For many riders, the Bowral Classic isn’t defined by one big mountain…it’s remembered for its rolling terrain, punchy climbs and the feeling of cresting another hill before spotting the next one waiting in the distance.
You’ll climb. Recover. Climb again. Then do it all over. But hey, that’s what makes it so rewarding!
Whether you’re taking on the 85km Rouleurs Classic, 120km Challenge Classic or going all in with the 150km Maxi Classic, a little climbing preparation goes a long way.
Know What You’re Up Against
Each Bowral Classic course delivers its own unique challenge.
150km Maxi Classic
- Distance: 152.1km
- Elevation: 2,393m
- Maximum Gradient: 15.2%
- King/Queen of the Mountain Segments: 3
The ultimate Bowral experience. Long, rewarding and packed with climbing that will test both your legs and your pacing.
120km Challenge Classic
- Distance: 122.9km
- Elevation: 2,029m
- Maximum Gradient: 15.2%
- King/Queen of the Mountain Segments: 3
A serious challenge featuring many of Bowral’s signature climbs without quite stretching to the full Maxi distance.
85km Rouleurs Classic
- Distance: 85.7km
- Elevation: 1,324m
- Maximum Gradient: 11%
- King/Queen of the Mountain Segments: 1
The perfect introduction to riding in the Southern Highlands, with plenty of scenery and just enough climbing to leave you feeling accomplished.
Top Tips
1. Ride the Hills Before They Ride You
If you only do one thing before October, make it this:
Find a local hill and keep coming back.
It doesn’t have to be long or steep. A climb of just 200–500 metres is enough.
Ride to the top, recover on the descent, then go again.
Hill repeats are one of the simplest ways to prepare your legs for the repeated efforts you’ll experience throughout the Bowral Classic.
2. Momentum Is Your Best Mate
One of the biggest mistakes riders make is treating the top of the climb as the finish line.
Instead, keep pedalling over the crest.
Carry your speed onto the descent before relaxing.
Those extra few pedal strokes preserve momentum and make every following hill just that little bit easier.
Over an entire Bowral Classic course, those little moments add up.
3. Relax More Than You Think
Watch experienced climbers and you’ll notice something surprising.
Their legs are working hard.
Everything else looks calm.
Keep your shoulders relaxed.
Lighten your grip on the handlebars.
Open your chest so you can breathe deeply.
The less unnecessary tension you carry, the more energy you’ll have when it counts.
4. Strength Off the Bike
You don’t need hours in the gym to become a stronger climber.
Adding one or two sessions each week of simple strength work—think squats, lunges, step-ups and planks—can improve climbing efficiency, stability and reduce fatigue late in long rides.
Pilates and yoga can also improve posture, flexibility and core strength, helping you stay comfortable over longer distances.
5. Train Your Mind as Well as Your Legs
Every rider has that moment on a climb where the mind starts negotiating.
“Maybe I’ll stop at the top”, “How many more hills are left?” The trick is to change the conversation.
Break each climb into small sections, focus on the next corner, or the next tree. Every climb ends eventually, and the satisfaction of reaching the top lasts much longer.
Whether your goal is your first cycling event, a new distance, or a personal best, every hill is simply another step towards the finish line.
So get out there. Find a local climb, build your confidence and embrace the challenge.
Then join us on Sunday 18 October as we celebrate 10 years of The Classics event series and a decade of unforgettable climbs, country roads and finish-line moments.