Earlier in October this year, TAAP Kalas rider Harry MacFarlane won the men’s British National Hill Climb Championships by climbing to the summit of Dipton Mill Road in 3 minutes and 9 seconds.
MacFarlane won the men’s race on a 16-year-old bike built on a 2008 Cervelo RS chassis with graffiti and some “pretty dated” kit.
Harry’s winning bike ‘goes viral’
(Image credit: Future (Andy Jones))
Cycling Weekly caught up with the 26-year-old from London’s Wimbledon to find out how preparation before competition helps him.
How does it feel to be a national mountain climb champion?
I’m just a little confused. I really hope to get on the podium this year, it seems possible, but I don’t think winning is possible. So I was kind of like, okay, what happened?
What’s your secret to climbing mountains?
When climbing hills I always sprint out of the saddle first to gain speed and then stay in the saddle as long as possible. I learned during that time that once you’re out of the saddle, you can’t really sit down. When I sat down I noticed the wattage dropped. All my climbs have always been a negative split in terms of how I take it [faster second half]sometimes by choice, but mostly because I ended up having so many. I’ve always been able to hit big sprints on the line. My pacing strategy at Nationals, though, was to get over my head, ride like 30 seconds before the end of the race, and just hold on for dear life. I wanted to leave everything on the road.
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What power output are you expecting at the Nationals?
I thought it might be 580 [watts]but I said to myself at the beginning, “Let’s try to do more, and either give it our all or fail.” So my goal is around 600. Unfortunately, I forgot to calibrate my power meter, so I know my power was a little low. I was a little under 600, but I know I was actually a little over 600. The second half was all about feel. [MacFarlane’s winning time was 3:09.]
You work for e-bike company Forest Bikes in London – do e-bikes help with your training?
It’s a sustainable charity bike company, so I commute to get off work every day on an electric bike, which I think helps a lot. It helps me build a huge base throughout the year. The commute takes two hours round trip, and sometimes I ride more during the day when I go to work, so I’ve already cycled four hours in zones 1 and 2.
What’s next on the agenda?
I’m currently building a gravel bike. To me, gravel is the most fun way to ride. It’s a little crazy if you’re on the road all the time, so I wanted to mix it up and have fun and get muddy.
Fast steamer…
Cycling idol?
Lucas Brunelle (American film producer and YouTube personality).
Climbing fuel?
Either full English or loads of Haribo Fangtastics.
Dream contest win?
The one I just won.
Favorite place to ride?
Not Regent’s Park. Probably Spain.
Cafe stop for snacks?
Breakfast burritos from Giro, Esher (UK)
Celebratory drinks?
I drank countless pints of Guinness after the Nationals game and had a Wetherspoon.
Guilty secret?
I smoked for 10 years – still climb mountains, but not as well.
Next game?
Don’t know – I’m taking it easy the rest of the year.
What’s the best thing about being a national champion?
Well, my ’16 bike has taken off, which is fun.
Is it raining outside or is it turbo?
external.
This article originally appeared in Cycling Weekly magazine. Subscribe now And never miss a question.
