The Bowral Classic is home to some seriously scenic climbs. This year, we’ve got three King / Queen of the Mountain (K/QOM) segments scattered across the courses, and whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just hoping to stay in the saddle, it pays to come prepared. Let’s take a look at this year’s courses:
-
Distance: 152.1km
-
Elevation: 2,393m
-
Max Gradient: 15.2%
-
K/QOM Sections: 3 climbs to test your legs and mindset.
-
Distance: 122.9km
-
Elevation: 2,029m
-
Max Gradient: 15.2%
- K/QOM Sections: 3 climbs to test your legs and mindset.
-
Distance: 85.7km
-
Elevation: 1,324m
-
Max Gradient: 11%
- K/QOM Sections: With 1 K/QOM it’s the perfect introduction to climbing in a stunning setting.
Mind Over Mountain: Tips for Climbing With Confidence
Positive Self-Talk
Your mental game matters. When you feel a climb coming on, remind yourself: “I’ve got this. I will get to the top.” Speak it, believe it, ride it.
Pace Yourself
Don’t attack too early, but hold a steady rhythm. Breathe deeply, relax, and gradually increase your effort toward the top. Visualise climbing in segments — one telegraph pole or tree at a time.
Spin Smart
Use your gears! Professional riders don’t hesitate to use compact gearing neither should you. Find your rhythm and spin, spin, spin.
Relax Your Body
Loosen that death grip… tight arms and shoulders burn energy you’ll want for your legs. Keep upper body movements minimal and smooth.
Use the Road (Safely)
When safe, widen your line around tight corners or switchbacks to ease the gradient. Every little bit helps!
Momentum Matters
Anticipate climbs by carrying speed from any downhill or flat section leading in. Shift early but smart, and don’t let momentum fade.
Training Tips: Get Climb-Ready
Hill confidence isn’t born, it’s built. With some targeted training in the lead-up to the Bowral Classic, you’ll not only feel stronger on the bike, you’ll enjoy those climbs so much more. Here’s how to get started.
Hill Repeats
Find a local hill (200–500m long works well) and do repeat efforts up it. Start with 3–5 repeats at a comfortable pace and build up to 6–10 as your fitness grows. Ride up, recover on the way down, then go again.
Mix Up the Gradients
Train on a mix of short, steep climbs and longer, gentler gradients. This prepares your legs for everything from sharp pinches to sustained grinders.
Strength & Core Work
Off the bike, build your glutes, hamstrings, and core with some basic strength work, think squats, lunges, and planks. A strong core = more stable climbing posture and less wasted energy. Mixing up your training style maintains interest and momentum, so head on back to that Pilates studio or dust off the yoga mat! Cross-training activities like Pilates, yoga, or even light weight training not only build muscular endurance and flexibility, but they also improve your posture and breathing.
So, are you eyeing off the 85km Rouleurs, testing yourself on the 120km Challenge, or going all-in on the 150km Maxi Classic? Register now and we’ll catch you in Bowral this October.
