What is a climber in cycling?
A climber is a rider who is strongest on long, steep climbs. Climbers are usually light, with a very high power output relative to their body weight.
On a long mountain climb, the key number is power per kilogram. A lighter rider needs less power to climb at the same speed, so the best climbers combine low body weight with a high sustainable power output.
Pure climbers can win mountain stages, the mountains classification and, if they can also limit losses in time trials, the general classification of stage races. Many work as mountain domestiques for a GC leader, setting a fast pace to wear down rivals before the leader attacks.
The trade-off for a climber is on the flat and in crosswinds, where a light rider is more exposed and can lose time if not protected.
Our power data page collects published power figures from professional riders, which shows what elite climbing efforts look like in watts and watts per kilogram. Climbers who are capable GC leaders appear in the top salary bands of our model.