An Olympic cycling champion has praised the Chilterns’ countryside as a great location for professional and novice riders alike to test their hill-climbing skills.

Dani King, who won gold in the Women’s Team Pursuit alongside Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell at the London 2012 games, claims the area’s hills provide a great opportunity to practice for some of Europe’s most iconic rides.

Areas such as Kop Hill have become popular with professionals and novices alike and have provided a stern test for competitors such as Olympic hero Bradley Wiggins who took on the area during the 2014 Tour of Britain.

Ms King said: “The Chilterns’ collection of short, steep climbs is a real test of your resolve, and your gearing.

“Getting up them is a great achievement in itself, but with hills coming one after the other the route gives a great opportunity for some hill-repeat training without the boredom of attacking the same stretch of road over and over again.”

The Olympian is also ambassador for an amateur cycling event in the area – The Chiltern 100 Sportive – which goes through Princes Risborough, Walters Ash, Great Missenden and Chesham.

“The course is a great opportunity to get some serious early-season climbing in your legs, and will serve you well for the rest of the summer, especially if you’re planning a trip to ride any of Europe’s iconic mountains.

“It’s a serious challenge, but there is a great atmosphere and the organisation is excellent so all you’ve got to worry about is getting round the course.”

The event on May 15 features two options, the Gran Fondo – 110 miles with 2,700m of climbing – or the Medio Fondo – 76 miles with 1,897m of climbing – with a total of 21 leg-sapping climbs.

Riders who sign up to the event by February will be able to register at a reduced. More information at www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling.