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

Cycling is a sport where the pursuit of personal bests from riding bikes up hills is glorified. Like many of us Ollie has a particular climb that he's targeted, and it just happens to be Sa Calobra in Mallorca. But can he ride up it in under 30 minutes?
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📹 Ollies Sa Calobra Bike | gcntech.co/sacalobrabike
Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
Lost In America (Instrumental Version) - Daniel Kadawatha.
Ether - Jakob Ahlbom.
Hurrungane - Luwaks.
_All but Me (Instrumental Version) - OTE.
Cinematic Drums 1 - Rannar Sillard.
Diversion - Brendon Moeller (1).
If Only I Was a Poet (Instrumental Version) - Staffan Carlén.
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
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Leave us a comment below!

[@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.

[@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

[@jaimeizreal8810]

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

[@kakarot2430]

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

[@jaimeizreal8810]

@@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]

@@jaimeizreal8810 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.

[@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 😘

[@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.

[@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.

[@daveoneill5449]

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

[@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!

[@davidide1525]

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

[@johnpotter4555]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@lmc333]

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

[@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 👍

[@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!

[@davekelly7165]

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

[@bondy284]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jaycollins6792]

Mate you still smashed it nice work.

[@pobg]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@fritzcoleman4915]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@matthewlott5148]

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

[@ac55699]

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

[@86309]

Good job O. Wind in your face is everything.

[@beeble2003]

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

[@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.

[@timowen5741]

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

[@Latchfpv]

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

[@MeganBennettAu]

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

[@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

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

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

[@jongoerke]

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

[@clohan88]

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

[@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..

[@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!

[@glansberry]

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

[@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!

[@Davepool_TF-69]

Kick-Ass effort, Ollie. Well done! 👍

[@nathank9288]

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

[@dicktheaspergeron4988]

I was right there with you Ollie. I love that climb and gutted for you, but bloody hell, well done. No one can say anything else, well bloody done mate ! :)

[@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!

[@timcostello4408]

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

[@alanhill7965]

Excellent as always !

[@MarkJones-bc5vx]

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

[@wickrider]

LOVED IT, awesome effort and great video. Thanks for all the superb content and hard work. Cheers,

[@bugboy152000]

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

[@GoProKMH]

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

[@courtdavidson8965]

Bloody brilliant!

[@SchumacherJoerg]

Great video, professionally made. More of these! Great effort Ollie! Keep trying!

[@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 :)

[@foxti40]

Well done Ollie build on the PB mate did Yorkshire proud

[@PumpkinVillage]

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

[@ssmmothers]

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

[@bertbikeblah7204]

Oh, and bloody well done!

[@kaarelH]

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

[@gcn]

Thanks!

[@jamskof]

So impressed with ollies presenting skills. Top class.

[@alistaircassidy]

Phenomenal effort, Ollie. A real inspiration.

[@84imreplica]

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

[@davidwilson917]

Fantastic video Ollie! I love your approach and effort.

[@jnchacon]

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

[@DimanthaW]

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

[@furyl1_neverz91]

Thank God Ollie didn't chop off the drop this time, he has learned his lesson Nice job Ollie!

[@robbchastain3036]

But he could've sprayed the bars gold, ain't no thing to add a little bling.

[@EmileGlorieux]

This video motivates me to go out riding...super nice!

[@nickpike2380]

Great video!!!!! Spot on Ollie. 👍🏽

[@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.

[@garethbe]

The production of this video is amazing...

[@gcn]

Glad you like it Gareth 👍

[@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!

[@myminx]

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

[@olivertorres7452]

Amazing attempt. Inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing the journey.

[@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!

[@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...

[@jonnelsonjdn]

Great effort, and great ride, Ollie! That was some inspiring work you put in - now just do it on a better weather day and you'll have it. Can't wait to see you try for

[@andreas-linden]

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

[@luke_crip]

Ollie should try this same thing again, seeing how he and tech has improved in a span of 3 years

[@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 :-)

[@compassionsix]

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

[@scottleech9571]

Awesome Video this channel just keeps getting better and better .. Bravo

[@wsbull78]

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

[@rodneyhowell3372]

Awesome Ollie, well done!!!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@grantmcalpine6364]

That is some great power numbers. Way to go.

[@stepforward1605]

Good work, Ollie!!

[@leehewitt9559]

Awesome Ollie!!

[@tillo1726]

Great effort Ollie, keep this going you can do it!!

[@padraic8873]

Great inspiration Ollie!

[@winstoncat6785]

Ah, Balearic weather shows itself again. Lovely! Fantastic effort btw. Keep going. You'll get it in the end.

[@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

[@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"