Alright, folks – the IOM Hill Climb Championships are coming up this weekend, and if you’re looking to squeeze out every last bit of power on the climbs, you’re in luck. Brad’s been there, done that, and probably left a few people gasping for air in the process. So here are Brad’s top 5 tips to help you climb like a pro and crush the competition this weekend! 👊🚀
1. 🚀 Pace it Like a Pro
Look, it’s a race, so you’ll need to push harder than your usual training climb – but don’t get carried away at the start. It’s tempting to go full gas from the gun, especially if others are attacking early, but Brad says hold your nerve.
👉 Start at about 90–95% effort – you want to build into the climb rather than fade halfway through. If you’ve got the legs, you can always empty the tank in the last 30 seconds when it really counts.
💡 Pro tip: A negative split (getting faster as you go) is the goal – save that final push for when it matters most!
2. ⚙️ Nail Your Gear Choice
Picking the right gear is massive. If you’re grinding in too high a gear, you’ll burn out your legs; too low a gear, and you’ll lose momentum. Brad’s golden rule? Aim for a cadence of 80–100 RPM.
👉 Start the climb in a gear that lets you spin comfortably but still gives you the option to push harder if needed. And don’t be afraid to shift mid-climb – better to adjust than blow up halfway.
💡 Brad’s tip: Pre-ride the course if you can – knowing where the steepest sections are means you can plan your gear shifts in advance.
3. 🚴♂️ Body Position is Everything
Climbing efficiently isn’t just about leg power – it’s about technique too. Brad says staying seated is usually more efficient, but sometimes you’ve got to mix it up.
👉 Stay seated for longer climbs to conserve energy, but if the gradient spikes or you need to respond to an attack, get out of the saddle for a quick burst of power.
👉 Keep your upper body relaxed – no death-gripping the bars! Let the legs do the work.
💡 Brad’s tip: If you do stand, keep it short and powerful – staying out of the saddle too long drains your energy fast.
4. 🌬️ Control Your Breathing
Yeah, you’re going to be gasping – it’s a hill climb, after all – but the key is to keep your breathing under control. Brad swears by deep belly breathing to maximise oxygen intake.
👉 Focus on long, deep breaths rather than shallow chest breathing.
👉 If you’re hyperventilating, slow it down – even mid-climb, a few controlled breaths can help reset your rhythm.
💡 Brad’s tip: Practise breathing techniques in training – it’ll make a huge difference when the pressure’s on.
5. 🧠 Get Your Head in the Game
Hill climbs are brutal – not just physically, but mentally. Brad says the secret is to break the climb into chunks and focus on short, achievable goals.
👉 Instead of thinking about the whole climb, aim for the next bend, tree, or lamppost.
👉 If someone attacks early, don’t panic – stick to your plan and trust your pacing. Most early attackers burn out before the top.
💡 Brad’s tip: Confidence comes from preparation – know the course, have a plan, and trust your training.
🔥 Final Thoughts from Brad
Hill climbs aren’t won by luck – they’re won by smart pacing, solid technique, and a bit of mental grit. Follow these tips, stay cool under pressure, and you’ll have every chance of smashing this weekend’s IOM Hill Climb Championships.
And hey – if you see Brad at the finish line, maybe let him buy you a post-race coffee. You’ve earned it. 😎☕
👉 Good luck this weekend – go out there and smash it! 🚲💥
