WEST Somerset will take centre stage on the British cycling calendar when the National Hill Climb Championship comes to Porlock on Sunday, October 25.

Organised by Minehead Cycling Club, this prestigious event will see riders battle for National titles on the Porlock Toll Road, a climb known for its spectacular scenery and demanding combination of length, gradient and exposed moorland. The club was awarded the National Championships after many years of successfully running the regional Porlock Hillclimbs.

Hillclimbs are the most intense disciplines in competition cycling. Riders set off individually, racing against the clock, every second counting as they attempt to achieve the fastest possible ascent; there is no peleton to shelter in and no opportunity to draft behind another rider.

Recent championships have been held on very short brutally steep courses which have been won in about three minutes; Porlock Toll Road offers a very different challenge. It’s 4.1 miles at about 6 per cent means that riders will have to judge their efforts carefully, blasting off the start in the shelter of the trees only to fade on the exposed upper section will cost time.

The championship has attracted 520 entries covering ages seven to 77, past champions and possibly future champions. Home talent to watch out for include Nathan Bale, the first rider off at 9.30am; later in the morning Steve Toogood, Lee Musto, Geoff Ware, Tim Rook, James Ware, Janet Hewlett, Robert Myram and Ben Turner are the local heroes.

The riders are seeded, with the top riders starting from 1.30pm. Defending women’s champion Rachel Galler (FTP Race Team) goes at 2.15pm, chasing multiple winner Illi Gardner (Cardiff Ajax). The open class big hitters start at 2.17pm; ones to watch include five times Porlock winner and course record holder (13 minutes 24 seconds) Ed Laverack (ASSOS UK), international star and another past Porlock winner Andrew Feather (HuntBikeWheels). Gabe Dellar (Ride Revolution Coaching) is on great form, starting at 2.18pm. Kieran Wynne-Cattanach (Team Lifting Gear Products) is the top seed and will be the last starter at 2.20pm.

Spectators are very welcome and will be able to experience the racing at close quarters. There is no vehicle access to the Porlock Toll Road which is closed for the day; however access on foot or by bicycle is encouraged. The Toll Road will have a non-competitive access lane set out; proceed cautiously and obey the marshal’s guidance.

The start is by the Village Hall and racers start at 30 second intervals. There is no parking at the start, however there will be free parking signposted from the centre of the village.

A feature of this race is the Exposure Lights Speedtrap; this is a sprint zone at about mile three with a “winner takes all” prize for the fastest male and female rider over a measured section. This can also be accessed with a short walk from the Whit Stones car park.

The finish is at the top of the Toll Road close to the junction with the A39. This is a great place to spectate; it will have free parking, toilets, catering and a natural viewing gallery.

Full details, including a start list, are on the Minehead Cycling club website.