Cycling sensation claims seven victories from nine events as 91 riders enter one of Sussex’s most iconic climbing challenges.
Ditchling, West Sussex | October 2026
One of the South Downs’ most formidable cycling challenges provided a spectacular celebration of grassroots cycling, as Matthew Ferguson delivered an outstanding performance on Ditchling Beacon to retain his coveted King of the Downs title. The Ditchling Beacon round was hosted by Sussex Nomads CC, the village club based in Ditchling, and formed the finale of the South Downs Hill Climb Series. Phoenix Media Marketing was proud to sponsor the event, which was coordinated by Graham Rees of Sussex Nomads, and our thanks go to Graham and the whole club for putting on such a well run morning.
A remarkable 91 riders entered Sunday’s event, braving a chilly autumn morning to take on one of Sussex’s most celebrated and punishing ascents. With the first competitor setting off at 8.05am, conditions gradually improved as the morning sunshine broke through over the South Downs.
But it was Ferguson who once again stole the headlines.
Matthew Ferguson retains the King of the Downs crown
The reigning King of the Downs has enjoyed an extraordinary season, winning seven of his nine events and finishing third in the remaining two. His consistency and remarkable climbing prowess secured another thoroughly deserved series title.
At Ditchling Beacon, Ferguson completed the ascent in a blistering 4 minutes and 7.4 seconds, averaging approximately 15mph uphill.
For anyone who has attempted to conquer Ditchling Beacon, a climb notorious for its punishing gradient and relentless final bends, the scale of that achievement is difficult to overstate.
Ferguson is no stranger to competing at the highest level, having finished eighth in the prestigious RTTC National Hill Climb Championship in 2025.
A new generation of climbing talent
Perhaps equally inspiring was the extraordinary turnout of younger competitors.
Of the 91 entries, an impressive 19 came from riders under the age of 18, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for competitive cycling among the next generation.
Among them was a remarkable nine year old competitor who conquered Ditchling Beacon in just 7 minutes and 15 seconds, an exceptional achievement on a climb that tests even experienced adult cyclists.
Their participation highlights the inclusive and encouraging nature of the South Downs Hill Climb Series, which continues to provide opportunities for talented youngsters to compete alongside some of the region’s strongest riders.
A passion for cycling that goes beyond competition
For Stuart Farrell-Humphrey, Managing Director of Sussex based Phoenix Media Marketing and a passionate long distance endurance cyclist, the event represents everything that makes cycling such an extraordinary sport.
Having completed some of Britain’s toughest endurance cycling challenges, including the renowned London Edinburgh London event (read about his 957 mile ride for the Sussex Cancer Fund), Stuart understands the physical and mental determination required to push through difficult terrain.
Commenting on the achievements of the riders, Stuart said:
I’ve always had a tremendous love for cycling. There’s something quite extraordinary about what happens when you put yourself on a bicycle, face a difficult climb and discover what you’re really capable of. Having ridden some very long distances myself, I know that cycling is as much about mental strength as physical ability.
What I particularly loved about this event was the contrast between Matthew’s phenomenal performance and a nine year old tackling exactly the same hill. Seven victories from nine events is an outstanding achievement, and climbing Ditchling Beacon in just over four minutes is almost beyond comprehension. But seeing a youngster take on that same challenge at just nine years old is equally inspiring.
That’s the beauty of cycling. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a national level competitor, an endurance rider or a child discovering the sport for the first time. We all share that same sense of freedom, determination and achievement. Stories like this remind me exactly why I fell in love with cycling, and why I believe we should celebrate and encourage grassroots cycling wherever we can.
Celebrating six years of the South Downs Hill Climb Series
Now in its sixth year, the South Downs Hill Climb Series has become a celebrated fixture in the regional cycling calendar.
The series features nine epic climbs across ten events, including one competition dedicated exclusively to junior riders.
Its challenging collection of ascents includes Steyning Bostal, Firle Beacon, the infamous Butts Lane and, of course, the legendary Ditchling Beacon, hosted by Sussex Nomads CC.
With more than £600 in series prize money available, the competition rewards both exceptional performance and dedication across an entire season.
More importantly, it continues to celebrate everything that makes grassroots cycling so special: determination, personal achievement, friendly rivalry and a shared passion for two wheels.
From an established national championship contender defending his crown to a nine year old discovering the thrill of competitive climbing, Sunday’s event demonstrated that the future of cycling in Sussex remains exceptionally bright.
Backing the Sussex community
As a sponsor of the Ditchling Beacon hill climb, we were delighted to support the riders, the volunteers and the club. Supporting local clubs, charities and events is part of how we work as a Sussex marketing agency. You can read more about our recent Shooting Star win at the BHBiz26 Awards, our place in the Sussex Cancer Fund Business Charity League, or find out how we help businesses across Sussex and in Burgess Hill. If you would like to find out more about the riders and club behind the day, visit Sussex Nomads CC.
