Race Report: The Ups and Downs of the Hillside AM Challenge

On the 23rd of August 2014 the inaugural Hillside AM Challenge took place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The race is 25 kilometers long and features about 615 meters (approx. 2000 feet) of total climbing across a roller coaster of a course that requires full concentration through the many technical sections and good physical condition to deal with the taxing profile.

The course is almost exclusively laid out on singletrack, which meant a limit of 100 racers was imposed to make sure everybody had room to race their own race. Additionally, a Le Mans-style start was used, which spread out the participants right from the start.

"Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines..."

The event was a great success, with many relishing what they called one of the physically most demanding races they have taken part in, and committing on the spot to coming back next year to do it all again, which prompted the organizers to already confirm next year's edition. Says Natasja Jovic of Hillside Cycling, the organizers,"it took a round-the-clock effort to make this race happen, but it was all worth it seeing smiling, mud-covered faces at the finish line".

Hillside AM Challenge 2014 Results (full results)

Men's Final Results:

Björn Dixon - 1:51:31
Olle Wedin - 1:55:09
Fredrik Haga - 1:58:59

Women's Final Results:

Emilia Karlsson - 2:26:35
Jennie Knutsson - 3:13:42
Mikaela Rustén - 3:54:03

Getryggen DH section winner: Björn Dixon - 00:01:07
KOM: Daniel Jonsson - 00:24:41
QOM: Emilia Karlsson - 00:32:53

If you are an adrenaline junkie who likes a tough challenge, mark down August 22, 2015 in your calendar - the Hillside AM Challenge will return!

"Just want to say thanks for a fantastic event! The food made it magical, not to mention the ride! I'm sitting in the car with a smile on my face in spite of my broken rear brake and derailleur; munching on a cookie makes it easy to forget. I'll have to try to lure that recipe out of you."
-Gustav Käck"

"First of all I'd like to express a big thanks to you for arranging this event. It was huge fun even if I thought I was going to die of exhaustion a couple of times during the race. Going to definitely do it again next year if you arrange it again.See you next time!"
-Johan Wilhelmsson

"Thanks for putting together a fantastic event. Everything went great, from the logistics of giving out the race bibs to the food to the race itself. Let the marshals know that they did a great job cheering us on too.The lemonade and energy bars were heavenly...is the recipe a secret?"
-Anders Callerud