BRITAIN’S BEST CLIMBS

HILLS YOU NEED TO HAMMER

DEVIL’S ELBOW

The signature climb of both the Dragon Ride sportive (now rebranded L’Etape Wales since ASO acquired organiser Human Race) and Cycling Plus photo shoots, more than lives up to its name.

We were there this issue, in fact, to shoot this month’s main grouptest (p52), and became familiar with every inch of tarmac. It can be approached from either side of the hamlet of Heol Senni in the Brecon Beacons, and the roads converge before you hit the climb, which can be seen, imposing, from a long way out down the valley. Climbing begins a few hundred metres after the roads meet, gently at first but not for long. Unlike Alpine passes where switchbacks offer respite, the two here are some of the most demanding on the entire 2km, 8 per cent climb.