Porlock Toll Road Crowns 2026 British National Hill-Climb Champions
Welsh former champions Illi Gardner and Ed Laverack secured the women’s and open titles at the 2026 British National Hill-Climb Championships, navigating 464 riders across the storm-battered Porlock Toll Road on the Somerset coast, Cycling Weekly reported. The 6.6-kilometer ascent featuring a 5.5% average gradient forced a definitive shift away from ultra-lightweight setups toward aerodynamic efficiency as a headwind swept the exposed upper sections of the course.
Decathlon–CMA CGM Juniors rider Erza Bateman, 16, posted the day’s fastest time at 14:31 to claim the junior open category. Mabli Phillips took the junior women’s title with a time of 19:36 on a route cleared of storm debris just a day prior by hill-climbing stalwart Geoff Ware using a tractor.
Aerodynamic Equipment Takes Precedence on Shallow Slopes
The course profile and sustained headwind in the final two kilometers shifted equipment choices away from stripped-down, rim-brake climbing bikes. Rowan Baker finished third in the open category aboard a Cervelo S5 aero road bike while wearing a Specialized S-Works TT 5 time-trial helmet, averaging 463 watts over 15 minutes. Andy Nichols of Team Lifting Gear Products also opted for a first-generation Giro Aerohead helmet paired with an Orbea Orca and mid-section wheels.
Andrew Feather abandoned his usual 5.5-kilogram climbing bike for a Specialized Tarmac SL8. Working with Dr Xavier Disley of Aerocoach, Feather lowered his front end by 5 centimeters by sizing down to a 52-centimeter frame, lengthened his reach with a 130-centimeter stem, and narrowed his handlebars to 32 centimeters. The modifications secured him second place in the open category, finishing one second behind Laverack.
Technical Evolution Across Past Championship Cycles
Equipment choices at the national championships have evolved significantly over recent seasons. Protective headgear became mandatory for the 2022 season, though Tom Bell wore one to win up Winnat’s Pass in 2021. While competitors initially sought out the lightest available helmets to minimize weight, the exposed conditions on Porlock Toll Road prompted several riders to sacrifice hundreds of grams for aerodynamic gains.
Similar shifts appeared in drivetrain and component selection. Ed Laverack captured the 2026 open title riding a Scott Addict RC Ultimate equipped with SRAM Red AXS, following Andrew Feather’s 2023 win on the Struggle, when a men’s champion ditched rim brakes. Meanwhile, riders like Jude ‘The Buzzard’ Taylor deployed older equipment, utilizing a Kask Bambino time-trial helmet originally released in 2012 for Team Sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the equipment regulations for the British National Hill-Climb Championships?
The International Cycling Union’s 6.8-kilogram minimum weight limit does not apply, allowing competitors to run custom builds weighing under 5 kilograms.
Who recorded the fastest overall time at the 2026 event?
Sixteen-year-old junior open competitor Erza Bateman of the Decathlon–CMA CGM Juniors squad set the fastest time of the day on the Porlock Toll Road course, stopping the clock at 14:31.
How much did Andrew Feather modify his setup for the 2026 course?
Andrew Feather switched from a 5.5-kilogram climbing bike to a Specialized Tarmac SL8, sized down to a 52-centimeter frame to lower his front end by 5 centimeters, added a 130-centimeter stem, and narrowed his handlebars to 32 centimeters under guidance from Dr Xavier Disley of Aerocoach.
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