What goes up, must come down – and that’s the mantra backed by British Cycling and Sky after a campaign was launched to find the best hill in the country to descend.
The nationwide poll – with each hill judged on location, views, where it takes them, historical significance and what the hill means to the rider – marks the launch of Sky Ride 2011.
The general public – vote here – and a panel of three judges, including four-time Olympic track cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, will shortlist the entries before deciding on the UK’s best descent.
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in one of the fantastic Sky Ride events this summer and it’s great to be so involved in the campaign,” said Hoy.
“What makes a hill perfect to cycle down? Well, that’s up to you. It might be the amazing view from the top, the sense of achievement from getting there, the memories you have from riding down it, or the fact that it takes you to your favourite place – whatever hill springs to mind, we want to know and why.”
The Sky Ride series – traffic-free rides helds in cities across the UK – attracted more than 200,000 cyclists last year, with at least 13 events already lined up for this year, kicking off in Ipswich on June 12.
The scheme aims to get one million people cycling regularly (at least once a month or 12 times a year) by 2013.
“Together with Sky we want to inspire people to get out on their bikes and enjoy cycling, whether for a sport, a hobby or as a way to get fit,” said British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake.
“After the success of Sky Ride 2009 and 2010, we’re back in 2011 honouring great hills for cycling down and giving you the opportunity to get out on your bike and ride alongside stars such as Victoria Pendleton and Sir Chris Hoy.”
To nominate your perfect hill and to find out more about Sky Ride, head to www.goskyride.com
Sky Ride
Ipswich – June 12
Birmingham – July 3
Middlesbrough – July 10
Bradford – July 31
London Borough of Hillingdon – July 31
Manchester – August 7
Blackpool – August 14
Southampton – August 14
Barking and Dagenham – August 21
Hull – August 21
Leicester – August 28
Mayor of London’s Sky Ride – September 4
Glasgow – September 11
