Fred Whitton diversion adds monster Struggle Climb for 2026

Cover photo: James Vincent / Wheelbase

The Fred Whitton Challenge (10 May, Cumbria) is already among the UK’s toughest cycling challenges, but this year’s edition might just be the hardest yet.

A landslip on Kirkstone Pass – usually the first climb on the route – has forced organisers to divert the course for 2026; and, in the true spirit of the Fred, they’ve taken the chance to include another notorious climb, The Struggle, instead.

At 4.6km with an average gradient of 8.4%, the Struggle’s stats only tell half the story: many riders will swear the gradient passes 25% in short sections.

“As most of you are aware, the Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge’s first climb of the day is typically Kirkstone Pass,” explains a post on the event’s Facebook page.

“In November 2025 a portion of the road suffered a significant landslip due to heavy rain and has been closed ever since. We have been monitoring this situation and working closely with the authorities, but sadly repairs wont be ready in time for the Fred Whitton Challenge in May.

“The natural alternative is Kirkstone Rd (a climb known as The Struggle!). It has been agreed that the ride will use this alternative in 2026 and then we should be back to our usual route in 2027.”

The change maintains the same elevation gain as the traditional course, while lopping 5.2 miles off the distance. Doing the maths, that means more climbing per mile… and an opportunity to test yourself on one more of the country’s steepest and hardest road climbs.

“The route will feel a little different year, throwing up new challenges with an earlier steep and difficult climb,” conclude the organisers, “But we’re sure you’ll all embrace it and ride on through!