"Ride hills hard." Pro tips & TdF picks.
George Mills-Keeling has a love of climbing hills. We caught up with George where he talks about how he trains to ride hills, hard and smash them in races. As well as get his predictions for the jerseys in this years TdF.
We managed to tear Ribble Weldtite's George Mills-Keeling away from the hills long enough to have a quick chat. In this blog, we talk about all things climbing, as well as find out who his picks are for the jerseys for in year's TdF.
Hill climbing.
Thanks for catching up with us George. So people either love them or hate them but hills and climbing are definitely your thing. So what is it about the climbing that you love? In a training setting, I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with getting to the top. Tied to this is the training benefit that comes along with pushing on the pedals. In a race setting, I love that it usually is the deciding factor of a race. That it's all based on fitness.
"Longer threshold efforts."
Is there anything you do differently in your training to focus on climbing in comparison to the rest of the team. It’s all about longer threshold efforts, compared to some of the more sprint focused guys who might focus more on explosive power.
How is your bike set up currently, what changes have you make to last year? My race bike is currently set up with shallower Level carbon rims for weight saving and disc brakes which I didn’t have last year. The brakes are great, a small trade-off with weight but a massive amount of confidence gained.
The climbing machine.
What has been your proudest race moment? Stage 2 of the junior tour of Wales, attacking and forming a small group that went on to win the full podium on GC.
Can you give us a few tips for those wanting to improve their climbing? Ride hills, hard.
Tour de France.
Let's move on to the Tour de France. There have been some epic climbs in there over the years. But first, who is your favourite rider in this year’s Tour and why?
Julian Alaphilippe, such a racer. Dares and wins.
Who do you think will take Yellow Jersey? Green Jersey/Polka dot Jersey/White Jersey? I think the yellow is going to be really close between so many guys, the green will be Peter Sagan and the white jersey I assume will go to Egan Bernal
Is there any rider who you think will be the surprise of the tour? Daniel Martinez after his win at the Dauphine.
What is your favourite TDF moment, and why?
Geraint Thomas’s win on the Alpe d’Huez in 2018, in his book he said that he has always been unlucky in the tour but this was his year. It was great to see.
Click HERE to look at the bikes the pro team rides.
With the road racing season starting again, Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling Team and supporting partners have come together to give one lucky winner the chance to get fully kitted out with a pro team rider bundle worth over £7500. Click here to see what you can win.
Best Gravel Bikes 2026
What actually makes ‘the best’ gravel bike in 2026? A clear guide to choosing the best bike for how you actually ride.
What is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are changing how people ride. Sitting right in the middle of road and off-road, they're fast on tarmac and stable on loose ground. Comfortable over long distances and ready for whatever the ride throws at you.
Gravel Bikes - Which frame material is right for you?
More cyclists than ever are seizing the opportunity to take their rides off-piste in search of freedom and adventure. But to do so, you need the right tool for the job - a gravel bike. The Ribble gravel range consists of four frame materials. Each of these offers something a little different in terms of ride quality, longevity and performance characteristics. So how do you decide which frame material is right for you?
Tyre Choice and Pressures for UK Gravel
Tyres can make or break your gravel ride. This blog cuts through the guesswork on width, tread and pressure, showing you what actually works for UK conditions.
Getting the right set up is half the battle
Getting your gravel bike set up right is the difference between enjoying the ride and counting down the miles. This blog breaks down the key adjustments that actually matter, from saddle height to bar position and tyre pressure, without drowning you in jargon.
Why Gravel Riding Works In February
February gravel isn’t about hero rides. It’s about quiet trails, mixed surfaces and riding for the sake of it. This blog dives into why Ribble staff and the Outliers keep choosing gravel when winter drags on, from traffic-free routes to bikes built to handle proper UK conditions.
Post Ride Checks That Keep Your Gravel Bike Running
Winter wrecks bikes. This blog shows you how to fight back in five minutes flat. No tools, no faff. Just the simple checks that stop small issues turning into expensive problems. From wiping down grit to spotting tyre cuts and keeping your chain alive, it’s the bare minimum that makes a massive difference. Ride more. Fix less. Your future self will thank you.
Winter Gravel Clothing Guide
Winter gravel isn’t about suffering. It’s about turning up and staying comfortable. This guide shares no-nonsense kit advice from Ribble staff and the Outliers on what actually works in a UK February.
Best Road Bikes for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
New to road cycling and drowning in jargon? This guide cuts through the noise. We break down what actually matters on your first road bike, from comfort to gearing, and show you which options suit real UK riding. No hard sell. No tech waffle. Just straight-talking advice to help you choose a bike you will actually enjoy riding.
When To Service Your Bike? A Practical Guide for Every Rider
Looking after your bike doesn’t start and end with a clean after riding. Regular servicing keeps it working at its best, no matter how often you ride. The tricky part is knowing when a service is needed. Too early feels unnecessary. Too late and the problems have already crept in. This guide breaks it down simply so you can ride more and worry less.
Staying Motivated: Winter Wisdom From The Ribble Family
When winter kills your motivation, even the pros feel it. The difference is they’ve built strategies that keep them riding when willpower runs out. Here’s how they stay consistent, break through the slump, and keep the pedals turning through the toughest months.
10 weeks down and far from decided: here’s why to join now
Ten weeks in and building momentum. Join the Ribble Winter Racing Series now - your best 10 results count. Race hard, miss weeks, progress.