The Andler Hillclimb is an annual dirt bike competition that has dirt bikers from around Europe try, to reach the top of a dangerous hillside course in Belgium. It’s been held every year for the last two decades, but so far, no one has been able to reach the top.
The so-called “impossible climb” starts out as rough gravel and then switches over to a rough uneven cliff (悬崖) face designed to throw riders off and roll them and their bikes back down to the base of the hill. It’s not the angle of the course that is the problem, according to most riders, but the sudden change of ride surface that makes keeping control of the bike and reaching the top so hard. Some fly off their bike early during the climb. While others get painfully close to the finish line, yet in the end they all succumb to the power of gravity (重力) before reaching their goal.
Despite gathering the most talented dirt bikers in Europe at the start line every year, the Andler Hillclimb has so far remained unconquered. The closest one to success was a Suzuki bike rider who once reportedly crossed the finish line with the front wheel before rolling back down the slope like the rest of the competitors. Sadly, his achievement didn’t count as a valid climb, as the entire bike and its rider must make it to the top of the hill.
With so many riders having failed to conquer the Andler Hillclimb over the last 20 years, why are people still trying every year? Why not just call the climb impossible and stop it? Well, maybe it has something to do with the bragging rights (胜者为王)? Can you imagine what it would be like to be the very first dirt biker to reach the top of this famous hill?
In case you want to try your luck, or if you simply want to see the hill make fools of dozens of daredevils (蛮干者), this year’s event is scheduled for August.
【小题1】What makes it difficult for bikers to reach the top of the Andler Hillclimb?| A．The bikers’ poor riding skills. | B．The steep angle of the slope. |
| C．The rough gravel road surface. | D．The sudden changes in ride surface. |
| A．Give in to. | B．Break through. |
| C．Learn about. | D．Fight against. |
| A．To criticize the strict rules of the competition. |
| B．To express regret over the Suzuki bike rider’s failure. |
| C．To show how difficult it is to win the competition. |
| D．To explain why the competition is popular with bikers. |
| A．It is the most dangerous European competition. |
| B．It is expected to be held in August this year. |
| C．It is attended by the world’s best dirt bikers every year. |
| D．It aims to throw riders and their bikes back down the hill. |
