What is it about climbing the big mountains that's so attractive to cyclists? Apart from the trite 'because they are there' response it must offer rewards in a number of ways.
The challenge and hopefully the conquering of that challenge? The view from the top? The thrill of the run back downhill? You are too slow to sprint to the front but you can still lead up the climb?
The memorable moments on nearly all the Grand Tours and some of the one day Classics are the big climbs. It's where the multi day races are often won or lost.
Maybe we are all just masochists at heart.
