National B road racing continues this weekend with a double-header on the historic 1982 World Championship circuit in Goodwood, Sussex, as the Kennel Hill Classic returns – featuring defending champion Rowan Baker and the all-conquering Smurfit Westock squad.
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
What is it?
The Kennel Hill Classic – formerly known as the RCR FatCreations Road Race – is a spring road race that pays homage to one of British cycling’s most overlooked landmarks: the 1982 World Championships circuit in Goodwood, Sussex. That year, Mandy Jones – now Mandy Bishop – and Italy’s Giuseppe Saronni rode to rainbow glory on a course that wound through the quiet lanes between Chichester and the South Downs. It was a moment of history: just the third time the Worlds had been held on British soil, and the third time a British woman had claimed the world title. Yet, despite its significance, the location had long been forgotten by the domestic racing calendar.
That changed in 2022 when Seb Ottley – the organiser behind the Portsdown Classic – revived the course with the inaugural RCR FatCreations Road Race. His goal was to create a spring classic for the British scene, something riders would circle on their calendar each year. Three editions in, he’s well on the way. The race has quickly gained a reputation as a hard-fought early-season target, attracting top-tier riders and notable winners. It’s now not just a nod to history – it’s helping shape it.
Dimbleby (right) pips Hermolle (left) to the win in 2024. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Rebranded this year as the Kennel Hill Classic, the fourth edition of the race faced an existential threat due to low initial entry numbers, only to be saved at the eleventh hour thanks to a rush of late entries and a timely financial donation from Primo Race Team.
Last year’s winners were Rowan Baker and Caitlin Dimbleby, with Baker back to defend his title this time around.
Route
The 17.3km circuit – with 263 metres of elevation gain – differs slightly from the one used in the 1982 World Championships. Back then, riders tackled a lap of the Goodwood motor circuit; this updated version keeps it strictly on the roads.
That said, organiser Seb Ottley was determined to preserve the defining feature of the original course – the main climb to the finish line – and that’s exactly what he’s done.
“The World’s circuit was just under 10 miles,” Ottley told us back in 2022. “My main aim was to make sure the new course took on the main climb. The version we ended up with is 10.7 miles long, it includes the same climb, and actually has more elevation – which I’m sure the locals will love.”
The route begins by the Goodwood racecourse, heading east along Selhurstpark Road for around 5 kilometres. A right-hand turn onto the A285 sends riders south through Halnaker and Boxgrove for 6.5 kilometres, descending gradually. Another right onto New Road leads into a 2-kilometre stretch before the course hits a roundabout and veers right again – the start of the return leg and the climb of Kennel Hill.
From here, the road rises gently at first, then steepens sharply around a kilometre from the finish, with ramps pitching up to 10% in places. A sweeping right-hand bend near the top sets up a punchy run-in to the line.
The open field take on seven laps of the circuit (121km), the women five (86km) – both with a finish worthy of a classic.
Timings
9.30
Open race start
13.30
Women’s race start
Weather
At the time of writing, the forecast suggests the weather should be mild with a spot of sunshine.
Contenders
Open
There’s no shortage of talent in this year’s open field, with a mix of proven winners, rising stars and pure climbers all suited to the Kennel Hill Classic’s demanding profile.
Topping the billing is last year’s winner Rowan Baker. Now racing for Raptor Factory Racing, Baker arrives in blistering form. His solo demolition job on the final stage of the Peaks 2 Day – where he won by over four minutes to seal the overall – was a statement ride. His teammate Thomas Heal, who placed 7th overall at the same race, offers the Putney-based squad another strong card to play.
Baker wins in 2024. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Also fresh from Peaks 2 Day heroics is Adam Howell of MUC-OFF-SRCT-STORCK. The 20-year-old won the opening stage and was only denied overall victory by Baker’s epic escape. With a punchy course that suits his style, Howell will be eager to continue his breakout campaign. Teammate Edward Morgan – runner-up at the Portsdown Classic and recently returned from a racing block in Greece – brings depth and form to the team.
Jordan Giles (DAS-Richardsons) also impressed at the Portsdown Classic, the winner there no less, and has backed that up with an attacking display at the Jock Wadley before finishing 4th at the Evesham Vale Road Race.
Jordan Giles wins the 2025 Portsdown Classic. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Josh Housley leads the Primera-TeamJobs charge. After a stellar 2024 – including wins at the East Midlands champs and two National Bs – he’ll relish the chance to test himself on this terrain. Keep an eye too on teammate Gabe Dellar, making his 2025 debut. With four Nat B wins to his name last season, few know better how to cross a finish line first.
For the fast finishers who can hang tough on the climbs, Matthew King (Atom 6-Decca Continental Team) and Clay Davies (Ride Revolution Coaching) are smart outsiders – though they’ll need to read the race perfectly on a course unlikely to end in a big group sprint.
One man who won’t mind the climb-heavy profile is Harry Macfarlane. The reigning national hill climb champion, riding for Ride Revolution Coaching, is tailor-made for a race like this.
And watch out for Ollie Peckover (trainSharp Roman RT). Making his season debut, Peckover has a string of big wins behind him and the race craft to contend, even after a spell away from the scene.
Women
The women’s field may be smaller in numbers, but it more than makes up for it in quality. And with the form riders of the season all present, the battle for the Kennel Hill Classic title promises to be anything but predictable.
Bexy Dew at the North Lincolnshire Classic. Image: Joe Hudson
The Smurfit Westock juggernaut has dominated the early part of 2025, winning all three National B races so far. Bexy Dew got the ball rolling with a win at the North Lincolnshire Classic, Lucy Gadd followed with overall victory at the Peaks 2 Day – backed by a commanding team performance – and last weekend saw Lucy Harris ride solo to a stunning win at the ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic. All three start here and are joined by a deep and dangerous line-up that includes Alex Morrice – a former CANYON//SRAM rider and past Guildford Town Centre Races winner – and Grace Reynolds, one of 2024’s most exciting breakthrough talents.
If anyone can challenge the 2025 team of the season, it’s DAS-Hutchinson. Lizzie Hermolle comes in with confidence after taking her maiden National B win on stage 1 of the Peaks 2 Day, where she also finished second overall. Runner-up here last year, she’ll fancy her chances on these climbs. Teammate Tammy Miller, meanwhile, brings pedigree and punch – her 2024 campaign was crowned with a victory at the Ryedale Grand Prix, and she’s a serious contender again this weekend.
Patch, right, during last year’s edition.. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Another name worth noting is Katy Hill, who impressed in this race last year while riding for London Academy. Now racing in France with VC Morteau, her climbing legs will be an asset on Kennel Hill. Likewise, Molly Patch – ever consistent in 2024 and 5th here last year – returns as a savvy and strong-willed competitor who knows how to race selectively and effectively.
Provisional startlist
Entries available on the line or by emailing Seb Ottley: seb.ottley@gmail.com
National B road racing continues this weekend with a double-header on the historic 1982 World Championship circuit in Goodwood, Sussex, as the Kennel Hill Classic returns – featuring defending champion Rowan Baker and the all-conquering Smurfit Westock squad.
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
What is it?
The Kennel Hill Classic – formerly known as the RCR FatCreations Road Race – is a spring road race that pays homage to one of British cycling’s most overlooked landmarks: the 1982 World Championships circuit in Goodwood, Sussex. That year, Mandy Jones – now Mandy Bishop – and Italy’s Giuseppe Saronni rode to rainbow glory on a course that wound through the quiet lanes between Chichester and the South Downs. It was a moment of history: just the third time the Worlds had been held on British soil, and the third time a British woman had claimed the world title. Yet, despite its significance, the location had long been forgotten by the domestic racing calendar.
That changed in 2022 when Seb Ottley – the organiser behind the Portsdown Classic – revived the course with the inaugural RCR FatCreations Road Race. His goal was to create a spring classic for the British scene, something riders would circle on their calendar each year. Three editions in, he’s well on the way. The race has quickly gained a reputation as a hard-fought early-season target, attracting top-tier riders and notable winners. It’s now not just a nod to history – it’s helping shape it.
Rebranded this year as the Kennel Hill Classic, the fourth edition of the race faced an existential threat due to low initial entry numbers, only to be saved at the eleventh hour thanks to a rush of late entries and a timely financial donation from Primo Race Team.
Last year’s winners were Rowan Baker and Caitlin Dimbleby, with Baker back to defend his title this time around.
Route
The 17.3km circuit – with 263 metres of elevation gain – differs slightly from the one used in the 1982 World Championships. Back then, riders tackled a lap of the Goodwood motor circuit; this updated version keeps it strictly on the roads.
That said, organiser Seb Ottley was determined to preserve the defining feature of the original course – the main climb to the finish line – and that’s exactly what he’s done.
“The World’s circuit was just under 10 miles,” Ottley told us back in 2022. “My main aim was to make sure the new course took on the main climb. The version we ended up with is 10.7 miles long, it includes the same climb, and actually has more elevation – which I’m sure the locals will love.”
The route begins by the Goodwood racecourse, heading east along Selhurstpark Road for around 5 kilometres. A right-hand turn onto the A285 sends riders south through Halnaker and Boxgrove for 6.5 kilometres, descending gradually. Another right onto New Road leads into a 2-kilometre stretch before the course hits a roundabout and veers right again – the start of the return leg and the climb of Kennel Hill.
From here, the road rises gently at first, then steepens sharply around a kilometre from the finish, with ramps pitching up to 10% in places. A sweeping right-hand bend near the top sets up a punchy run-in to the line.
The open field take on seven laps of the circuit (121km), the women five (86km) – both with a finish worthy of a classic.
Timings
Weather
At the time of writing, the forecast suggests the weather should be mild with a spot of sunshine.
Contenders
Open
There’s no shortage of talent in this year’s open field, with a mix of proven winners, rising stars and pure climbers all suited to the Kennel Hill Classic’s demanding profile.
Topping the billing is last year’s winner Rowan Baker. Now racing for Raptor Factory Racing, Baker arrives in blistering form. His solo demolition job on the final stage of the Peaks 2 Day – where he won by over four minutes to seal the overall – was a statement ride. His teammate Thomas Heal, who placed 7th overall at the same race, offers the Putney-based squad another strong card to play.
Also fresh from Peaks 2 Day heroics is Adam Howell of MUC-OFF-SRCT-STORCK. The 20-year-old won the opening stage and was only denied overall victory by Baker’s epic escape. With a punchy course that suits his style, Howell will be eager to continue his breakout campaign. Teammate Edward Morgan – runner-up at the Portsdown Classic and recently returned from a racing block in Greece – brings depth and form to the team.
Jordan Giles (DAS-Richardsons) also impressed at the Portsdown Classic, the winner there no less, and has backed that up with an attacking display at the Jock Wadley before finishing 4th at the Evesham Vale Road Race.
Josh Housley leads the Primera-TeamJobs charge. After a stellar 2024 – including wins at the East Midlands champs and two National Bs – he’ll relish the chance to test himself on this terrain. Keep an eye too on teammate Gabe Dellar, making his 2025 debut. With four Nat B wins to his name last season, few know better how to cross a finish line first.
For the fast finishers who can hang tough on the climbs, Matthew King (Atom 6-Decca Continental Team) and Clay Davies (Ride Revolution Coaching) are smart outsiders – though they’ll need to read the race perfectly on a course unlikely to end in a big group sprint.
One man who won’t mind the climb-heavy profile is Harry Macfarlane. The reigning national hill climb champion, riding for Ride Revolution Coaching, is tailor-made for a race like this.
And watch out for Ollie Peckover (trainSharp Roman RT). Making his season debut, Peckover has a string of big wins behind him and the race craft to contend, even after a spell away from the scene.
Women
The women’s field may be smaller in numbers, but it more than makes up for it in quality. And with the form riders of the season all present, the battle for the Kennel Hill Classic title promises to be anything but predictable.
The Smurfit Westock juggernaut has dominated the early part of 2025, winning all three National B races so far. Bexy Dew got the ball rolling with a win at the North Lincolnshire Classic, Lucy Gadd followed with overall victory at the Peaks 2 Day – backed by a commanding team performance – and last weekend saw Lucy Harris ride solo to a stunning win at the ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic. All three start here and are joined by a deep and dangerous line-up that includes Alex Morrice – a former CANYON//SRAM rider and past Guildford Town Centre Races winner – and Grace Reynolds, one of 2024’s most exciting breakthrough talents.
If anyone can challenge the 2025 team of the season, it’s DAS-Hutchinson. Lizzie Hermolle comes in with confidence after taking her maiden National B win on stage 1 of the Peaks 2 Day, where she also finished second overall. Runner-up here last year, she’ll fancy her chances on these climbs. Teammate Tammy Miller, meanwhile, brings pedigree and punch – her 2024 campaign was crowned with a victory at the Ryedale Grand Prix, and she’s a serious contender again this weekend.
Another name worth noting is Katy Hill, who impressed in this race last year while riding for London Academy. Now racing in France with VC Morteau, her climbing legs will be an asset on Kennel Hill. Likewise, Molly Patch – ever consistent in 2024 and 5th here last year – returns as a savvy and strong-willed competitor who knows how to race selectively and effectively.
Provisional startlist
Entries available on the line or by emailing Seb Ottley: seb.ottley@gmail.com
Open
Women
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