The 2024 National Road Series concludes this weekend, as Britain’s top domestic road racing talents assemble in Northumberland for the prestigious Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy. With individual and team Series titles still up for grabs, Sunday promises to deliver tense and thrilling racing.
This is our in-depth preview.
Featured image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
About the races
The Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy are part of the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, a weekend cycling festival that also features a sportive and family leisure rides (this year held on 30 June and 1 July). The Curlew Cup is the sixth and final round of the women’s National Road Series, with the Beaumont Trophy forming fifth and final race of the open Series.
The Beaumont Trophy has a storied history dating back to 1952, when it was presented by Rex Beaumont, a cycle and motorcycle wholesaler based in Newcastle. The event is steeped in tradition and has seen some of the country’s most talented cyclists battle it out for glory over the years, a highlight on the UK cycling calendar since its inception. It has attracted big names in British and international cycling over the years. Previous winners include legends like Sir Bradley Wiggins, Malcolm Elliot and the Downing brothers. Last year’s winner was Finn Crockett, then of Saint Piran.
Launched in 2012, the Curlew Cup might have less history but it has quickly become a key fixture on the women’s racing calendar and regularly attracts not only the top domestic teams but a number of international-based British talents. It has its own roll call of notable past winners including Dame Sarah Storey, Hannah Barnes, Katie Archibald and Alice McWilliam. Corinne Side, then of Pro-Noctis – Heidi Kjeldsen – 200 Degrees Coffee, was last year’s victor.
National Road Series Round 4 – 2023 Beaumont Trophy – Stamfordham, Northumberland, England – Finn Crockett of Saint Piran takes the victory in the 2023 Beaumont Trophy ahead of Jack Rootkin-Gray. Image; Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
The Series so far
Women’s Series
Eluned King clinched the ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic crown for Lifeplus Wahoo as she improved from her previous best of third in 2022 to prevail in a close sprint in the opening round of the National Road Series.
In Round 2, Cat Ferguson (Shibden Apex RT) bounced back from a penultimate lap crash and bike change to take a first National Road Series victory in the inaugural East Cleveland Classic.
Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) heads into the final round with a 16 point lead over Lucy Harris (Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd). Shaw also leads the under-23 rankings.
In the team standings DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK have a solid 90 point lead.
Rank
Team Name
Points
1
DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK
520
2
Shibden Apex RT
430
3
Alba Development Road Team
397
Open Series
Rowan Baker took a stunning solo victory to ensure Saint Piran continued the same imperious form the squad showed in last year’s National Road Series in this year’s season-opener at the East Cleveland Classic.
However, Matt Holmes disrupted Saint Piran’s domination at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in a fairytale return to racing for the former WorldTour rider. Ben Granger (Mg.K VIS Colors for Peace) surged to a commanding win at his local race, the Lancaster Grand Prix, in July and then in round 4 Tom Williams took THRIVA-SRCT’s first ever National Road Series victory at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix.
George Kimber (Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling) leads the individual Series standings by just 9 points from Saint Piran’s James McKay with one round remaining.
Rank
Name
Team
Points
1
George Kimber
Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling
139
2
James McKay
Saint Piran
128
3
Matthew Holmes
One Good Thing Orientation Marketing
122
4
Rowan Baker (U23)
Saint Piran
119
5
Adam Lewis
Team Skyline
105
Saint Piran enjoy a 93 point lead over Wheelbase CabTech Castelli in the team standings.
Rank
Team Name
Points
1
Saint Piran
414
2
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli
321
3
Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling
215
The route
Starting and finishing in the charming village of Stamfordham, Northumberland, both races take in a picturesque route featuring a challenging mix of climbs, fast descents, and technical B-roads. The infamous Ryals climb is at the heart of the course, a 2.7km ascent featuring a series of steps and gradients hitting up to 13% in places.
The Curlew Cup entails three laps of a 40.8km circuit, with a total race distance of 122.4 kilometres, according to the race manual (see the VeloViewer route below). 1,593 metres of elevation is tackled in the process.
The Beaumont Trophy meanwhile takes in four laps of the large circuit, and then also one lap of a shorter 22 kilometre circuit before the finish, making for a 182.3 kilometre race with 2,312 metres of climbing in all.
About 30 kilometres into the large circuit, the Ryals climb provides the stiffest obstacle of the day. It is preceded by a fast descent, so positioning is important here. What then follows is a drag of over two kilometres featuring three steep ramps in succession. It’s often the decisive point in the race and is where Team Sky launched their attack in the 2011 National Road Championships that led to Sir Bradley Wiggins’ nationals win.
The rise from West Belsay to Kirkheaton can also be a decisive feature if there is a strong enough westerly wind.
The open race’s finishing circuit includes nothing as testing at the Ryals but nonetheless features two short sharp rises, one at the beginning of the lap with gradients of up to 7% and another with about 14 kilometres to go that could provide launchpads for potentially decisive attacks. It’s pretty much all downhill from about nine kilometres to go, bar a small rise to the finish line.
Riders to watch
Curlew Cup
Only 21 points separate the top three riders in the women’s Series. Series leader Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) is in prime position to add the National Road Series title to her 2024 National Circuit Series victory. The 19-year-old Scot holds a 16-point advantage over Lucy Harris (Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd), while Frankie Hall (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) trails Harris by just five points. With Series honours at stake, these three riders will likely be focused on marking each other throughout the race, but each are capable of the win here in their own right too.
2024 Lloyds Bank National Road Series – The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – Women’s Race – Ampleforth Abbey, York, North Yorkshire – Alba Road Team , Eilidh Shaw. Image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
Shaw has a strong team around her, not least former triathlete Lauren Dickson, whose impressive National Road Series debut saw her claim second place at the Lancaster Grand Prix, a result she backed up with another second at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix.
Junior Esther Wong (Shibden Apex RT), Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix winner Lucy Lee (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) and Caitlin Dimbleby (unattached) also have mathematical shots at the Series title but their chances are slim given their respective deficits to Shaw are relatively large. Nonetheless, each will have their eyes on a podium, or better.
2024 Lloyds Bank National Road Series – The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – Women’s Race – Ampleforth Abbey, York, North Yorkshire – Lucy Lee, DAS – Hutchinson Brother wins. Image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
Others to watch include Lauren Dickson (Alba Development Road Team), whose impressive National Road Series debut saw her claim second place at the Lancaster Grand Prix, and Monica Greenwood (Team Coop-Repsol), the 2023 Series winner.
Additional riders with the potential to make an impact include El King, Maddie Leech – both looking to impress following the collapse of their Lifeplus-Wahoo team – and a strong DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK team featuring Ruth Shier, Tammy Miller, and Morven Yeoman.
2023 Women’s Lancaster Grand Prix – Grace Reynolds of Brother UK-Orientation Marketing. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Look out too for Grace Reynolds (Brother UK – On Form), Lucy Gadd Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd), Lizzie Hermolle (Team Boompods) and Movistar-bound junior Carys Lloyd (Tofauti Everyone Active).
Beaumont Trophy
The open Series title race is even tighter. George Kimber (Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling) leads by just nine points over James McKay (Saint Piran), with Matt Holmes (One Good Thing Orientation Marketing) and McKay’s teammate Rowan Baker close behind. The latter three raced in this month’s Tour of Britain, and how they respond to that intense block of racing could determine the outcome of the race and the overall Series title. Expect a battle royale.
2024 Lloyds Bank National Road Series – The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – Open Race – Ampleforth Abbey, York, North Yorkshire – George Kimber of Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling, Series Leader. Image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
McKay and Baker enjoy support from a strong Saint Piran squad which will be looking for a third Beaumont Trophy win after victories in 2022 and 2023. They count new signing Tom Williams – winner of the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – among their number.
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli is another strong outfit looking to end the season on a high. Thomas Armstrong (6thin the Series standings) and 2024 Rás stage winners Tim Shoreman and Tom Martin are among the team’s contenders.
2024 Lloyds Bank National Road Series – The Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – Open Race – Ampleforth Abbey, York, North Yorkshire – Tom Martin Wheelbase JDT. Image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
Speaking of the Rás, the 2024 GC winner Dom Jackson (Foran CT) is another rider keen to make a statement in Northumberland. Look out too for professional Tom Portsmouth (Bingoal WB).
Other riders to watch include Ribble Rebellion fast man Matt Bostock, Damien Clayton (Le Col), one of the domestic riders of the season, Ollie Rees (Sabgal/Anicolor) and Finn McHenry (The Cycling Academy).
2024 British Cycling Lloyds Bank Elite National Circuit Series – Round 6 – The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix – Open Men’s GP – Matt Bostock, Ribble Rebellion wins. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Timings
The Curlew Cup begins at 8:45 am., while the Beaumont Trophy starts at 1:30 pm.
How to follow
You can follow the action live on British Cycling’s social media channels.
Unfortunately there will not be Monument TV stream because there is not sufficient 4G coverage in the local area.
The 2024 National Road Series concludes this weekend, as Britain’s top domestic road racing talents assemble in Northumberland for the prestigious Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy. With individual and team Series titles still up for grabs, Sunday promises to deliver tense and thrilling racing.
This is our in-depth preview.
Featured image: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
About the races
The Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy are part of the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, a weekend cycling festival that also features a sportive and family leisure rides (this year held on 30 June and 1 July). The Curlew Cup is the sixth and final round of the women’s National Road Series, with the Beaumont Trophy forming fifth and final race of the open Series.
The Beaumont Trophy has a storied history dating back to 1952, when it was presented by Rex Beaumont, a cycle and motorcycle wholesaler based in Newcastle. The event is steeped in tradition and has seen some of the country’s most talented cyclists battle it out for glory over the years, a highlight on the UK cycling calendar since its inception. It has attracted big names in British and international cycling over the years. Previous winners include legends like Sir Bradley Wiggins, Malcolm Elliot and the Downing brothers. Last year’s winner was Finn Crockett, then of Saint Piran.
Launched in 2012, the Curlew Cup might have less history but it has quickly become a key fixture on the women’s racing calendar and regularly attracts not only the top domestic teams but a number of international-based British talents. It has its own roll call of notable past winners including Dame Sarah Storey, Hannah Barnes, Katie Archibald and Alice McWilliam. Corinne Side, then of Pro-Noctis – Heidi Kjeldsen – 200 Degrees Coffee, was last year’s victor.
The Series so far
Women’s Series
Eluned King clinched the ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic crown for Lifeplus Wahoo as she improved from her previous best of third in 2022 to prevail in a close sprint in the opening round of the National Road Series.
In Round 2, Cat Ferguson (Shibden Apex RT) bounced back from a penultimate lap crash and bike change to take a first National Road Series victory in the inaugural East Cleveland Classic.
In May, Kate Richardson (Lifeplus-Wahoo) was triumphant at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix. Frankie Hall took DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK’s first National Road Series of the season at the Lancaster Grand Prix in the fourth round before her teammate won the last ever edition of the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix.
Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) heads into the final round with a 16 point lead over Lucy Harris (Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd). Shaw also leads the under-23 rankings.
In the team standings DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK have a solid 90 point lead.
Open Series
Rowan Baker took a stunning solo victory to ensure Saint Piran continued the same imperious form the squad showed in last year’s National Road Series in this year’s season-opener at the East Cleveland Classic.
However, Matt Holmes disrupted Saint Piran’s domination at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in a fairytale return to racing for the former WorldTour rider. Ben Granger (Mg.K VIS Colors for Peace) surged to a commanding win at his local race, the Lancaster Grand Prix, in July and then in round 4 Tom Williams took THRIVA-SRCT’s first ever National Road Series victory at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix.
George Kimber (Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling) leads the individual Series standings by just 9 points from Saint Piran’s James McKay with one round remaining.
Saint Piran enjoy a 93 point lead over Wheelbase CabTech Castelli in the team standings.
The route
Starting and finishing in the charming village of Stamfordham, Northumberland, both races take in a picturesque route featuring a challenging mix of climbs, fast descents, and technical B-roads. The infamous Ryals climb is at the heart of the course, a 2.7km ascent featuring a series of steps and gradients hitting up to 13% in places.
The Curlew Cup entails three laps of a 40.8km circuit, with a total race distance of 122.4 kilometres, according to the race manual (see the VeloViewer route below). 1,593 metres of elevation is tackled in the process.
The Beaumont Trophy meanwhile takes in four laps of the large circuit, and then also one lap of a shorter 22 kilometre circuit before the finish, making for a 182.3 kilometre race with 2,312 metres of climbing in all.
About 30 kilometres into the large circuit, the Ryals climb provides the stiffest obstacle of the day. It is preceded by a fast descent, so positioning is important here. What then follows is a drag of over two kilometres featuring three steep ramps in succession. It’s often the decisive point in the race and is where Team Sky launched their attack in the 2011 National Road Championships that led to Sir Bradley Wiggins’ nationals win.
The rise from West Belsay to Kirkheaton can also be a decisive feature if there is a strong enough westerly wind.
The open race’s finishing circuit includes nothing as testing at the Ryals but nonetheless features two short sharp rises, one at the beginning of the lap with gradients of up to 7% and another with about 14 kilometres to go that could provide launchpads for potentially decisive attacks. It’s pretty much all downhill from about nine kilometres to go, bar a small rise to the finish line.
Riders to watch
Curlew Cup
Only 21 points separate the top three riders in the women’s Series. Series leader Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) is in prime position to add the National Road Series title to her 2024 National Circuit Series victory. The 19-year-old Scot holds a 16-point advantage over Lucy Harris (Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd), while Frankie Hall (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) trails Harris by just five points. With Series honours at stake, these three riders will likely be focused on marking each other throughout the race, but each are capable of the win here in their own right too.
Shaw has a strong team around her, not least former triathlete Lauren Dickson, whose impressive National Road Series debut saw her claim second place at the Lancaster Grand Prix, a result she backed up with another second at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix.
Junior Esther Wong (Shibden Apex RT), Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix winner Lucy Lee (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) and Caitlin Dimbleby (unattached) also have mathematical shots at the Series title but their chances are slim given their respective deficits to Shaw are relatively large. Nonetheless, each will have their eyes on a podium, or better.
Others to watch include Lauren Dickson (Alba Development Road Team), whose impressive National Road Series debut saw her claim second place at the Lancaster Grand Prix, and Monica Greenwood (Team Coop-Repsol), the 2023 Series winner.
Additional riders with the potential to make an impact include El King, Maddie Leech – both looking to impress following the collapse of their Lifeplus-Wahoo team – and a strong DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK team featuring Ruth Shier, Tammy Miller, and Morven Yeoman.
Look out too for Grace Reynolds (Brother UK – On Form), Lucy Gadd Pro-Noctis – 200º Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd), Lizzie Hermolle (Team Boompods) and Movistar-bound junior Carys Lloyd (Tofauti Everyone Active).
Beaumont Trophy
The open Series title race is even tighter. George Kimber (Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling) leads by just nine points over James McKay (Saint Piran), with Matt Holmes (One Good Thing Orientation Marketing) and McKay’s teammate Rowan Baker close behind. The latter three raced in this month’s Tour of Britain, and how they respond to that intense block of racing could determine the outcome of the race and the overall Series title. Expect a battle royale.
McKay and Baker enjoy support from a strong Saint Piran squad which will be looking for a third Beaumont Trophy win after victories in 2022 and 2023. They count new signing Tom Williams – winner of the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix – among their number.
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli is another strong outfit looking to end the season on a high. Thomas Armstrong (6thin the Series standings) and 2024 Rás stage winners Tim Shoreman and Tom Martin are among the team’s contenders.
Speaking of the Rás, the 2024 GC winner Dom Jackson (Foran CT) is another rider keen to make a statement in Northumberland. Look out too for professional Tom Portsmouth (Bingoal WB).
Other riders to watch include Ribble Rebellion fast man Matt Bostock, Damien Clayton (Le Col), one of the domestic riders of the season, Ollie Rees (Sabgal/Anicolor) and Finn McHenry (The Cycling Academy).
Timings
The Curlew Cup begins at 8:45 am., while the Beaumont Trophy starts at 1:30 pm.
How to follow
You can follow the action live on British Cycling’s social media channels.
Unfortunately there will not be Monument TV stream because there is not sufficient 4G coverage in the local area.
Provisional startlists
Curlew Cup
54AilsaMcLaganSaint Piran WRTBeaumont Trophy
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