Saturday 12th September, 2026
Preston Park Youth Cycling Club host Sussex’s only dedicated youth hill climb event on a closed road every Autumn. After 3 years using the hill at Rottingdean, this year we are moving to a new climb at Stanmer Village on the outskirts of Brighton. This a 1km climb with an average gradient of 5.7%, and is perfectly achievable by young riders. Parents of younger riders can ride alongside or behind (but NOT in front), provided they do not impede other riders or get in the way of spectators!
There is parking both in Stanmer Park near the bottom of the hill, and at Upper Lodges car park off Ditchling Road near the top. Stanmer Village has a cafe and public toilets, plus Stanmer House and One Garden are close by for additional cafes.
This event is open to any young person aged 6-16, they don’t need to be a member of a cycling club to take part. There are presentations for the top 3 boy and girl riders in U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 age groups.
All riders must have a bike in good working order. Helmets are compulsory for riders. Depending on the weather, you may need a jacket and weather-appropriate clothing, as in poor weather the South Downs are very windswept and exposed! Regardless of the weather, a water bottle is also important.
How to enter
Advance entry is required so we can plan timings and volunteers. There are no entries on the day.
South Downs Hill Climb series
Riders who are aged 12+ will have further opportunities to compete throughout Autumn in the Le Col South Downs Hill Climb Series, which features Steyning Bostal, Ditching Beacon, Firle Bostal and more. However the PPYCC Hill Climb is the only one that allows U12s to compete and is the only dedicated youth event in the South Downs Hill Climb series.
Course map
Please note: the Start and Finish line are approximate.
