Not a bad idea that. If nothing else it will stop me bolting at the start with delusions of grandure (small ones, as in a top 20 finish...) and, like you said, far more relaxing over taking than been over taken!

The other thing I was thinking was staying next to/behind a guy who has always caught me at the top of the climb - I don't normally see him till I'm near the summit, but he always gets me in the end. I figured this would show if I'm going off too quick or am just a weak climber. I'll know it's the latter if we start the climb level and he pulls away.

Anyway, trying not to over think things - like Noel said, if you're fit enough, you'll be fast enough...