Grimpée Mynydd Du mass start hill climb entries now open

The Mynydd Du is one of the longest continuous climbs in the UK and on Sunday 31st August will host the UK's only mass start hill climb race, the Grimpée Mynydd Du. The climb, which is 7km long and ascends to 493m, has been used in the Tour of Britain and staged the Welsh Hill Climb Championship in 2013.

The Grimpée Mynydd Du takes place the day after the inaugural Monster sportive, itself billed as one of the UK's toughest sportives with over 4,200m of climbing in 190km. The Grimpée Mynydd Du will be 10km in distance, taking in some of the more gradual lower slopes, but will still be a stern challenge rising from 60m elevation to 493m. A three-per-cent gradient on the lower slopes gives way to an six-per-cent gradient for the remaining 7km. 

The event has been inspired by French events in particular the Grimpée L'Alpe, a mass start race up Alpe d'Huez which follows after La Marmotte.

Places are still available and cost £8 each, with a £100 cash prize for the fastest person up the climb. More details and online entry at www.acycling.com/tours/grimpee-mynydd-ddu/

The organisers tell us they already have top riders, including some from UCI continental pro teams, entered into the event.

Photos copyright Anthony Pease