Three Peaks Cyclocross Provides Another Great Weekend of Triple Mountain Climbing: Full Results and Video

The field stretched out on the way up Ingleborough Fell. © Jack Chevell

written by Jack Chevell

Three Peaks Cyclocross is a unique event, as much in its no nonsense ethos and grassroots organization, as it is a grueling course. Having always turned down offers of corporate sponsorship, the event relies on the enthusiasm of local volunteers, the landlord of the village pub, mountain rescue and a large field of riders, to make the event one of the highlights of the British cyclocross year.

Rob Jebb riding the rocky approach to Pen-y-ghent. © Jack Chevell

The three peaks referred to are the three highest mountains to be found in Yorkshire. Ingleborough (723 metres), Whernside (736 metres), and Pen-y-ghent (694 metres). Sixty kilometers of dizzyingly steep, energy sapping climbs and muddy, rock strewn descents join the summits. This year the event took place under cloudy, but calm, skies. In the past, gales and heavy rain have made it even tougher. Tony, a Three Peaks regular tells me, “Last year was sunny, but it was blowing a gale. People were getting their bikes blown off them! Then of course the year before, that was the epic year.” An exceptionally wet summer meant much of the course was underwater, waist deep in several places. “But that’s Three Peaks, I suppose,” is his matter-of-fact-conclusion.

Finding your own path up the mountain is the fastest way once it gets crowded. © Jack Chevell

This year’s edition was won comfortably by Rob Jebb of Hope Factory Racing. Rob recently represented Great Britain at the Mountain Running World Championships and he used his exceptional running ability to get ahead on the first and steepest climb. From there he was able to hold the gap on the technical descents and win for the eleventh time. I spoke to the Rob after the race and asked if he had tried to beat his old course record in the great conditions, “No. I had a couple of punctures today, and I was 26, 27 when I set the old record. I knew it was perfect conditions today, and I’ve got better bikes than I did then, but I’m just not strong enough now.”

The Men’s podium, 1st Rob Jebb 2nd Nick Craig 3rd Joe Moses. Plus Rob’s kids.© Jack Chevell

The women’s race was won by Verity Appleyard of Brotherton Bikes. I asked Verity to talk me through her race, “There were two massive crashes at the start, and one on the road to Whernside as well. One was right in front of me and I managed to avoid that. I had a couple of punctures but other than that it was uneventful, and I felt good. I’m really, really happy.”

The Women’s podium, 1st Verity Appleyard 2nd Sarah Barber and 3rd Maddie Robinson. © Jack Chevell

Amongst the six hundred competitors was Keith Bontanger, who has completed Three Peaks on five previous occasions. He seemed eager to rest after the finish, but I was able to ask what it was that appealed to him about the event, “It’s so unique, with the steep climbs and those rocky descents. It’s tough though.” He is known for using experimental kit on this event, and was riding a Trek Boone frame set with what appeared to be prototype wheels.

Flandrian support at the bottom of Pen-y-ghent. © Jack Chevell

As soon as the race has finished, it’s straight to the Helwith Bridge Inn for most riders, where recovery comes in the form of ale, pies and the sharing of stories from an extraordinary race and a unique day.

We also were able to find a beautifully shot short film about this year’s course by TechBytes:

Three Peaks Cyclocross, Men's Fields

Three Peaks Cyclocross, Women's Fields