Video: David Millar sets time to beat on Maserati Tour de Yorkshire climb

This year’s Maserati Tour de Yorkshire sportive will have a timed climb on each of its three different routes. The Côte de Harwood Dale will also feature in the pro race later in the day, allowing participants to compare their efforts to those of the pros.

The climb is 1.3km long with an average gradient of 7.4%. However, British roads being what they are, that average does conceal a maximum gradient of 16%.

David Millar has set the benchmark after riding the climb for this preview video. He recorded a time of 3m57s.

Giving advice as to how to tackle it, Millar makes reference to the irregular gradient, referring to it as ‘a particularly British climb.’

“I’d recommend taking it easy in the early stages and turning a small gear, as there’s a very steep section early on. Always have in the back of your mind that the last section is going to be very hard – preserve enough energy to stand up and push it over the finish line, where the clock stops and your picture is taken. Let’s see how many of you can beat my time of 3 minutes 57 seconds. Don’t forget to smile when you cross the finish line.”

The smile is for your photo. Every rider will be photographed at the top and will then have that image edited so that Millar appears in shot (presumably struggling behind, looking like he’s been dropped – although the organisers don’t actually say as much).

The 2016 Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride has 40km, 85km and 119km routes with rides taking place on the same roads as the third and final stage of the Tour de Yorkshire pro race on May 1. Each route starts at Cleveland Way, Scarborough before finishing on Scarborough seafront on Royal Albert Drive.

To find out more, click here.   

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said:

“The Maserati Tour de Yorkshire Ride offers participants a beautiful landscape, a real sporting challenge and the chance to cross the same finish line as the pro racers, and I’m sure it will be an unforgettable day.  I’d encourage riders to take the opportunity to make the most of Yorkshire’s beautiful coast and moors and stay for a few days – there really is something for everyone in this area of the county.”