Chris Marshall-bell

Cycling Weekly news writer Is there a better cycling race to spectate at than the National Hill-climb? The noise and atmosphere is rivalled only by Grand Tour climbs. There were Mexicans, a Disney character, a dinosaur; fans hitting spanners against handlebars and blowing vuvuzelas; road chalk encouraging riders to “smile” followed by the admission that “yes, it hurts”. If you’ve never attended, make sure you do at Shelsley Walsh next year.