For the final segment of this year’s competition, we come home to Winchester City for a challenging high power and high speed run up Chilbolton Avenue.
At 0.6 miles in length and with a steady average 3.7% gradient this segment presents an opposite challenge to last month’s steep climb up Northington Village Hill. Expect to see higher speeds but no less requirement for full-gas power if you want your time to feature on the leader-board this month.
The segment begins 25 yards or so from the mini roundabout that marks the junction between Chilbolton Avenue, and Stockbridge Road. Initially the road is almost flat as it curves gently to the left before straightening out in front of you, with a low gradient of around 2.5%.
Over the course of the main body of the climb the gradient gently increases as you pass the pedestrian crossing and Post Box on your left, then holding at around 4%. As you approach the next corner at the top of the climb, the gradient rises close to 6%, where the road curves left and then marks the segment end a short few yards before the crest of the hill that then drops down to the Romsey Road junction.
It is estimated that an average speed in excess of 20mph for this climb will be required to top the leader-board this month. Suiting all type of rider, this segment provides an opportunity for many changes to the GC leader-boards in both the Women’s and Men’s GC tables.
As always, please follow the rules of the road, along with any social distancing requirements that may be in place at the time. The link to the segment is here: October Segment