Top 5 climbs in North American racing

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We ask the pros about their favourite – and most notorious – ascents

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Riders pass a creek on the way to Independence Pass(Image credit: Jonathan Devich epicimages.us)

Compiling a list of top five climbs is kind of like asking people what their favourite song is. There are just too many good choices with their own characteristics, attributes and even flaws that make it difficult to stuff them into neat rankings. So we went straight to the experts to get a sense of what the current crop of racers think about some of the best-known ascents they’ve raced up on their way to the WorldTour. We surveyed a small group of riders who have recently found success in North America, asking them to share their lists with us and briefly explain their choices.

Pat Malach

Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Pat competed in his first bike race in 1985 at Flathead Lake. He studied English and journalism at the University of Oregon and has covered North American cycling extensively since 2009, as well as racing and teams in Europe and South America. Pat currently lives in the US outside of Portland, Oregon, with his imaginary dog Rusty.