The LOGCO Otley Cycle Races return on Wednesday night (2 July), kicking off the National Circuit Series and hosting Round 7 of the Rapha Super-League. Set in the heart of Lizzie Deignan’s hometown, it’s the jewel in the crown of British crit racing—fast, technical, and fiercely contested.
If the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix is the Monument of British road racing, Otley is its circuit racing counterpart. Expect big crowds, a stacked startlist, and fireworks on the streets.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com
What is it?
The Otley Cycle Races is one of the crown jewels of the British domestic calendar and arguably the most prestigious circuit race in the UK. Held in the scenic Yorkshire market town of Otley—birthplace of former world champion Lizzie Deignan—the event weaves fast-paced racing through narrow town centre streets lined with thousands of spectators.
This year, the Otley Grand Prix opens the 2025 National Circuit Series and also serves as Round 7 of the Rapha Super-League, marking it as a key fixture in both series. If the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix is the closest thing Britain has to a Monument in road racing, then the Otley Grand Prix is its circuit racing equivalent: steeped in history, fiercely contested, and always dramatic.
Frankie Hall of DAS Hutchinson Brother UK wins in 2024. Image: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com
But Otley is more than just a race—it’s a full-blown community celebration. The programme begins in the early evening with balance bike and youth races, followed by a support men’s race for lower category riders, building towards the elite showcases: the Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix and the Rayner Foundation Open Otley Grand Prix.
Run by Otley Cycle Club—one of Yorkshire’s most historic cycling institutions, established in 1927—the event dates back to 1985 for the men and 2013 for the women. The roll of honour reads like a who’s who of British cycling: past winners include Mark Cavendish, Adam Blythe, Chris Lawless, Matt Bostock, Jacob Scott, Lizzie Deignan, Elinor Barker, and Jess Roberts. Few races on the domestic scene carry the same prestige, crowd support, or thrilling finale as Otley.
Route
The Otley Grand Prix circuit runs anticlockwise and is just over two kilometres in length.
After rolling out along the flat finishing straight, riders take a left turn followed by a right up the course’s main climb: Burras Lane. This is where much of the attacking action typically happens. The first ramp is the steepest, though riders will benefit from the momentum they carry into it from the run-in. The road then dips slightly before rising again on a wide, well-surfaced section to the circuit’s highest point, just before a bridge.
Two sharp left-handers follow, leading onto Birdcage Walk—a tree-lined stretch with an undulating profile, poor surface and low light, making positioning here especially important. At the end of this road, riders turn left again and plunge downhill back towards the town centre.
At the bottom of the descent lies the circuit’s defining feature: a tight left-hand corner into the finishing straight. Dan McLay, who won here in 2015, famously described it as “the best last corner in cycling.” Get it right, and you set yourself up for the win. Get it wrong, and you might end up in the barriers.
Once negotiated, there’s a flat, dead-straight 190-metre dash to the line.
While the race often ends in a bunch gallop, powerful breakaways have succeeded here too—especially when the strongest teams are well represented at the front.
The open race covers around 50 kilometres over 23 laps, while the women’s race totals approximately 31 kilometres over 15 laps. A lap board will be displayed by the finish line for the final nine laps of each race.
Timings
Time
Race
18.00
MAS Design Super Prestige Youth Race for u16 boys
18.01
Otley Cycle Club Super Prestige Bike Race for u16 girls
18.40
Chevin Cycles Classic Race
19.30
Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix
20.30
The Rayner Foundation Men’s Otley Grand Prix
How to follow
Unfortunately there will not be any TV coverage of the race this year. Fear not, however, as The British Continental will be on the ground. Head to our Instagram for interviews and coverage.
Also keep an eye on Rapha UK’s Instagram for more roadside content. Rapha’s Mobile Service Course will be pitched on Kirkgate, close to the finish line, providing cowbells, Assembly coffee and Lucky Saint beers to fans.
Riders to watch
The provisional startlists for the open and women’s races are stacked with talent (see below), with both races looking wide open.
Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix
The 2025 national circuit champion, Kate Richardson (Handsling–Alba Development) headlines the bill. An excellent all rounder, she won the Tour de Feminin this year, capping an incredible bounce-back from last year’s hit-and-run incident. Richardson’s strength and aggressive style make her a key contender, as shown by her win in Aberystwyth last month. The Scot sits second in the Rapha Super-League; with leader Noémie Thomson, she could go top with a good result. Richardson is backed up by a strong team, including Neah Evans. The former Madison and points race world champion, Evans has the engine to animate hard races. Though focused on track, she took a spring podium at the CiCLE Classic on the road, showing her form.
Kate Richardson (Handsling Alba Development Road Team) wins the National Circuit Championship to become National Champion ahead of Isabel Sharp (Lidl – Trek). Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
The runaway winner of the 2024 Otley Grand Prix, Frankie Hall (Praties Cycling Team) escaped and out-sprinted her breakaway partner Danni Watkinson to claim her first National Circuit Series win. A former Lancaster GP champion as well, Hall has been in outstanding form this season Her raw speed and savvy in small groups make her a favourite. Robyn Clay (DAS-Hutchinson) arrives in peak form. She won a stage of this year’s Tour de Feminin in the driving rain and took a powerful victory at the brutal Alexandra Tour of the Reservoir. A powerful finisher, Clay already has three National Road Series victories to her name. She was 9th at Otley 2024 after a hard race. Clay’s teammate Sophie Lewis was the 2023 Otley GP winner. A triple National Circuit Series round victor (also winning Colne and Beverley), Lewis is a former national track pursuit champion with a blistering sprint. Though injury disrupted her early 2025 season, if recovered she’ll be among the fastest in the field.
Spectra Racing offers a double threat. Former British road race champion and world track team pursuit gold medallist Jessica Roberts adds top-end speed to this field. She took 3rd in the 2025 National Circuit Race Championships, showing she’s road-fit. Roberts’s blistering sprint and track pedigree means she should be prominent if it comes to a group sprint. Teammate Anna Flynn is a mountain bike specialist whose road performances have caught the eye. 6th in the ANEXO/CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic and 12th at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix demonstrate she should not be underestimated.
Jessica Roberts (Spectra Racing). Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Like Roberts, Josie Knight (Tekkerz CC) is another talented track rider who also offers a threat in circuit races. She was 5th at the 2025 circuit champs, marking her as a contender. Danni Watkinson (Jadan Vive Le Velo p/b Glasdon) broke through in Otley in 2024, finishing 2nd behind Hall. After her surprise podium last year, she’ll be keen to prove it was no fluke.
Lucy Glover (Smurfit Westrock CT): Already a proven winner as a teenager (she won Dudley GP in 2023 at age 16), Glover has raw speed. She finished an impressive 5th in the 2023 Otley GP sprint. Now a first-year U23, Glover will ride with confidence and can deliver a strong sprint – especially with experienced teammate – former national circuit race champion JoTindley – up front to help.
The 2024 national circuit race champion Emma Jeffers (Liv AlUla Jayco WCT), is WorldTour development team rider with a top sprint. She was 8th at Otley 2024 and has multiple criterium wins on her palmarès. Always a threat in a bunch sprint, Jeffer’s experience in fast, technical circuits makes her a major contender if a large group hits the line together. Monica Greenwood (Team Coop‐Repsol) was 7th at the circuit race champs this year after finishing 4th at nationals two years earlier. Her consistency (and a win at the 2023 Sheffield Grand Prix) mean she’ll be attentive to any break and strong in a reduced sprint.
Emma Jeffers of Liv AlUla Jayco at the 2024 Otley Grand Prix. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Anna Morris (Private Member) is one of the biggest names on this list thanks to her track success, which includes the individual pursuit record and world titles. She has impressed all season on the road, particularly with her second place at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix. The peloton will let her escape at its peril. Esther Wong (Torelli) was 4th in the 2024 Otley GP, still just a junior. A former national track champion (scratch race), she has a hard-charging style. If the race stays together, Wong’s punchy sprint and familiarity with the course make her one to keep an eye on in the final laps. Junior rider Abigail Miller (Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco) was part of the big break in the 2024 Otley GP, ultimately sprinting to 7th. Miller has been in electric form in 2025. Her results include a stage win at the Tour du Gévaudan Occitanie, 4th at the junior Tour of Flanders
Isabel Darvill (CJ O’Shea Racing), a proven criterium specialist, claimed third at the 2024 National Circuit Race Championships and followed it with a top-10 finish at Otley last year. She has been disrupted by injury over the last few months, however — first by a crash earlier last summer, then by broken ribs in the spring. If she can rediscover her form in time, she’ll be a serious threat.
The Rayner Foundation Open Otley Grand Prix
Tekkerz CC begins the National Circuit Series as the team to beat. In Matt Bostock, the team fields the reigning Otley champion and arguably the most accomplished criterium rider in the UK. The former national circuit race champion is a serial winner in the National Circuit Series and can win from a sprint or the break. Third place at the national circuit championships last week would have been a disappointment for him and the team and he’ll be eager to rectify things in Otley. Bostock sits third in the Rapha Super-League standings; a top result here could propel him to the top.
He’s joined at Tekkerz by Olympic bronze medallist Ollie Wood, the 2023 British national criterium champ and recent winner at the VIA Criterium. Tekkerz CC signed Wood andBostock this winter “with the aim of building one of the world’s best crit teams”. Wood’s track-honed speed has already translated to road crits: he’s been a constant presence at the front of major U.S. criteriums, including a podium at the McNellie’s Blue Dome race. The mastermind behind the Tekkerz project is Alec Briggs, a criterium specialist at the peak of his powers who regularly tops podiums on fast, technical circuits. He hit the top ten in Otley last year. Can he go even better in 2025?
Matt Bostock wins the 2024 Otley Grand Prix. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
MUC-OFF–SRCT–Storck is another squad to watch for its collective strength. This small-budget team has quietly dominated domestic road racing through “strength in numbers” tactics. Key members include William Truelove, Alex Beldon and Adam Howell. Truelove has been rock-solid in 2025, never finishing outside the top 5 in any race until a late crash at the Rutland-Melton Classic. He was 4th in Otley last year which kickstarted a run of top ten placements in the National Circuit Series. Beldon, a former Trinity Racing rider, has already picked up big wins this season (1st at both the PB Performance Espoirs road race and the Danum Trophy). 8th place at the National Road Championships road race was the latest chapter in a breakthrough year. He isn’t a crit specialist, but he has legs and racecraft to win a race like Otley. The same applies to Howell, another talented youngster in the midst of a breakthrough year. Beldon and Howell are 1-2 in the Rapha Super-League standings before tonight. Can they hold off Bostock?
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli brings veteran depth. The team – now one of the most experienced squads in British domestic racing – still features proven stars like Tom Armstrong and Tim Shoreman. Armstrong has been a consistent performer in National A races, notching top-ten finishes at marquee events like the Lancaster GP and Beaumont Trophy. Shoreman is a powerful all-round sprinter: he won the 2023 Colne Grand Prix, took second at 2024’s East Cleveland Classic, and claimed two stages in the Rás Tailteann this year. Crucially, Wheelbase’s depth gives them options. Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix victor James McKay is also among their number.
Tim Shoreman of Wheelbase CabTech Castelli wins the Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Beyond these teams, several international and young riders can animate the finale. Jente Michels (Alpecin–Deceuninck Development Team) is a Belgian cyclo-cross ace – 2023 U23 European champion and two-time U23 World Championship bronze medallist – whose raw power and bike-handling should translate well on the twisty course. 20-year-old Oliver Peace (Development Team Picnic PostNL) is a wild card; he notched multiple top-10 finishes (including 5th on one stage and 11th overall) at the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, demonstrating impressive endurance and punch. He is by no means a crit specialist, but has an engine honed by big blocks of UCI racing abroad.
Jim Brown (Golden State Blazers) is a top British sprinter who now races in the US after the collapse of Ribble Rebellion; he’s shown good form internationally (including 2nd overall in the Armed Forces Cycling Classic crit series) and at home (e.g., 13th place in this year’s Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix). Finn Crockett (VolkerWessels) adds interest to the startlist. The Scottish-born rider who now races on an Irish licence brings classic pedigree – he won the 2022 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic and Commonwealth Games bronze – and is never short on confidence or experience in a punchy finale. He’s a former Sheffield Grand Prix winner, so has form in elbows-out British crits. A genuine outside bet.
Finn Crockett the wins 2023 Sheffield Grand Prix. Image: SWpix.com
Finally, keep an eye on Cai Davies (DAS Richardsons) and Oscar Amey (WWV Hagens–Jayco). Amey, only 17, is the reigning British junior cyclo-cross champion – his explosive finishing speed and bike-skills make him a dark-horse candidate in a technical sprint. He looked odds-on to win the VIA Criterium two weeks ago before being overhauled by Ollie Wood on the final lap. Could the junior bag another big result here. Davies, an experienced UK circuit rider, is regularly at the pointy end of National Circuit Series and has several top ten places to his name. Perhaps not winner material, but a strong result would be no surprise.
The LOGCO Otley Cycle Races return on Wednesday night (2 July), kicking off the National Circuit Series and hosting Round 7 of the Rapha Super-League. Set in the heart of Lizzie Deignan’s hometown, it’s the jewel in the crown of British crit racing—fast, technical, and fiercely contested.
If the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix is the Monument of British road racing, Otley is its circuit racing counterpart. Expect big crowds, a stacked startlist, and fireworks on the streets.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com
What is it?
The Otley Cycle Races is one of the crown jewels of the British domestic calendar and arguably the most prestigious circuit race in the UK. Held in the scenic Yorkshire market town of Otley—birthplace of former world champion Lizzie Deignan—the event weaves fast-paced racing through narrow town centre streets lined with thousands of spectators.
This year, the Otley Grand Prix opens the 2025 National Circuit Series and also serves as Round 7 of the Rapha Super-League, marking it as a key fixture in both series. If the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix is the closest thing Britain has to a Monument in road racing, then the Otley Grand Prix is its circuit racing equivalent: steeped in history, fiercely contested, and always dramatic.
But Otley is more than just a race—it’s a full-blown community celebration. The programme begins in the early evening with balance bike and youth races, followed by a support men’s race for lower category riders, building towards the elite showcases: the Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix and the Rayner Foundation Open Otley Grand Prix.
Run by Otley Cycle Club—one of Yorkshire’s most historic cycling institutions, established in 1927—the event dates back to 1985 for the men and 2013 for the women. The roll of honour reads like a who’s who of British cycling: past winners include Mark Cavendish, Adam Blythe, Chris Lawless, Matt Bostock, Jacob Scott, Lizzie Deignan, Elinor Barker, and Jess Roberts. Few races on the domestic scene carry the same prestige, crowd support, or thrilling finale as Otley.
Route
The Otley Grand Prix circuit runs anticlockwise and is just over two kilometres in length.
After rolling out along the flat finishing straight, riders take a left turn followed by a right up the course’s main climb: Burras Lane. This is where much of the attacking action typically happens. The first ramp is the steepest, though riders will benefit from the momentum they carry into it from the run-in. The road then dips slightly before rising again on a wide, well-surfaced section to the circuit’s highest point, just before a bridge.
Two sharp left-handers follow, leading onto Birdcage Walk—a tree-lined stretch with an undulating profile, poor surface and low light, making positioning here especially important. At the end of this road, riders turn left again and plunge downhill back towards the town centre.
At the bottom of the descent lies the circuit’s defining feature: a tight left-hand corner into the finishing straight. Dan McLay, who won here in 2015, famously described it as “the best last corner in cycling.” Get it right, and you set yourself up for the win. Get it wrong, and you might end up in the barriers.
Once negotiated, there’s a flat, dead-straight 190-metre dash to the line.
While the race often ends in a bunch gallop, powerful breakaways have succeeded here too—especially when the strongest teams are well represented at the front.
The open race covers around 50 kilometres over 23 laps, while the women’s race totals approximately 31 kilometres over 15 laps. A lap board will be displayed by the finish line for the final nine laps of each race.
Timings
How to follow
Unfortunately there will not be any TV coverage of the race this year. Fear not, however, as The British Continental will be on the ground. Head to our Instagram for interviews and coverage.
Also keep an eye on Rapha UK’s Instagram for more roadside content. Rapha’s Mobile Service Course will be pitched on Kirkgate, close to the finish line, providing cowbells, Assembly coffee and Lucky Saint beers to fans.
Riders to watch
The provisional startlists for the open and women’s races are stacked with talent (see below), with both races looking wide open.
Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix
The 2025 national circuit champion, Kate Richardson (Handsling–Alba Development) headlines the bill. An excellent all rounder, she won the Tour de Feminin this year, capping an incredible bounce-back from last year’s hit-and-run incident. Richardson’s strength and aggressive style make her a key contender, as shown by her win in Aberystwyth last month. The Scot sits second in the Rapha Super-League; with leader Noémie Thomson, she could go top with a good result. Richardson is backed up by a strong team, including Neah Evans. The former Madison and points race world champion, Evans has the engine to animate hard races. Though focused on track, she took a spring podium at the CiCLE Classic on the road, showing her form.
The runaway winner of the 2024 Otley Grand Prix, Frankie Hall (Praties Cycling Team) escaped and out-sprinted her breakaway partner Danni Watkinson to claim her first National Circuit Series win. A former Lancaster GP champion as well, Hall has been in outstanding form this season Her raw speed and savvy in small groups make her a favourite. Robyn Clay (DAS-Hutchinson) arrives in peak form. She won a stage of this year’s Tour de Feminin in the driving rain and took a powerful victory at the brutal Alexandra Tour of the Reservoir. A powerful finisher, Clay already has three National Road Series victories to her name. She was 9th at Otley 2024 after a hard race. Clay’s teammate Sophie Lewis was the 2023 Otley GP winner. A triple National Circuit Series round victor (also winning Colne and Beverley), Lewis is a former national track pursuit champion with a blistering sprint. Though injury disrupted her early 2025 season, if recovered she’ll be among the fastest in the field.
Spectra Racing offers a double threat. Former British road race champion and world track team pursuit gold medallist Jessica Roberts adds top-end speed to this field. She took 3rd in the 2025 National Circuit Race Championships, showing she’s road-fit. Roberts’s blistering sprint and track pedigree means she should be prominent if it comes to a group sprint. Teammate Anna Flynn is a mountain bike specialist whose road performances have caught the eye. 6th in the ANEXO/CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic and 12th at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix demonstrate she should not be underestimated.
Like Roberts, Josie Knight (Tekkerz CC) is another talented track rider who also offers a threat in circuit races. She was 5th at the 2025 circuit champs, marking her as a contender. Danni Watkinson (Jadan Vive Le Velo p/b Glasdon) broke through in Otley in 2024, finishing 2nd behind Hall. After her surprise podium last year, she’ll be keen to prove it was no fluke.
Lucy Glover (Smurfit Westrock CT): Already a proven winner as a teenager (she won Dudley GP in 2023 at age 16), Glover has raw speed. She finished an impressive 5th in the 2023 Otley GP sprint. Now a first-year U23, Glover will ride with confidence and can deliver a strong sprint – especially with experienced teammate – former national circuit race champion Jo Tindley – up front to help.
The 2024 national circuit race champion Emma Jeffers (Liv AlUla Jayco WCT), is WorldTour development team rider with a top sprint. She was 8th at Otley 2024 and has multiple criterium wins on her palmarès. Always a threat in a bunch sprint, Jeffer’s experience in fast, technical circuits makes her a major contender if a large group hits the line together. Monica Greenwood (Team Coop‐Repsol) was 7th at the circuit race champs this year after finishing 4th at nationals two years earlier. Her consistency (and a win at the 2023 Sheffield Grand Prix) mean she’ll be attentive to any break and strong in a reduced sprint.
Anna Morris (Private Member) is one of the biggest names on this list thanks to her track success, which includes the individual pursuit record and world titles. She has impressed all season on the road, particularly with her second place at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix. The peloton will let her escape at its peril. Esther Wong (Torelli) was 4th in the 2024 Otley GP, still just a junior. A former national track champion (scratch race), she has a hard-charging style. If the race stays together, Wong’s punchy sprint and familiarity with the course make her one to keep an eye on in the final laps. Junior rider Abigail Miller (Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco) was part of the big break in the 2024 Otley GP, ultimately sprinting to 7th. Miller has been in electric form in 2025. Her results include a stage win at the Tour du Gévaudan Occitanie, 4th at the junior Tour of Flanders
Isabel Darvill (CJ O’Shea Racing), a proven criterium specialist, claimed third at the 2024 National Circuit Race Championships and followed it with a top-10 finish at Otley last year. She has been disrupted by injury over the last few months, however — first by a crash earlier last summer, then by broken ribs in the spring. If she can rediscover her form in time, she’ll be a serious threat.
The Rayner Foundation Open Otley Grand Prix
Tekkerz CC begins the National Circuit Series as the team to beat. In Matt Bostock, the team fields the reigning Otley champion and arguably the most accomplished criterium rider in the UK. The former national circuit race champion is a serial winner in the National Circuit Series and can win from a sprint or the break. Third place at the national circuit championships last week would have been a disappointment for him and the team and he’ll be eager to rectify things in Otley. Bostock sits third in the Rapha Super-League standings; a top result here could propel him to the top.
He’s joined at Tekkerz by Olympic bronze medallist Ollie Wood, the 2023 British national criterium champ and recent winner at the VIA Criterium. Tekkerz CC signed Wood and Bostock this winter “with the aim of building one of the world’s best crit teams”. Wood’s track-honed speed has already translated to road crits: he’s been a constant presence at the front of major U.S. criteriums, including a podium at the McNellie’s Blue Dome race. The mastermind behind the Tekkerz project is Alec Briggs, a criterium specialist at the peak of his powers who regularly tops podiums on fast, technical circuits. He hit the top ten in Otley last year. Can he go even better in 2025?
MUC-OFF–SRCT–Storck is another squad to watch for its collective strength. This small-budget team has quietly dominated domestic road racing through “strength in numbers” tactics. Key members include William Truelove, Alex Beldon and Adam Howell. Truelove has been rock-solid in 2025, never finishing outside the top 5 in any race until a late crash at the Rutland-Melton Classic. He was 4th in Otley last year which kickstarted a run of top ten placements in the National Circuit Series. Beldon, a former Trinity Racing rider, has already picked up big wins this season (1st at both the PB Performance Espoirs road race and the Danum Trophy). 8th place at the National Road Championships road race was the latest chapter in a breakthrough year. He isn’t a crit specialist, but he has legs and racecraft to win a race like Otley. The same applies to Howell, another talented youngster in the midst of a breakthrough year. Beldon and Howell are 1-2 in the Rapha Super-League standings before tonight. Can they hold off Bostock?
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli brings veteran depth. The team – now one of the most experienced squads in British domestic racing – still features proven stars like Tom Armstrong and Tim Shoreman. Armstrong has been a consistent performer in National A races, notching top-ten finishes at marquee events like the Lancaster GP and Beaumont Trophy. Shoreman is a powerful all-round sprinter: he won the 2023 Colne Grand Prix, took second at 2024’s East Cleveland Classic, and claimed two stages in the Rás Tailteann this year. Crucially, Wheelbase’s depth gives them options. Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix victor James McKay is also among their number.
Beyond these teams, several international and young riders can animate the finale. Jente Michels (Alpecin–Deceuninck Development Team) is a Belgian cyclo-cross ace – 2023 U23 European champion and two-time U23 World Championship bronze medallist – whose raw power and bike-handling should translate well on the twisty course. 20-year-old Oliver Peace (Development Team Picnic PostNL) is a wild card; he notched multiple top-10 finishes (including 5th on one stage and 11th overall) at the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, demonstrating impressive endurance and punch. He is by no means a crit specialist, but has an engine honed by big blocks of UCI racing abroad.
Jim Brown (Golden State Blazers) is a top British sprinter who now races in the US after the collapse of Ribble Rebellion; he’s shown good form internationally (including 2nd overall in the Armed Forces Cycling Classic crit series) and at home (e.g., 13th place in this year’s Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix). Finn Crockett (VolkerWessels) adds interest to the startlist. The Scottish-born rider who now races on an Irish licence brings classic pedigree – he won the 2022 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic and Commonwealth Games bronze – and is never short on confidence or experience in a punchy finale. He’s a former Sheffield Grand Prix winner, so has form in elbows-out British crits. A genuine outside bet.
Finally, keep an eye on Cai Davies (DAS Richardsons) and Oscar Amey (WWV Hagens–Jayco). Amey, only 17, is the reigning British junior cyclo-cross champion – his explosive finishing speed and bike-skills make him a dark-horse candidate in a technical sprint. He looked odds-on to win the VIA Criterium two weeks ago before being overhauled by Ollie Wood on the final lap. Could the junior bag another big result here. Davies, an experienced UK circuit rider, is regularly at the pointy end of National Circuit Series and has several top ten places to his name. Perhaps not winner material, but a strong result would be no surprise.
Provisional startlists
Santini Women’s Otley Grand Prix
The Rayner Foundation Open Otley Grand Prix
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