Preston Park Youth Cycling Club host Sussex’s only dedicated youth hill climb event on a closed road every Autumn. For the past 3 years this has been at High Hill, Rottingdean, a 1km climb with stunning views in every direction across the South Downs and out to sea. The climb is perfectly achievable by young riders. Parents of younger riders can ride alongside or behind (but NOT in front), provided they do not impede other riders or get in the way of spectators!
This event is open to any young person aged 6-16, they don’t need to be a member of a cycling club to take part. There are presentations for the top 3 boy and girl riders in U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 age groups.
All riders must have a bike in good working order. Helmets are compulsory for riders. Depending on the weather, you may need a jacket and weather-appropriate clothing, as in poor weather the South Downs are very windswept and exposed! Regardless of the weather, a water bottle is also important.
How to enter
Advance entry is required so we can plan timings and volunteers. There are no entries on the day.
The 2024 event is on Saturday Sept 21st. Entries are £5 and you can enter on the British Cycling Events Website.
South Downs Hill Climb series
Riders who are aged 12+ will have further opportunities to compete throughout Autumn in the South Downs Hill Climb Series, which features Steyning Bostal, Ditching Beacon, Firle Bostal and more. However the Rottingdean Hill Climb is the only one that allows U12s to compete and is the only dedicated youth event in the South Downs Hill Climb series.