Nichols returns to reclaim Monsal crown

Abi Plowman is first-time winner in women's race

The iconic Monsal Hill Climb has been drawing crowds since 1930 and this year was no different, despite wet conditions. Receiving their cheers was Andy Nichols (Team Lifting Gear Products), who was the king of the climb for the second time in three years, while Abi Plowman (Jadan Vive le Velo) took her debut victory in the women’s event.

“It was a bit of a grim one today,” said Nichols. “There was some slippiness, so we were having to run really low pressures – you’re never going to break any records in those conditions.

“The weather did dry out a little bit, but it must have been worse spectating than riding in that weather.”

At just 675 yards long and with a flat start to build speed, the iconic climb is short but brutal, with a maximum gradient of 15.9%.

Nichols added: “It’s the big hill-climb in this area that everyone has heard of. It’s the one you want to win if you get a chance.”

Nichols, from Sheffield, also won on Monsal in 2021 before missing last year’s event after breaking his leg and having knee surgery.

This season he was not to be denied, recording a winning time of 1.20 – as Malcolm Elliott’s course record of 1-14.2 set in 1981 remains for another year.