The women’s individual standings reveal a fascinating mix of seasoned riders and emerging talent, with standout performances from younger riders who’ve increasingly dominated the leaderboard. Robyn Clay’s (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) incredible rise to the top -despite a mid-season crash – was a testament to her resilience, while Lizzie Hermolle (Team Boompods) and Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) rounded out the top three. With a tight points race among the top five, each rider’s performances in National Road Series events was key.
The standings capture more than just wins; they reflect each rider’s adaptability, perseverance, and potential for future success. Whether it was Caitlin Dimbleby’s breakthrough season despite a curtailed schedule or Lucy Harris’ gritty performances that temporarily propelled into the lead of the National Road Series rankings, each top-ten rider brought something unique to the table. Let’s dive deeper into these standout performances that made the 2024 season one to remember.
Robyn Clay at the 2024 Capernwray Road Race. Image: Ellen Isherwood
Robyn Clay’s season was marked by resilience and tenacity. After suffering a serious crash at the Cyclis Classic in May, where she broke her collarbone and fractured her spine, the 21-year-old returned stronger than ever to secure her place atop the rankings. Her crowning achievement was her win at the Curlew Cup, a National Road Series race, where she claimed a significant 100 points. Clay also impressed with top placings in other events, including a 2nd at the Ilkley Car Audio Women’s Grand Prix and a win at Capernwray Road Race. Her ability to recover and dominate in such a challenging season speaks volumes about her determination and potential.
Hermolle’s breakthrough season saw her rise to 2nd place in the rankings with impressive consistency across high-level races. Though she didn’t secure a victory, Hermolle showed resilience with her 13th place at the national championships against WorldTour riders and strong performances in National Road Series events like her 5th at the Lancaster Grand Prix and 6th at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. These placements solidified her reputation as a contender in the domestic circuit.
3. Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) – 347 Points
Nineteen-year-old Shaw had a stellar season, achieving the historic feat of winning both the National Road Series and National Circuit Series titles. Shaw’s consistency shone in key events, with 2nd places at both the Curlew Cup and the East Cleveland Classic, and she finished the season with podiums at numerous National B events. Internationally, she also made an impact with podium finishes at the Tour de Feminin (2.2) and a 15th at the Antwerp Port Epic (1.1). Her move to the UAE Development Team next year marks an exciting step forward for this rising star.
4. Francesca Hall (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 344 Points
Hall’s season was highlighted by two major wins at the Otley Grand Prix and Lancaster Grand Prix, two of the UK’s most prestigious races, showcasing her tactical acumen and sprinting prowess. She also took the podium in the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix (3rd) and led the Volta a Portugal Feminina – Cofidis (2.2) for a stage, ending in a respectable 6th overall. Her international and domestic success make this her best season yet, affirming her status as one of the country’s elite road racers.
Dimbleby’s season was one of highs and lows, with a strong start – including a win at the RCR FatCreations Road Race and 4th places at both the East Cleveland Classic – that earned her a contract with the Alba Development Road Team. Though personal reasons saw her leave the team, she still delivered top results, including 4th places at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. Despite a shortened season, her results ensured she finished in the top five, a testament to her talent and perseverance.
Round-Up of the Rest of the Top Ten
Lucy Harris (Loughborough Lightning/Pro-Noctis – 200 Degrees Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting) – 323 Points Harris displayed consistent form throughout the season, highlighted by her win at the Banbury Star Cyclists’ Club Road Race and strong showings in National Road Series events, including an 8th at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix and 10th at the Curlew Cup. Her aggressive style saw her leading the rankings briefly, and her combative ride in the Tour of Britain Women showcased her talent on a larger stage.
Tamsin Miller (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 310 Points Miller’s season featured victories at the Oakenclough Road Race and the CAMS Ronde van Wymeswold general classification, where she displayed her strength and determination. Her 3rd place at the Lancaster Grand Prix rounded out a strong season, establishing her as a reliable and skilled racer within the DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK lineup.
Lauren Dickson (Edinburgh RC/Alba Development Road Team) – 269 Points A triathlete who transitioned to road racing this year, Dickson made an immediate impact with her 2nd place at the Lancaster Grand Prix and 4th at the Scottish National Road Race Championships. Her impressive results earned her a contract with the Alba Development Road Team, and she promises to be a key rider to watch in 2025.
Lucy Lee (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 260 Points Lee’s season highlight was her breakthrough win at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix, her first National Road Series victory. Her success extended internationally with a 4th at the Pionera Race (1.2) and an 8th overall at the Volta a Portugal Feminina – Cofidis, showcasing her potential to compete beyond the domestic circuit.
Morven Yeoman (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 257 Points Young Scot Yeoman started the season with several high placements, including 2nd at the Peaks 2 Day and a 10th at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. Despite setbacks with injury and illness, her early-season form secured her a top-ten spot in the rankings, proving her potential as a rising talent.
This post is the second in a series reviewing results from The British Continental National Road Race Rankings, celebrating the riders who made 2024 an unforgettable season in UK domestic road racing.
The women’s individual standings reveal a fascinating mix of seasoned riders and emerging talent, with standout performances from younger riders who’ve increasingly dominated the leaderboard. Robyn Clay’s (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) incredible rise to the top -despite a mid-season crash – was a testament to her resilience, while Lizzie Hermolle (Team Boompods) and Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) rounded out the top three. With a tight points race among the top five, each rider’s performances in National Road Series events was key.
The standings capture more than just wins; they reflect each rider’s adaptability, perseverance, and potential for future success. Whether it was Caitlin Dimbleby’s breakthrough season despite a curtailed schedule or Lucy Harris’ gritty performances that temporarily propelled into the lead of the National Road Series rankings, each top-ten rider brought something unique to the table. Let’s dive deeper into these standout performances that made the 2024 season one to remember.
1. Robyn Clay (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 391 Points
Robyn Clay’s season was marked by resilience and tenacity. After suffering a serious crash at the Cyclis Classic in May, where she broke her collarbone and fractured her spine, the 21-year-old returned stronger than ever to secure her place atop the rankings. Her crowning achievement was her win at the Curlew Cup, a National Road Series race, where she claimed a significant 100 points. Clay also impressed with top placings in other events, including a 2nd at the Ilkley Car Audio Women’s Grand Prix and a win at Capernwray Road Race. Her ability to recover and dominate in such a challenging season speaks volumes about her determination and potential.
2. Elizabeth Hermolle (Team Boompods) – 356 Points
Hermolle’s breakthrough season saw her rise to 2nd place in the rankings with impressive consistency across high-level races. Though she didn’t secure a victory, Hermolle showed resilience with her 13th place at the national championships against WorldTour riders and strong performances in National Road Series events like her 5th at the Lancaster Grand Prix and 6th at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. These placements solidified her reputation as a contender in the domestic circuit.
3. Eilidh Shaw (Alba Development Road Team) – 347 Points
Nineteen-year-old Shaw had a stellar season, achieving the historic feat of winning both the National Road Series and National Circuit Series titles. Shaw’s consistency shone in key events, with 2nd places at both the Curlew Cup and the East Cleveland Classic, and she finished the season with podiums at numerous National B events. Internationally, she also made an impact with podium finishes at the Tour de Feminin (2.2) and a 15th at the Antwerp Port Epic (1.1). Her move to the UAE Development Team next year marks an exciting step forward for this rising star.
4. Francesca Hall (DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK) – 344 Points
Hall’s season was highlighted by two major wins at the Otley Grand Prix and Lancaster Grand Prix, two of the UK’s most prestigious races, showcasing her tactical acumen and sprinting prowess. She also took the podium in the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix (3rd) and led the Volta a Portugal Feminina – Cofidis (2.2) for a stage, ending in a respectable 6th overall. Her international and domestic success make this her best season yet, affirming her status as one of the country’s elite road racers.
5. Caitlin Dimbleby (FTP (Fulfil-the-Potential) RT/Alba Development RT/Private Member) – 339 Points
Dimbleby’s season was one of highs and lows, with a strong start – including a win at the RCR FatCreations Road Race and 4th places at both the East Cleveland Classic – that earned her a contract with the Alba Development Road Team. Though personal reasons saw her leave the team, she still delivered top results, including 4th places at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. Despite a shortened season, her results ensured she finished in the top five, a testament to her talent and perseverance.
Round-Up of the Rest of the Top Ten
Harris displayed consistent form throughout the season, highlighted by her win at the Banbury Star Cyclists’ Club Road Race and strong showings in National Road Series events, including an 8th at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix and 10th at the Curlew Cup. Her aggressive style saw her leading the rankings briefly, and her combative ride in the Tour of Britain Women showcased her talent on a larger stage.
Miller’s season featured victories at the Oakenclough Road Race and the CAMS Ronde van Wymeswold general classification, where she displayed her strength and determination. Her 3rd place at the Lancaster Grand Prix rounded out a strong season, establishing her as a reliable and skilled racer within the DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK lineup.
A triathlete who transitioned to road racing this year, Dickson made an immediate impact with her 2nd place at the Lancaster Grand Prix and 4th at the Scottish National Road Race Championships. Her impressive results earned her a contract with the Alba Development Road Team, and she promises to be a key rider to watch in 2025.
Lee’s season highlight was her breakthrough win at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix, her first National Road Series victory. Her success extended internationally with a 4th at the Pionera Race (1.2) and an 8th overall at the Volta a Portugal Feminina – Cofidis, showcasing her potential to compete beyond the domestic circuit.
Young Scot Yeoman started the season with several high placements, including 2nd at the Peaks 2 Day and a 10th at the Ryedale Grasscrete Grand Prix. Despite setbacks with injury and illness, her early-season form secured her a top-ten spot in the rankings, proving her potential as a rising talent.
Individual Open Standings, 2024 | Top 20
Click here to see the full standings for 2024.
Featured image: Ellen Isherwood
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