End of an era: Eddie Soens Memorial to take a break in 2025 as rising costs bite
One of Britain’s most iconic domestic races, the Eddie Soens Memorial, will not take place in 2025. Rising costs at Aintree Racecourse and falling entry numbers have made the event financially unsustainable, marking the end of an era for this traffic-free classic
The Eddie Soens Memorial, one of the most iconic races on the British domestic cycling calendar, will not take place in 2025. Rising venue costs and dwindling entry numbers have made the event financially unsustainable, according to organiser Brian Rigby. However, efforts are underway to revive the race in a new form by 2026.
Aintree’s costs kept rising and rising—that’s mainly what’s killed off the event in its current form
The race, a cherished early-season fixture since 1961, is renowned for its unique handicap format that brings together professionals, club riders, and juniors. Its venue, Aintree Racecourse, has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in British sport. Known as the home of the Grand National, Britain’s biggest horse race, since 1829, Aintree has also hosted the Formula One British Grand Prix on five occasions. Last year’s edition of the Eddie Soens Memorial was won by Cycling Sheffield’s Jack Hartley ahead of Matt Bostock (Ribble Rebellion). This year would have marked the 63rd running of the event.
In recent years, the race has faced mounting financial challenges, culminating in a £2,500 loss in 2024. “Aintree’s costs kept rising and rising—that’s mainly what’s killed off the event in its current form,” Rigby explained. The venue, which has hosted the race for decades, raised its fees sharply in recent years, from £400 to £1,850. This sudden jump, combined with a doubling of timing costs over four years, put significant pressure on the budget.
I’ll have it back in 2026, just might be a bit different
The situation was further compounded by a decrease in participant numbers. Traditionally, the Eddie Soens Memorial attracted 160–180 riders, but in 2024, only around 100 took to the start line, slashing entry fee revenues by approximately £1,300.
British Cycling’s levy increases for 2025 added yet another strain to the organiser’s ability to balance the books. “It makes an already tough task impossible,” Rigby noted, reflecting the growing difficulties faced by grassroots events in the current economic climate.
Despite these hurdles, Rigby remains optimistic about the race’s future. “I’ll have it back in 2026, just might be a bit different,” he revealed. If the race does return, it will likely be held on open roads, unlike the Aintree circuit’s closed-course format. This shift would fundamentally alter the dynamic and nature of the event, which has been synonymous with its closed-course, handicap racing for over six decades.
The Aintree format long symbolised accessibility, offering a level playing field for riders of all abilities. Steeped in iconic moments, it provided a unique platform for amateurs to test themselves against elite professionals. As recently as 2020, the race faced the threat of closure, only to be saved at the last moment. Its absence in 2025 is a poignant reminder of the increasing pressures on grassroots cycling.
The club has been mega in supporting the race. They covered the loss last year and were happy to keep funding it, but just not for thousands
Rigby was quick to praise the Harry Middleton Cycling Club and the volunteers who have supported the Eddie Soens Memorial through its difficult times. “The club has been mega in supporting the race,” he said. “They covered the loss last year and were happy to keep funding it, but just not for thousands. It’s not sustainable for them.”
While the Eddie Soens Memorial’s absence in 2025 will undoubtedly leave a void in the calendar, there is hope that the event can return stronger and more sustainable in the years to come. However, with a move to open roads on the horizon, the race may enter a new chapter, one that could look markedly different from its storied past.
The Eddie Soens Memorial, one of the most iconic races on the British domestic cycling calendar, will not take place in 2025. Rising venue costs and dwindling entry numbers have made the event financially unsustainable, according to organiser Brian Rigby. However, efforts are underway to revive the race in a new form by 2026.
The race, a cherished early-season fixture since 1961, is renowned for its unique handicap format that brings together professionals, club riders, and juniors. Its venue, Aintree Racecourse, has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in British sport. Known as the home of the Grand National, Britain’s biggest horse race, since 1829, Aintree has also hosted the Formula One British Grand Prix on five occasions. Last year’s edition of the Eddie Soens Memorial was won by Cycling Sheffield’s Jack Hartley ahead of Matt Bostock (Ribble Rebellion). This year would have marked the 63rd running of the event.
In recent years, the race has faced mounting financial challenges, culminating in a £2,500 loss in 2024. “Aintree’s costs kept rising and rising—that’s mainly what’s killed off the event in its current form,” Rigby explained. The venue, which has hosted the race for decades, raised its fees sharply in recent years, from £400 to £1,850. This sudden jump, combined with a doubling of timing costs over four years, put significant pressure on the budget.
The situation was further compounded by a decrease in participant numbers. Traditionally, the Eddie Soens Memorial attracted 160–180 riders, but in 2024, only around 100 took to the start line, slashing entry fee revenues by approximately £1,300.
British Cycling’s levy increases for 2025 added yet another strain to the organiser’s ability to balance the books. “It makes an already tough task impossible,” Rigby noted, reflecting the growing difficulties faced by grassroots events in the current economic climate.
Despite these hurdles, Rigby remains optimistic about the race’s future. “I’ll have it back in 2026, just might be a bit different,” he revealed. If the race does return, it will likely be held on open roads, unlike the Aintree circuit’s closed-course format. This shift would fundamentally alter the dynamic and nature of the event, which has been synonymous with its closed-course, handicap racing for over six decades.
The Aintree format long symbolised accessibility, offering a level playing field for riders of all abilities. Steeped in iconic moments, it provided a unique platform for amateurs to test themselves against elite professionals. As recently as 2020, the race faced the threat of closure, only to be saved at the last moment. Its absence in 2025 is a poignant reminder of the increasing pressures on grassroots cycling.
Rigby was quick to praise the Harry Middleton Cycling Club and the volunteers who have supported the Eddie Soens Memorial through its difficult times. “The club has been mega in supporting the race,” he said. “They covered the loss last year and were happy to keep funding it, but just not for thousands. It’s not sustainable for them.”
While the Eddie Soens Memorial’s absence in 2025 will undoubtedly leave a void in the calendar, there is hope that the event can return stronger and more sustainable in the years to come. However, with a move to open roads on the horizon, the race may enter a new chapter, one that could look markedly different from its storied past.
Featured image: Emma Wilcock
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