Ford Urban Hill Climb offers everyone the chance to tackle the famous Montrose Street incline
Free event offers any cyclist the challenge of reaching the top of Montrose Street – which became world-famous when superstar cyclists raced up it during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships!
Article Source: London Marathon Events
Last Updated: 29 May 2024 13:43
The first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle event, taking place in the city centre on Sunday 9 June, will include a thrilling Montrose Street hill challenge for those who want to emulate the cycling greats who famously tackled its very steep incline during last year’s UCI Cycling World Championships.
In partnership with Scottish Cycling, the Ford Urban Hill Climb will give amateur riders a unique chance to test themselves on the infamous 14% gradient on Montrose Street.
Alongside the full Montrose Street challenge, there will also be the Ford Wee Urban Hill Climb for those of any age or ability who want to find out what it feels like to ride up Montrose Street on a traffic-free road.
Samantha Allen, Event Lead of Ford RideGlasgow, said: “The Montrose Street climb has become famous the world over thanks to last year’s UCI Cycling World Championships. The Ford Urban Hill Climb is a unique chance for people to give it a go themselves on traffic-free roads while the Wee Urban Hill Climb is an opportunity for anyone, no matter how young or old, to experience what cycling up it really feels like. Both events are a great addition to the first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle on Sunday 9 June, a new, free event that is open to all and provides a rare chance to cycle on traffic-free roads in the heart of the city.”
Fraser Johnston, Scottish Cycling Head of Clubs, Coaching and Events said: “We're delighted our Rock Up & Ride team will be delivering this fun, accessible Ford Urban Hill Climb for all ages and abilities on Glasgow's Montrose Street. It was just 10 months ago that the cycling world was obsessed with the 14% climb during the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships last August, and we can't wait to return for the Ford RideGlasgow on Sunday 9 June.”
Glasgow Life Director of Culture, Tourism & Events, Billy Garrett, said: “Last summer’s UCI Cycling World Championships shone the global media spotlight on Glasgow, and the world watched as thousands lined the streets to cheer on the elite competitors as they raced around the city streets.
“Cyclists battling up steep Montrose Street received some of the loudest, most enthusiastic encouragement from spectators, and the images broadcast from that thrilling section of the races put the street on the map as never before. The Ford Urban Hill Climb and Wee Urban Hill Climb offer cyclists of any level of ability the chance to challenge themselves pedalling up the famous incline. We’d encourage as many people as possible to join in, and to make the most of the opportunity to enjoy riding on traffic-free roads in the city centre on Sunday 9 June as ‘The Power of The Bike’ is celebrated during Glasgow’s first-ever Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle.”
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships held in Glasgow last August brought fame to Montrose Street, where crowds flocked to cheer on the world’s best riders as they tackled the energy-sapping challenge on multiple laps of the city under the spotlight of global media. Since then, the 200m climb has shot up the bucket lists of cyclists around the world.
To ensure everyone has a chance to take on the challenge, cyclists have a choice of two distances to tackle: a full Urban Hill Climb up the 200m length of Montrose Street, and a Wee Urban Hill Climb of half the distance.
The Ford Urban Hill Climb will begin from the intersection of George Street and Montrose Street and Scottish Cycling will time individual’s efforts from the bottom to the top of the climb. The Ford RideGlasgow Wee Urban Hill Climb will take place simultaneously for those looking for a less competitive experience, enabling them to go at their own pace.
Both cycling challenges will take place between 10:00 and 13:00 on Sunday 9 June and are free to enter, with no need to register. People can just join in on the day as part of Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up & Ride initiative. If people want to let us know they intend to take part, click here.
The two challenges are part of the inaugural Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle, a free event allowing everyone – of all ages and abilities – to enjoy cycling, on any type of bike, around four miles of traffic-free roads in the heart of the city, past some of Glasgow’s iconic landmarks, on Sunday 9 June from 10:00 until 16:00.
The Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle route includes Glasgow Green, Trongate, Merchant City and George Square. People can hop on and off their bikes wherever – and whenever – they choose and do as many laps of the four-mile route as they like. There are also two Festival Zones, at George Square and Glasgow Green, where people can enjoy a variety of fun, bike-themed activities.
Free Led Rides have been organised from the north, south, east and west of the city to take people into the city to enjoy the FreeCycle route under the guidance of experienced ride leaders. These are family-friendly rides and anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult. To take part in one of the Led Rides, you must register before the event which you can do at fordrideglasgow.co.uk or by clicking here.
The Led Rides start from:
North (09:30 departure): Springburn Station G21 4TP (in partnership with JG Cycles and its cycling club).
East (09:30 departure): Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG (in partnership with Glasgow Green Cycle Club).
South (09:30 departure): Queen's Park, 120A Queen's Drive, Glasgow G42 8QN (in partnership with BikeForGood).
West (09:00 departure): Drumchapel Cycle Hub, 195 Drumry Road East, Glasgow G15 8NS (in partnership with Drumchapel Cycle Hub).
People interested in joining a Led Ride should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the departure time for a briefing by the ride leaders and bike check.
The Led Rides are supported by Ford’s Park the Car campaign, which encourages drivers to leave their cars at home for short journeys and cycle instead. You can read more about the campaign here.
Entry to the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle is completely free. You can register in advance at www.fordrideglasgow.co.uk or just turn up on the day to enjoy the ride.
London Marathon Events has organised the inaugural event following the huge success of Glasgow hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – which highlighted Glasgow’s commitment to be a bike-friendly city and helped build a lasting legacy that has inspired so many to make cycling part of their lives.
The Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle is supported by Glasgow City Council and culture and sport charity Glasgow Life.
For more information on the Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle, the Ford RideGlasgow Urban Hill Climb and Wee Urban Hill Climb, visit www.fordrideglasgow.co.uk
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