, I had a solid long warm up, got pumped and got to the line. I was conscious not to start too hard, and held a nice 580W for the first minute. I stuck to the strategy and sat past the house, where I probably eased off too much doing only 410W for the next 30s. This cost me the race really. However I was able to hold 540W for the final 80s but the headwind was killing me at the end. If I can master not easing off too much when the gradient eases, I will piece together the performance.
Pictures from the day
My head was in the game today, I had a solid long warm up, got pumped and got to the line. I was conscious not to start too hard, and held a nice 580W for the first minute. I stuck to the strategy and sat past the house, where I probably eased off too much doing only 410W for the next 30s. This cost me the race really. However I was able to hold 540W for the final 80s but the headwind was killing me at the end. If I can master not easing off too much when the gradient eases, I will piece together the performance.
Pictures from the day
How To Ride
The climb starts steep with 13% for the first 200m and it's easy to start too hard and burn out. With a tailwind this is probably a good strategy but with a tailwind I would start hard and let the wind carry you in the final 300m. You should start to sprint earlier than you think, because you can't quite see the end until it's too late.
My Efforts
Year |
Time |
Power (W) |
Placing |
2024 |
2:39.1 (Headwind) |
530 |
3rd |
Starting ramp
The middle.
The finish.
My 3rd place podium from 2024.
