The 2025 South Downs Hill Climb Series...
"Probably the best hill climb series in the world!"

Find Out More

Could you be the next King or Queen?

Now in our 5th year! The South Downs series is a cycling challenge open to anyone who likes riding bikes up hills as fast as they can! Entry is open to all, and you can enter as many of the series events as you like. You'll earn points at each event you attend. Your points will be shown on a leader board on this site as they're earned. At the end of the season, we'll add up all your points and find out who'll get crowned King and Queen of the South Downs, not to mention the Prince and Princess, Duke and Duchess and the Masters/Veterans age group winners!

See the prizes!

WE HAVE PRIZE MONEY!

Prize categories:

QUEEN


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KING


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PRINCESS


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PRINCE


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DUCHESS


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DUKE


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MASTERS


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How to enter

How to enter

When you enter any of the Hill Climbs listed below you'll automatically get entered into the "2024 Strada TMC South Downs Hill Climb Series" at no cost! Entry can be done at the British Cycling website for the junior event and the CTT (Cycling Time Trials) website for the remaining events; you'll need to register on the appropriate site to enter the events, but registration is easy and free. Please also register with us here as it will be easier for us to communicate results to you and distribute prizes. How does the series work? You'll earn points at each event you attend. 12 points if you come 1st, 11 for 2nd, 10 for 3rd, 9 for 4th etc and 1 point for finishing in 12th or lower. Your points will be shown on a leader board on this site as they're earned. At the end of the season we'll add up all your points and find out who'll get crowned King and Queen, Prince and Princess and Duke and Duchess of the South Downs! There are also series Masters prizes in 5 year age group categories.

Register here!



Hill Climbs Series Events

JUNIORS ONLY EVENT: BAZE HILL
DATE: 21 SEPTEMBER TBC

Preston Park Youth Cycling Club is hosting Round 1 on Baze Hill, a great starter course to get the juniors warmed up on! This is a juniors only event.

ENTRIES OPENING LATER IN THE YEAR

ROUND 1: KNIGHTS HILL
DATE: 29 SEPTEMBER TBC

Blazing Saddles hosts Round 1 on beautiful Knights Hill. Here's a chance to get an early lead in the series, but you'll sure earn it on this 1.9km course.

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 2: STEYNING BOSTAL
DATE: 4 OCTOBER 2025

Sussex CA kicks of the series in Round 2 at the stunning Steyning Bostal. With an 7.8% average gradient, you'll have your work cut out for you!

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 3: BRANTRIDGE LANE
DATE: 5 OCTOBER 2025

Sussex Revolution VC host Round 3 at Brantridge Lane. Dont be complacent with the fast start, you'll need to throw everything at this hill to win the KOM or QOM. ENTRY FEE FOR U18 RACE ONLY £5

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 4: FIRLE BEACON
DATE: 11 OCTOBER 2025

Round 4 takes us east to Firle Beacon where East Sussex CA wil be hosting the short and sharp 1.3 kilometer climb up the 128 meters to the top of the Beacon.

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 5: BUTTS LANE
DATE: 11 OCTOBER 2025

Round 5 is hosted by Beachy Head CC for a closed road event. It's the shortest and the steepest course in the series so bring your pain face, you're going to need it!
ENTRY FEE FOR U18 RACE ONLY £9

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 6: STEYNING BOSTAL
DATE: 18 OCTOBER 2025

For round 6, we're back to find the Boss of the Bostal with Brighton Mitre. Here's your chance to claim points after all the hard work youve put in preparing.
ENTRY FEE FOR U18 RACE ONLY £5

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 7: TITCH HILL
DATE: 18 OCTOBER 2025

Brighton Mitre hosts round 7 on the south side of Steyning Bostal. Keep your powder dry for this one, it's a long one with super fast sections.
ENTRY FEE FOR U18 RACE ONLY £5

CTT ENTRIES HERE
ROUND 8: DITCHLING BEACON
DATE: 19 OCTOBER 2025

The final round takes us to the iconic Ditchling Beacon where the Sussex Nomads CC are hosting their annual Hill Climb closed to traffic.
ENTRY FEE FOR U18 RACE ONLY £9

CTT ENTRIES HERE

FAQs

How do the points work?
You'll earn 12 points if you come 1st, 11 for 2nd, 10 for 3rd, 9 for 4th etc and 1 point for finishing in 12th or lower. In the event of a tie, both riders will receive the same number of points.

How do I enter?
You do not need to actively enter the South Down Series although we are encouraging you to use the form on this page to help us make sure we can track your progress accurately and give you updates about sponsors and any changes to the programme. You will automatically earn points by entering any of the events above. You do need to register for these individual events using the links above.

How many rounds must I enter to score points in the Series?
You can enter as many rounds as you like. At each round you have the opportunity to win points to contribute to your tally. You must enter and race a minimum of 2 rounds to qualify for prize money. It is not possible to win a category by riding only 1 round.

I'm kinda new to cycling is this for me?
Time Trial racing is a great intro to enjoying the sport because there are no scary massed starts and nobody is "last" over the line, riders set out in 1 minute intervals. Many riders think of it as challenging themselves to get a personal best versus getting placed. Hill climbs in particular have a great community spirit and riders will be warmly welcomed at any of these events. Riders of all ages and abilities can take part. There are some serious riders who will do amazing times, but there are many riders who are in it for the cake and coffee, a refreshing bike ride and a good laugh.

What are the prizes?
We're working on that! When we've confirmed a sponsor, well publish the details here. PLEASE NOTE: As per our equal opportunity in sport policy we give equal value prizes to male and females in the same category.

What if I miss a round?
You won't get any points for rounds that you don't attend. For the best chance of winning, you should enter as many of the rounds as you can.

Are we looking for Sponsors?
Yes, we are! We've got a number of opportunities for sponsorship. If you would like to know more please get in touch with peter@lenslab.co.uk

How are the veterans times counted?
We're using your finish time to calculate your position, not veteran standardised times.

The Rules

Judges decision is always final
1. You can only win the section you are categorised in within the CTT. For example, if you are a vet and you get the fastest senior time as well as the fastest vet time, you will only be eligible to win the vet prizes. 2. There is only one prize per section, if you are tied with another rider, the prize will be shared across all riders who are equally placed.

Enquiries: graham.rees@outlook.com