Beard Cup Hill Climb

Sunday 11th October 2026
Saddleworth Clarion and Manchester CTC have teamed up to run this year's Beard Cup.  This is a long-established hill climb from Cycling UK in Manchester. 

The hill climb is approximately 1 mile of Huddersfield Road from Diggle village. It starts just after the crossroads of Carr Lane and Harrop Green Lane and ends approximately 200 metres before the junction with A62. Click here for the course route.  The event Headquarters and parking can be found at Diggle Band Club

You can take the race seriously on a stripped down light-weight machine, or participate in the "fun" tourist category.  To qualify as a tourist you will need full mudguards, a rack or saddlebag (large enough to carry spare clothes and lunch), tools, a spare tube and a pump.  All riders must have a helmet and a working front and rear light to comply with Cycling Time Trials requirements.  

Or you can come and cheer the competitors as they fight gravity.

The event is mainly a social event as we celebrate everyone’s achievements with a pie and pint (or tea or coffee) in the Band Club afterwards.