The world's toughest time trial returns: the 2015 Dutch Headwind Championships (video)

The third edition of the Dutch Headwind Championships took place on Sunday, an event regarded by some as the world's toughest time trial.

The Netherlands is well known for its strong winds, and in December they can reach peak speeds. Perfect conditions for a bike race against the clock.

There are no fancy aero bikes allowed to help you cheat the breeze: competitors must take part on a sit-up-and-beg commuter special with lights, rack, mudguards and all, just to add to the pain.

The bikes are provided by the organiser, so there's no chance of modifying a bike to gain an advantage.

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The course is mercifully short at 8.5 kilometres, and runs along the Oosterscheldekering storm barrier that provides absolutely no respite from the gale-force winds striking the coast from the North Sea.

The organiser waits for a storm to be forecast, and then sets the date.

This year's winner was Pico de Jager from Amsterdam and the wind was measured at gale force 7. De Jager posted his ride on Strava, so you can see the stats: a grinding 22.04kmh average speed.