hil klim-er
Noun
A cyclist who specializes in climbing hills
Example usage: That hill-climber sure knows how to tackle steep inclines!
Most used in: Areas with a lot of inclines and hills.
Most used by: Competitive cyclists and mountain bikers.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
What is a Hill-Climber in Cycling?
Hill-climbing is a popular cycling discipline that involves riding up a hill as fast as possible. It is a test of strength, endurance, and technique, as well as a great way to challenge yourself and have fun. Hill-climbing races are typically short, around 1-2 miles in length, and feature steep grades of up to 20%.
Hill-climbing requires riders to have a good mix of power and endurance. Riders must be able to sprint up the steepest sections of the course while also having the endurance to sustain their speed over the entire course. Riders must also be able to shift gears quickly and efficiently to maintain their power output as the grade changes.
Hill-climbing is a popular event in competitive cycling. It is often used as an individual event in stage races, and there are several dedicated hill-climbing races held throughout the year. The UCI World Championships include a hill-climbing event, and the UCI World Tour also includes several hill-climbing races.
The world record for the fastest hill-climb is held by Italian rider Vincenzo Nibali, who completed a 1.6 mile course in 4 minutes and 18.4 seconds in 2017. The women's world record is held by American rider Mara Abbott, who set a time of 4 minutes and 36.2 seconds in 2018.
Hill-climbing is a great way to challenge yourself and push your limits. Whether you’re a competitive cyclist or just looking for a way to have some fun, hill-climbing is a great way to do it.
The History of the Term 'Hill-Climber' in Cycling
The term 'hill-climber' first appeared in the early 19th century to describe cyclists who were particularly adept at climbing hills. It was popularised by the French writer Pierre Giffard, who wrote an article in 1891 entitled 'Les Grimpeurs' (The Hill-Climbers).
Hill-climbing competitions became very popular in France during the late 19th century and were later adopted by cyclists in other countries. The first hill-climbing race in England was held in 1895, while in the United States, the first hill-climbing race was held in 1896.
Today, the term 'hill-climber' is still used to describe cyclists who are particularly adept at climbing hills. It is also used to describe those who participate in hill-climbing races, such as the Tour de France, which has featured hill-climbing stages since its inception in 1903.
