Ollie's Sa Calobra Hill Climb Challenge | In Pursuit Of A Cycling Personal Best

[@gcn]

Which climb do you have unfinished business with?

[@georgehyde2047]

A climb that was seen in the indoor vs outdoor called private drive is brutal

[@jonnythelegs2597]

Well done fella, a PB is a PB. Trip socks and taped vents for the win 👌

[@ryanthomas5937]

Velo Rosa Tring to do a sub minute up it

[@troycollett8540]

Willunga hill in Adelaide

[@domestik834]

Mur de Huy. Favourite climb since i saw the tour de france there. But so hard to put a good time there if you need to cycle 100km to get there and 100km back.

[@FriendlyFarmMachineryToolCpBel]

This is why GCN picking up Ollie was such a great idea! Ollie is no slouch as a cyclist, but, he retains that "I am an everyday" kinda charm that allows the rest of us to think, "hey, I could do that!" Even though we can't, at least we can dream. That is inspiring Ollie, Thanks!

[@biketrybe7071]

Well said.

[@aoe76]

Did it in 55 minutes 😂 first time 10,2 km. Distance. But weight is a matter 🫣 my 88 kg. Is to much and Covid in the body 1,5 week ago and 47 years of age, my goal was just to do it in one take, i achieved my goal.. now i should loose 10kg and it should be a lot faster.

[@aoe76]

Exiting to see how fast improved Ollie would climb it today 😊

[@hornetluca]

I like Ollie because he's a modest guy

[@fancifulrat]

I totally agree , Ollie , Si and Jon are the best .

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Dan's old Canyon ✔ 2kg weightloss ✔ Assos Aerobitchtit Suit ✔ 3 months Opie's time wasted ✔ Bottle removed ✔ Bottle cage removed ✔ Bartape removed ✔ Single chainring installed ✔ LackofPower2max spider power meter ✔ Windtunnel calculations ✔ Incontinencal Supersonic tyres ✔ 6 seconds improvement. This could be my favourite GCN video ever.

[@Bendersnatchling]

A bit mean, but VERY funny.

[@lodvaessen]

Hahahahahaha

[@Dayumhesgood]

lmfao this got me hahahahaha

[@Dayumhesgood]

p.s: nice payback for the shoutout at 7:42

[@robbchastain3036]

Well, Ollie does seem like the type who buys into marginal gains.

[@bosschu]

people kept saying Ollie is not as strong as the other presenters, come on, he's you and me, he represents us club riders, it brings the contents closer to us, not only awe to what the presenters can do, but also try ourselves.

[@dylan-5287]

Funny seeing this comment. Now Ollie's stronger than most of the other presenters.

[@st939]

That's the thing, your biggest opponent is yourself, the greatest challenges in life are about besting yourself and it's all mostly in the head. Great spirit.

[@jaimeisreal]

Emma Pooley still has the QOM from 2013. Amazing! :O

[@kakarot2430]

This is quite sad to think that she is not with GCN anymore 😔

[@jaimeisreal]

@@kakarot2430 Seriously? :( Must have been recent. I'm sort of new to this channel. It seems that GCN goes through hosts/presenters quite quickly (Matt's gone too). I'm sure it has nothing to do with GCN in a bad way. They (the hosts that leave) probably find better employment opportunities. That would be my guess as to why they leave.

[@kakarot2430]

@@jaimeisreal yep. She posted it on her Instagram.

[@Mububban23]

I didn’t know she’d left 😢

[@kakarot2430]

Even though she is not match Matt's entertaining skill but she is a great role figure for us.

[@jon4739]

This is one of my favorite videos I have seen on GCN over the years. The editing, the cinematography, the sound track at the perfect time and the raw emotion at the end from Ollie. I have always loved the slap stick side in years past but this video....this video.... I am at a loss... I just want the other presenters to give Ollie a hug at the end and tell him great job....One amazingly great job....

[@gcn]

Thanks Jon, super chuffed you loved it!

[@zirjayvillanueva8876]

Agreed, everything was awesome and Ollie just makes it even better. That opening sequence alone is epic.

[@davidhuck1683]

325 Watts for 30 Min. is just amazing for a non Pro. Whatever the time....you did very well. I love such clips. Greets form Vienna!

[@ironmantooltime]

Especially for such a waif as Ollie 😄

[@cristiansimonsalgado8418]

David Huck all depend of the wheight

[@davidide1525]

“ I’m going to keep trying”, that’s the spirit Ollie. Great video !

[@maddogmtb]

Just lost the admiration of my daughter when I told her my best time was 1hr 19min. “That’s rubbish” she said. Wounded. Only 67,467 faster times to beat 😕

[@brianmessemer2973]

What a motivation to though..."for my daughter's admiration..."

[@twatts4436]

Everyone else's time is irrelevant.If you gave it your all (or all you wanted to give) then you should be proud. If your daughter thinks she can so better, tell her to do so!

[@maddogmtb]

Thomas Watts. She’s only 13!

[@lisapet160]

@@maddogmtb In a couple of years you'll set new PRs or she'll admire you just for the ability to deal with that climb. Or BOTH, and I wish you that! From my perspective, 1-19 is darn impressive as is.

[@ironmantooltime]

Triple the pro time is indeed rubbish mate she's not wrong. Time to HTFU 😘

[@lmc333]

You are a winner in my book, anyone who tries all their best is a winner ! Ollie, you are the best!

[@marklucas8110]

Brilliant effort Ollie. As you say, conditions weren't quite right on the day. I'm sure you'll crack it though. Another great video from GCN crew.

[@gcn]

Thanks Mark

[@Joshuavoice29]

Seriously good effort. I don't doubt that you will conquer that climb.

[@LarsRR]

This really motivated me on my ascent of Sa Calobra today. I was 6 seconds off Ollie‘s time and gave it my all. I now know what it takes to push it up there and have even more respect for you, Ollie!

[@johnpotter4555]

Another super "cycling noir" video from GCN. We have all been in that situation Ollie, well done.

[@rosson1983]

I didn’t deserve to watch this for free. GCN pushing out some epic, high-quality content in videos like this. Also, Ollie is a naturally easy to watch and listen to presenter. Corking vid.

[@gcn]

Naww, thanks Rosson, thanks for tuning in as always!

[@amaurymunoz3671]

I'll preface my comment with this: I really feel like a parent choosing a favorite child for saying this but... Ollie has to be my favorite GCN presenter. I love the earnestness with which he approaches every challenge. I've been watching Ollie's personal challenge videos since his Cycling Weekly's Project 49 and his Hill Climbs. Always get emotional at the end regardless of whether he accomplished what he's set out to do and worked so hard to accomplish! I especially love the fact that he doesn't come from a professional cycling background. Shows what we could all achieve if we push ourselves. Way to go Ollie!

[@Stefanosinf]

Very nice video, loved the camera work & the edit, steadily good content. :) Great effort Ollie! p.s. That skin suit, the "V" design on the back (and front), i don't know.... I think Assos should rework that.

[@olivertindall7872]

Yep the assos g-string needs to go

[@RobJHarmer]

Seconded for the production quality ...Ollie in 16:9 is a beautiful thing. 🤩

[@Stefanosinf]

@@LrMdrd :p

[@Stefanosinf]

@@LrMdrd :p

[@stayfido]

I agree!!! BMC had that design on their skinsuits too. Looks like a bikini bottom. Ugh!

[@SpeshaIK]

Well done Ollie! I love your attitude and determination to nail this goal. While I love all the GCN presenters, I especially look forward to the videos featuring Ollie. Keep up the great work all!

[@daness40]

What a piece of art this video was. Very similar to Col Collective. Inspirational for sure. Thanks for bringing great content. And Ollie, phenomenal work.

[@gcn]

Thanks, Dane 👍

[@TheSadcyclist]

Probably been said before, excellent filming, static, drone and moving images, along with editing, and Ollies not bad at putting the message over about cycling, hopefully more videos like this.

[@ac55699]

Gotta say Ollie is such a role model. All of you guys are and our hero. Keep it up everyone.

[@mikesima9396]

you are all class, keep at it! some old famous dude once said and it rings true, Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

[@jaycollins6792]

Mate you still smashed it nice work.

[@beeble2003]

Brave to do that on camera. Congratulations on the PB -- great effort!

[@chiefrocker12]

Not sure what I like more, GCN cycling tech or the true nature of all the presenters.... especially Ollie's humble nature. Kudos to all of you GCNer's !

[@gcn]

Thank you Ravin, we're lucky to have such a good bunch!

[@fritzcoleman4915]

This was so good! Keep trying! This was so inspirational to get out and keep going for goals that push you.

[@daveoneill5449]

Top effort Ollie, you went past me like I was stopped 😂🚴🏻‍♂️

[@nikhilsai9613]

Ollie is a kind of friend that everybody needs to have in their lives. Such an down to earth fellow, I can feel humility in the way he interacts..

[@matthewlawrence2976]

Ollie, thank you for making this video. I loved it. The tech, the prep, the commitment to reach a very personal goal and the suffering, oh the suffering. You will break 30mins when the weather is right mate. Well done, respect.

[@ronbyers9912]

Loved the effort. Sa Calobra in less than 30 minutes is a wonderful personal challenge. Clearly possible and yet oh so difficult. Way to try Ollie.

[@86309]

Good job O. Wind in your face is everything.

[@glansberry]

Ollie, you're an inspiration. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to. Bravo!

[@DarkpowderUK]

Good to finally see the Ollie video, that I was expecting since he joined the channel. Chilled out, just him mainly, and great presentation. Gives a great insight into the times when it's just you and the bike out there.

[@msudz1548]

Biggest challenge is always beating yourself mentally and physically. Your personal goal should always be your biggest motivation to better yourself which you proved in the clip hands down committed and driven to be the best YOU can be.. awesome to see you beat your best time but better still see you want to break your personal goal !! Well done

[@jamskof]

So impressed with ollies presenting skills. Top class.

[@garethbe]

The production of this video is amazing...

[@gcn]

Glad you like it Gareth 👍

[@Lummers70]

Amazing effort Ollie. Not making it under 30 (judging by all the comments) somehow made it better as it shows your human. Certainly builds the suspense for the next try😉👍 can’t wait!

[@GOLTEB]

I really like Ollie, of all the presenters he's the most somehow relatable though i love the all

[@MeganBennettAu]

Fantastic video and stunning cinematography. You guys are really taking it to the next level!

[@53glowe]

You have grown into the GCN presenter's role beautifully Ol. I look forward to your individual pieces to camera each time. Keep up the great work...chapeau 👍

[@Rorschach71lm]

Ollie - love the effort you showed. I’m genuinely inspired by your determination to succeed and keep trying. That’s the kind of motivation us mere mortals all need and you gave us that here, so thank you!

[@donball370]

Ollie, finally had the chance to experience riding SA Calobra while on holiday. Stunning. An early start was certainly worth it. 30 minute target .... brutal finish. Coffee break at the end was well earnt. We will be back 😁

[@bondy284]

Awesome 👏 PB effort. Wonderful visuals and music as well👍🇦🇺

[@jnchacon]

Ollie... You just inspired a lot of cyclist. Thank you.

[@lebowskii98_9]

Nice effort Ollie! Next time you guys should book a whole week or two and wait for good conditions. No point attempting with a head wind; getting a PB is mighty impressive!👍

[@robbchastain3036]

Don't tell him that, he might stay for the entire summer, sort of like his own endless summer :)

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Ollie, you keep setting goals and destroying yourself, we will keep watching! Super stuff!!

[@sudduthjonathan]

Great job! You’ll get it...just keep trying and one day everything will go your way. There’s nothing I admire more than someone trying their best to beat themselves and get better. We compare ourselves too much to other people. It prevents a lot of people from doing things that they otherwise could. No matter how fast or slow you are, there will always be someone that is faster and slower than you. Be the best that you can be, like Ollie.

[@timowen5741]

Great video, still a tremendous performance and I love Ollie’s “never give up, this ain’t over” attitude. Very inspirational.. 👏 👏

[@matthewlott5148]

Incredible effort well done!!!! Need a sunny still day in the summer

[@Return2Bass88]

Valiant effort Ollie!!! Hats off to you fella! Brilliant....

[@kevinking7673]

Ollie I really enjoyed that. By moving over to GCN Ollie is providing great pieces of work for the channel. Thank you. Ollie you have tremendous skill and natural ability to present a topic that give the regular cyclists and the old men on bikes inspiration that make us push just a little harder on the training rides.

[@foxti40]

Well done Ollie build on the PB mate did Yorkshire proud

[@jodaefauser2911]

DANKE for that fantastic video and gonna try again that beauty of a climb in March - keep going and providing us in future that kind of great videos and regards from Germany

[@ncr323]

My respects on your determination Ollie. I am more than confident you will succeed and you will be amazed of your results. As you said about the rocky movie, Persistence is the key. Cheers from Puerto Rico. "May the pedalling never stop"

[@pobg]

Ollie's the man. Like hes been here from the start. Smashing out the specials. Thanks guys

[@jeffjensen4532]

You, for me, are easily the most relatable of all the fantastic GCN hosts! Perhaps some day I'll see you on this beautiful climb! GCN should get you into some local amateur races! I would, quite frankly, love to see you do all of that! Go get 'em!

[@craighill8974]

Thanks for the inspiration, Ollie!! I just climbed Sa Calobra for the 1st time (amazing road) and did it in one hour. Can't wait for you to try again in CY2023 and know you'll reach your goal!!

[@Latchfpv]

Fantastic effort Ollie, you got this man. Always impressive the commitment you have.

[@PumpkinVillage]

Outstanding videos and effort. Awesome. What a road. Another personnel best. Give her another go for sure. Take care, Al

[@nathank9288]

Great video - still miss Ollie’s vlogs on the ‘other channel’. Spent my year in Taiwan watching those. Keep them coming!

[@bugboy152000]

#GCN so inspirational Oli! Some of my favorite content is you challenging yourself so hard. You have a warriors spirit!

[@griff9290]

Congrats Ollie--well done! You showed some improvement, which is awesome. I'm sure you'll get the rest next time. Way to go!

[@MaximvanWijk]

Thanks Ollie! Quite inspirational this. Especially since I am leaving for Mallorca tomorrow to face the first serious climbs of my cycling life. Can't wait!

[@gcn]

Woohoo! You're gonna love it Maxim!

[@bmccall30]

Every bit inspirational as watching you succeed is watching you try. Thousands will be encouraged, or shamed, into getting out of their chairs and out on their bikes because of the effort you gave here. Another great GCN video. Excuse me now, I have to go lose some weight. Damn it...

[@jongoerke]

Great effort Ollie! We’ve all got those climbs that we use to define ourselves. Good luck on your future efforts. Respect.

[@treyquattro]

the thrilla in Mallorca. Great effort! I'm sure you'll do under 30 minutes next time. My adrenaline is through the roof just watching you try!

[@ironhanglider]

Wouldn't that be the corker in Mallorca?

[@GoProKMH]

You have me beat Ollie. I really like you sense of humor and motivation. Keep being the best you can, as will I. : )

[@2bteachable2]

Bravo Ollie! You are quite the inspiration! Sa Calobra in just over 30 minutes is outstanding. It would probably take me 1.5 hours to complete that climb.

[@compassionsix]

Chapeau 🎩 Doing your best is always a first place 🥇 finish!

[@timcostello4408]

What a fantastic honest funny video Ollie. Great numbers and clearly the weather was the factor 😀. Looking forward to the next attempt

[@kazimirsmith]

325 watts for 30 minutes is superb! nicely done, ollie and best of luck for the next try on the climb

[@consoulshi8299]

So many of us who watched are going to be anticipating your next attempt! Think about it - how many people knew you were working on this and trying it every year before you made this video. How many know now? Thousands of people! We are all rooting for you and I'd wager it will help you to think about this during your next attempt. Please make another video next year - even if it isn't "the day" again!! Thanks :-)

[@kaarelH]

Absolutely top stuff! Amazed about the quality of the content you manage to put out.

[@gcn]

Thanks!

[@denisfialka7073]

Ollie you are absolute star man

[@alistaircassidy]

Phenomenal effort, Ollie. A real inspiration.

[@davehollingworth5537]

Top effort Ollie, well done! You'll be back (and maybe you have been, I realize this vlog is a year ago now). hope to visit Mallorca in Sept, not even sure i'll be brave enought to LOOK at Sa Calobra never mind ride it! Thanks GCN, Thanks Ollie.

[@andreas-linden]

I love that climb! Mallorca is the best place in the world for cyclists. Well done and beautiful video!

[@jacobmarx8184]

One of your best edits GCN 👏 to who ever shot it too.

[@gcn]

Cheers Jake 👌

[@MarkJones-bc5vx]

Great effort Ollie! You’ve inspired me to create a challenge for myself this year.

[@kristiandawe85]

I wouldn't even care about my time on the climb, for me it's all about being out on the open road, and that road where he did the climb is gorgeous.

[@trinirider1558]

Just make sure you ride it out of season or avoid peak times, I have been to Majorca and Sa Calobra a number of times and I have seen it like a car park in the Summer...

[@stefanjepp6612]

Thats me too! I have done some climbs of the Tour de France and each of them was a pleasure.For me it is grat to reach the top, that is all I want, time does not matter! There are so many fantastic climbs inthe world, so just go up any makes me happy!

[@craighill8974]

Thanks for the inspiration, Ollie. I did my first ride up Sa Calobra in September, and it was fabulous!!

[@gcn]

Nice one! It's a great climb! 🙌

[@davekelly7165]

Emma Pooley, QOM 30:52 Apr 3, 2013. Just saying, as you didn't!

[@Davepool_TF-69]

Kick-Ass effort, Ollie. Well done! 👍

[@G0rillaBiscuit]

I really enjoy Ollie's cycling vlogs. I don't know if he has a key role in the production of them, but they seem to be a bit better than other presenters. (Similar to when he was on Cycling Weekly). Keep it up guys, this was great.

[@wsbull78]

Congratulations on the PB olllie! Absolutely incredible effort! Great video!

[@Ystadcop]

Great vid, Ollie. How I've missed Sa Colobra in 2020, and I'm sure that thousands of others have too. Back to normal in 2021, we hope. Thanks.

[@phillwhitlam6999]

Well done Ollie another great video. true Yorkshire grit. Gerronweit ya woos.

[@JuicySweetMaster]

Great video guys. We all need a challenge to push our limits. Ollie, you got sub-30 min in you-I know it! I’m new to the channel, but love what you bring to the content. Keep it up!

[@paadams26]

Trying is everything. Success is a bonus, but you don't need a bonus to live. Well done and I am looking forward to you next effort.

[@ssmmothers]

Loved that mate.well done..you’ll get your pb.no doubt.👍👊

[@AgingBoy]

Never give up! That’s the spirit and most important

[@padraic8873]

Great inspiration Ollie!

[@martinh2783]

Really good effort Ollie.

[@DimanthaW]

Nice, Ollie's challenges are always fun to watch.

[@jonwilliams8366]

Fantastic film, great effort and amazing camera work. 👌

[@janekennet]

Ollie you are awesome. Great effort and I look forward to the video when you achieve your goal.

[@myminx]

Great work Ollie , i love how real the effort is on the VLOG. Remember though the best Rocky is IV !!!

[@AronJohnston]

I got caught out on this climb in the middle of summer, lunch time in 38 degree heat with a hangover. Ruined me, big props to the lady in the cafe at the top that provided cold wet towels and sat me down - respect these climbs! Well done Ollie!

[@84imreplica]

Big 'thumbs up' Ollie. Well done, lad.