Cheers Sean.

P.S. very good read.

I think the 800m analogy is a good one. As someone who tries to juggle 800m running with hillclimbs I can say with some certainty that I prefer the shorter ones. As well as body type, training the correct energy systems is important. The shorter distances are a higher percentage anaerobic (at least 50%) whereas the longer climbs are mostly aerobic (albeit at threshold). So in terms of improving short hill climb performance, spending time in training above threshold to improve tolerance to lactic acid build up is probably key. Extending the 800m analogy, 800m runners would do reps varying from 200-600m simulating race intensity, to cope with the anaerobic aspect, on top of a solid aerobic base. I imagine you can translate that roughly to bike efforts (well, I try).

Like you say, though, (self-evident truth time) you’re always only ever going to be able to maximise your own ability in each aspect of climbing – you can’t exactly override your body’s limitations. Not everyone has the potential to be amazing at everything, you just have to find what suits you best.