Hillclimbing (cycling)

Hill climbing is a cycling event, as well as a basic skill of the sport. As events, a hill climb may either be an individual time trial (which forbids cooperation, drafting, or team tactics), a road race or in some cases a gravel race. A hill climb is a competition of sustained climbing, that finishes at a higher altitude than the start line. Occasionally featured as stages in major professional races, such as the Tour de France, they are usually referred to as mountain stages. Mountain stages may take the form of a normal road race stage, or an individual time trials. Time trial stages are not necessarily from the bottom to the top of a hill, and can simply be a time trial over hilly terrain.

Hill climbing is one of the key skills required to make cycling more enjoyable. One of the best ways to learn this skill is through practice. There are several ways to practice, solo using intervals or group rides that focus on hill climbs. Being able to tackle hills efficiently can be a "Race Winner" for anyone. Because downhills can be decided in seconds, uphills takes minutes, and being a good climber makes it possible to drop several riders behind.