Cold Dark North refocuses for 2025: Capernwray takes centre stage
The Capernwray road race will return on 5 April next season but frustrations wth BC mean organisers Cold Dark North won't run the Aughton and Oakenclough road races in 2025
The Capernwray road race has long been a jewel in the crown of British cycling. Renowned for its challenging course and pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent, it has provided a launchpad for countless riders, including Cat Ferguson, who famously triumphed at the event in her first attempt as a junior in 2023. In 2025, Capernwray will take centre stage as Cold Dark North (CDN) shifts its focus entirely to this iconic race, stepping away from its broader National B race series.
This bold move, as organisers Deb John and Toby Cummins explain, is as much a reflection of systemic challenges in British cycling as it is a commitment to preserving the integrity of their events. However, the change also signals a significant loss for the domestic racing calendar, with the postponement of the Proper Northern Road Race Series, of which Capernwray has been a part. This means that the well-respected Oakenclough and Aughton road races, the other two legs of the series, will not run in 2025—a hiatus that raises concerns about their future.
It’s been part of the British racing scene for decades, and it’s where many riders have taken their first big step towards international competition
Capernwray holds a unique place in British cycling. As Cummins and John point out, the race has been a launchpad for many prominent riders. “It’s a heritage race,” John emphasises. “It’s been part of the British racing scene for decades, and it’s where many riders have taken their first big step towards international competition.”
2024 Capernwray Road Race. Image: Ellen Isherwood
For 2025, CDN plans to enhance Capernwray’s status by dedicating the prize pot and resources previously spread across the series into this single event. With a race date set for April 5th, the organisers hope to attract top talent before riders head overseas for the European season.
Behind the scenes, the decision to refocus highlights what CDN regard as a litany of systemic challenges faced by race organisers. Scheduling conflicts, unclear processes, and inadequate support from British Cycling (BC) – particularly at the national level – have made it increasingly difficult for events like those in the Proper Northern Road Race Series to thrive.
The lack of communication and clarity from national BC makes it incredibly hard to plan
“The process is just so unjoined-up,” John explains. “We’d put our dates in months in advance, only to find out on social media that another race had taken the same slot. The lack of communication and clarity from national BC makes it incredibly hard to plan.”
This disorganisation has created numerous headaches for organisers, says CDN, forcing them to repeatedly revise plans, often at the expense of securing critical venues. “We couldn’t even run on our preferred date for Capernwray this year because the venue had already been booked for a local church event,” Cummins says.
In an effort to improve calendar coordination, British Cycling recently introduced a new system aimed at better coordinating race calendars. This process includes collecting expressions of interest from organisers earlier in the year and producing a draft calendar by the end of October, with opportunities for amendments before finalisation in mid-November. However, CDN reports that the new system has not delivered the improvements organisers were hoping for. “Despite these changes, the issues of poor communication and overlapping dates persist,” John says. “It’s incredibly frustrating to see the same problems year after year.”
2024 Capernwray Road Race. Image: Ellen Isherwood
CDN’s frustrations extend beyond scheduling and venue bookings. Both organisers highlight what they see as a lack of meaningful engagement and support from national BC. “You have to watch what people do, not what they say,” John asserts. “BC claims to support racing, but we’ve run six National Masters Championships, and not a single person from national BC turned up.”
John draws a clear distinction between national and regional BC, praising the latter for being responsive and supportive. “Regional BC are brilliant. They’re always willing to help and listen,” she says. “But national BC? They’re the ones making these decisions, and it feels like they’re completely out of touch with the realities of organising races.”
A mentoring scheme could improve both the quality and sustainability of British races
A particular source of frustration for John is the lack of a structured pathway for new organisers. “There’s no formal mentoring or training. New organisers could be required to work on a couple of races first,” she suggests. “Many don’t realise how difficult it is and give up after one year. A mentoring scheme could improve both the quality and sustainability of British races.”
Cummins echoes these concerns, noting that organisers often feel abandoned to navigate a labyrinth of logistical and administrative hurdles. “BC’s processes are opaque. It’s unclear who makes key decisions or what criteria they use. This lack of transparency is a major barrier,” he says.
Image: supplied
While 2025 will be a year of consolidation for CDN, there are glimmers of hope for the future. Cummins reveals early discussions about a potential series in 2026, organised in collaboration with other key National B race organisers and independent of BC’s central operation. “We’ve had positive noises from one other organiser,” he says. “It’s something we’re exploring for 2026, but for now, our focus is entirely on Capernwray.”
With (much of) the prize fund and (all of the) energy of an entire series poured into Capernwray, the 2025 edition promises to be a standout event. The race will feature prizes for individuals, teams, and juniors, and the organisers are keen to ensure full fields of top talent.
“This race has always been a springboard for riders with big ambitions,” Cummins says. “We want to make sure it continues to be just that.” The date is set for April 5th, and entries will open in January. For racers and fans alike, Capernwray 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable highlight of the early-season calendar.
We’re still here. We’re still doing what we love. But it’s time for things to change
CDN’s decision to refocus will likely prompt broader reflection within the road racing community. While some organisers have welcomed BC’s recent changes to calendar coordination, CDN’s frustrations with national BC echo sentiments shared by others in the sport. Their view is clear: for road racing to thrive, there must be greater transparency, better coordination, and more meaningful support for those who make grassroots events possible.
As Cummins succinctly puts it: “We’re still here. We’re still doing what we love. But it’s time for things to change.”
The Capernwray road race has long been a jewel in the crown of British cycling. Renowned for its challenging course and pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent, it has provided a launchpad for countless riders, including Cat Ferguson, who famously triumphed at the event in her first attempt as a junior in 2023. In 2025, Capernwray will take centre stage as Cold Dark North (CDN) shifts its focus entirely to this iconic race, stepping away from its broader National B race series.
This bold move, as organisers Deb John and Toby Cummins explain, is as much a reflection of systemic challenges in British cycling as it is a commitment to preserving the integrity of their events. However, the change also signals a significant loss for the domestic racing calendar, with the postponement of the Proper Northern Road Race Series, of which Capernwray has been a part. This means that the well-respected Oakenclough and Aughton road races, the other two legs of the series, will not run in 2025—a hiatus that raises concerns about their future.
Capernwray holds a unique place in British cycling. As Cummins and John point out, the race has been a launchpad for many prominent riders. “It’s a heritage race,” John emphasises. “It’s been part of the British racing scene for decades, and it’s where many riders have taken their first big step towards international competition.”
For 2025, CDN plans to enhance Capernwray’s status by dedicating the prize pot and resources previously spread across the series into this single event. With a race date set for April 5th, the organisers hope to attract top talent before riders head overseas for the European season.
Behind the scenes, the decision to refocus highlights what CDN regard as a litany of systemic challenges faced by race organisers. Scheduling conflicts, unclear processes, and inadequate support from British Cycling (BC) – particularly at the national level – have made it increasingly difficult for events like those in the Proper Northern Road Race Series to thrive.
“The process is just so unjoined-up,” John explains. “We’d put our dates in months in advance, only to find out on social media that another race had taken the same slot. The lack of communication and clarity from national BC makes it incredibly hard to plan.”
This disorganisation has created numerous headaches for organisers, says CDN, forcing them to repeatedly revise plans, often at the expense of securing critical venues. “We couldn’t even run on our preferred date for Capernwray this year because the venue had already been booked for a local church event,” Cummins says.
In an effort to improve calendar coordination, British Cycling recently introduced a new system aimed at better coordinating race calendars. This process includes collecting expressions of interest from organisers earlier in the year and producing a draft calendar by the end of October, with opportunities for amendments before finalisation in mid-November. However, CDN reports that the new system has not delivered the improvements organisers were hoping for. “Despite these changes, the issues of poor communication and overlapping dates persist,” John says. “It’s incredibly frustrating to see the same problems year after year.”
CDN’s frustrations extend beyond scheduling and venue bookings. Both organisers highlight what they see as a lack of meaningful engagement and support from national BC. “You have to watch what people do, not what they say,” John asserts. “BC claims to support racing, but we’ve run six National Masters Championships, and not a single person from national BC turned up.”
John draws a clear distinction between national and regional BC, praising the latter for being responsive and supportive. “Regional BC are brilliant. They’re always willing to help and listen,” she says. “But national BC? They’re the ones making these decisions, and it feels like they’re completely out of touch with the realities of organising races.”
A particular source of frustration for John is the lack of a structured pathway for new organisers. “There’s no formal mentoring or training. New organisers could be required to work on a couple of races first,” she suggests. “Many don’t realise how difficult it is and give up after one year. A mentoring scheme could improve both the quality and sustainability of British races.”
Cummins echoes these concerns, noting that organisers often feel abandoned to navigate a labyrinth of logistical and administrative hurdles. “BC’s processes are opaque. It’s unclear who makes key decisions or what criteria they use. This lack of transparency is a major barrier,” he says.
While 2025 will be a year of consolidation for CDN, there are glimmers of hope for the future. Cummins reveals early discussions about a potential series in 2026, organised in collaboration with other key National B race organisers and independent of BC’s central operation. “We’ve had positive noises from one other organiser,” he says. “It’s something we’re exploring for 2026, but for now, our focus is entirely on Capernwray.”
With (much of) the prize fund and (all of the) energy of an entire series poured into Capernwray, the 2025 edition promises to be a standout event. The race will feature prizes for individuals, teams, and juniors, and the organisers are keen to ensure full fields of top talent.
“This race has always been a springboard for riders with big ambitions,” Cummins says. “We want to make sure it continues to be just that.”
The date is set for April 5th, and entries will open in January. For racers and fans alike, Capernwray 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable highlight of the early-season calendar.
CDN’s decision to refocus will likely prompt broader reflection within the road racing community. While some organisers have welcomed BC’s recent changes to calendar coordination, CDN’s frustrations with national BC echo sentiments shared by others in the sport. Their view is clear: for road racing to thrive, there must be greater transparency, better coordination, and more meaningful support for those who make grassroots events possible.
As Cummins succinctly puts it: “We’re still here. We’re still doing what we love. But it’s time for things to change.”
Enter the race here.
Featured image: Ellen Isherwood
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