The Van Rysel RCR-R Pro: Ezra Bateman's Championship-Winning Hill Climb Machine

Unleashing Potential: A Young Champion's Journey to Hill Climb Glory

The British National Hill Climb Championships: A Unique Challenge

The British National Hill Climb Championships often see cyclists meticulously reducing every gram from their bicycles to achieve the lowest possible watts per kilogram. However, this year's event on the challenging Porlock Toll Road presented a different scenario. This Alpine-esque climb, stretching 6.6 kilometers with an average gradient of 5.5%, placed a greater emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency rather than just minimal weight. A significant headwind towards the summit further compelled many participants to opt for aerodynamic bikes, time trial setups, and deep-section wheels, as observed in the event's bike technology showcases.

Ezra Bateman's Dominance: Powering Through with Skill

Despite the trend towards specialized aero configurations, some top climbers prioritize raw physical prowess over extensive bike modifications. This was exemplified by Ezra Bateman, a 16-year-old from Scarborough, who secured the junior boys' title and clocked the fastest time of the day at 14:31:08. His performance narrowly surpassed that of senior men's champion Ed Laverack and runner-up Andrew Feather, demonstrating that sheer talent and effort can often outweigh equipment advantages.

A Season of Triumphs: Bateman's Ascent in Cycling

Bateman's victory at the National Hill Climb Championships was the culmination of an extraordinary season for the Decathlon CMA CGM U19 rider. Throughout the year, he consistently delivered impressive results, coming remarkably close to beating current double national champion Laverack on Snake Pass and matching the 2021 champion Tom Bell's course record on Prospect Hill. His experience also extends to prestigious road races, including an appearance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, underscoring his versatile cycling capabilities.

The Van Rysel RCR-R Pro: Bateman's Trusted Steed

Cycling Weekly's photographers were on site at Porlock to capture the details of Bateman's team-issued Van Rysel RCR-R Pro. This particular model is recognized as Van Rysel's dedicated lightweight climbing bike. Although whispers suggest it might soon be superseded by a more aerodynamically focused prototype, akin to the one Paul Seixas utilized at the Tour de France, its current performance speaks volumes.

Weight and Gearing: Unveiling the Bike's Specifications

Ezra's father, Jon, revealed that the SRAM Force AXS-equipped bike weighs in at a respectable 6.9 kilograms. This weight is quite impressive for a largely stock bike, with only the bottle cages being removed for the race. Notably, Bateman opted against the single chainring setup favored by many competitors for weight savings and aerodynamic benefits. Instead, he utilized a professional-sized 54/41T SRAM Force chainring combination, which included an integrated power meter. While his power data remained undisclosed, presumably due to team directives, it underscores the strategic choices made for optimal performance.

Wheels and Tires: Optimizing for the Course Conditions

The wheel and tire configuration on Bateman's bike also remained standard. He rode 50mm-deep Swiss Side Hadron rims, which were instrumental in reducing aerodynamic drag given his average speed of 27 km/h. These wheels were paired with Continental GP5000 S TR tires. Despite the wet conditions and scattered debris on the course, which might typically tempt a rider to switch to tires with lower rolling resistance, Bateman's consistent performance indicated that such a change was unnecessary for his triumphant ride.