Following July’s full throttle circuit race programme and the brutal Witheridge Grand Prix, the new month of August brings with it the Sherpa Performance Stage Race (2-3 August) – an amalgamation of both disciplines alongside a crucial road bike time trial, all packed into a four-stage weekend package as the season begins the journey to its conclusion.
Based around the flat roads of Colchester, the Roman roads around the former capital offer the chance for a range of riders to take a prestigious National B win and write their names in history as victors of one of the few stage races on the 2025 calendar.
Featured image: Mark James
What is it?
After a successful inaugural edition last year, Sherpa Performance, an Essex based company who amongst their services offer coaching and a range of cycling events, are sticking with the same four stage format that saw time trial specialist Alex Pickering take the spoils on a frantic last day twelve months ago.
Raced alongside a Regional Stage Race, the National B event’s opening two stages on Saturday are 60 minute criteriums, while Sunday sees the General Classification battle come alive, starting with an 8km time trial, which last year proved decisive, followed by an attritional 127km road race in the afternoon to crown a worthy winner.
As well as the general classification, a points classification is up for grabs, with a host of point scoring opportunities available across all the stages, bar the time trial. Three points are awarded at each intermediate sprint, with a maximum of five up for grabs at the finish line.
The stages
Saturday 2 August | Stages 1 and 2
Coming off the back of a large block of circuit racing in July, Saturday’s test, in the form of two 60 minute criteriums promises exciting, flat out racing as the sprinters go head to head with those looking to escape and win not only the stage, but put themselves in an enviable position in the General Classification.
Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park’s 1.6km purpose built cycle track plays host to the day’s action, with both races run in opposite directions around the L shape circuit, one of the longest facilities of its type in the country.
Flat and fast, with long straights and sweeping bends, the circuit is akin to that of the Colne GP, where the flat out pace can mean one mistake can cost a rider their position, and a shot of victory, in a number of seconds. Track and circuit race specialist Frank Longstaff used his sprint to perfection to seal both stages last year, although with intermediate sprints at 20 and 40 minutes, plus the General Classification on the line, there is a possibility for tactical nous to shine through with a breakaway upsetting the sprinters.
Sunday 3 August | Stage 3
If Saturday was for the sprinters and criterium specialists, Sunday turns the tables in favour of the strong men and General Classification contenders, starting with an 8km test against the clock – the race of truth proving decisive last year with Alex Pickering using his experience in the discipline to take the race lead.
The course covers the same roads as the afternoon’s road race, running from Birch Green down to Abberton Reservoir, then back north to the finish in Layer-de-la-Haye.
Beginning with a slight downward run, the course is devoid of any major obstacles, a mild sting in the tail as the riders reach the flamme rouge the only climb to trouble the competitors.
With times expected to be in the region of 11 minutes it will be a full out effort which favours the strongest rouleurs. Can they make their advantage count ahead of the afternoon’s road race?
Sunday 3 August | Stage 4
After a late change to the course last year, the organisers have stuck with the same formula, this year’s road race stage running over an extended 11 laps of the short, 11.6km Abberton Reservoir / Birch Circuit; 127km standing in the way of the field and overall victory. For those in the hunt for the points classification there is also a bumper haul of points up for grabs, with intermediate sprints scheduled on four of the laps as well as the maximum five available at the finish.
Famously used in the Jock Wadley Memorial, the course is flat, but by no means easy. Twisty narrow lanes, exposed roads, and a kicker as the race heads into Layer-de-la-Haye for the finish all provide challenges, the fatigue of a rare weekend stage race promising a very attritional affair. A solo win, as Sean Dawson achieved last year, is as likely as a reduced bunch sprint as the field is whittled down lap by lap, with riders eyeing both stage, and overall victory.
Riders to watch
With Frank Longstaff and Alex Pickering both absent, Sean Dawson, last year’s Stage Four winner, now riding in the colours of Bridgnorth Cycling Club, heads the startlist consisting of just 36 riders. Dawson’s win last year was a surprise and his best results this season have come in circuit races, a useful attribute given Saturday’s parcours, although he will be a marked man this time round on the Abberton Reservoir / Birch parcours.
There are a number of favourites for the title in the small field who will also be marked men, Callum Laborde (Ornata Factory Racing) with the class, and form, to overcome that, having finished on the second step of the podium four times in a National B setting this season, including at the ART Super Stage Race in June, which featured an extended 105 minute criterium and individual time trial. An excellent circuit racer who formed a crucial part of the Wheelbase CabTech Castelli squad last year, Laborde has shown his road racing prowess after moving to pastures new, taking an impressive second place behind National Road Series leader Adam Howell at the Kennell Hill Classic back in March.
Oliver Curd (Primo RT) climbs Michaelgate. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Tied for second that day was Oliver Curd (Primo RT), who has equally impressed in Regional Circuit Races this season, defeating National Series star Milo Wills when raising his arms in victory at Crystal Palace and stepping onto the podium at Hog Hill this season. The experienced Jake Hales (Ride Revolution Coaching) is another rider who will relish Saturday’s challenge, taking top tens in the Sheffield and Colne GPs recently, the National B criterium winner also proving he can mix it with the best on the road with a brilliant 4th place into Bective once the final stage of the Ràs Tailteann this year. The road race course should be one that suits him, making veteran Hales a dark horse for the overall spoils.
Bernard Galea (Primera-TeamJobs) is a rider with stage race pedigree this year, finishing in the top five of the Ronde van Wymeswold, making the winning break on the opening stage, a fast, attritional course similar to the offering on the Abberton Reservoir / Birch course. Solid in the short time trial there, and in the Tour ta Malta, a race he won overall, the recent National B circuit race winner should feature heavily towards the head of affairs across the weekend.
After a breakthrough 2024, John Bardsley (360Cycling) has failed to reach the same heights this term, although the terrain and small field offers the U23 rider the perfect chance to return to form. One rider hitting form at just the right time, however, is Simon Alexander, the local DAS-Richardsons rider 12th in the Witheridge Grand Prix on Sunday amongst distinguished company.
Bernard Galea (Primera-TeamJobs). Image: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com
In a small field few riders have the luxury of a teammate, something the duos of Joshua Horsfield and Sam Walsham (Reflex Nopinz) and Freddy Pett and Phil Large (Wold Top Pactimo) will be hoping to use to their advantage. Walsham put on an excellent display of criterium riding when winning from a break in Nottingham last month and has done well in the attritional Clayton Spring Classic before, while Large put in an excellent time trial and all round performance at the ART Super Stage Race, finishing 6th overall.
A flurry of last minute entries promise to shake up the dynamic of the race further, Alex Pritchard (DAS-Richardsons) a rider with designs on the 8km time trial, having previously held the 10 Mile Road Bike CTT Competition Record. A stage winner in the Ràs Tailteann, Pritchard will find Sunday’s Road Race fits his abilities as a rouleur, the Cambridge rider constantly improving after his diabetes diagnosis earlier in the year.
Gabe Dellar (Primera-TeamJobs) was one of the standout performers in 2024, notching up four National B road race wins, and although he hasn’t reached those heights so far this term, he has shown glimpses of his potential this year, most notably performing admirably in both the circuit and road race elements of the Totnes Vire Stage Race back in April on the way to 7th overall.
Following July’s full throttle circuit race programme and the brutal Witheridge Grand Prix, the new month of August brings with it the Sherpa Performance Stage Race (2-3 August) – an amalgamation of both disciplines alongside a crucial road bike time trial, all packed into a four-stage weekend package as the season begins the journey to its conclusion.
Based around the flat roads of Colchester, the Roman roads around the former capital offer the chance for a range of riders to take a prestigious National B win and write their names in history as victors of one of the few stage races on the 2025 calendar.
Featured image: Mark James
What is it?
After a successful inaugural edition last year, Sherpa Performance, an Essex based company who amongst their services offer coaching and a range of cycling events, are sticking with the same four stage format that saw time trial specialist Alex Pickering take the spoils on a frantic last day twelve months ago.
Raced alongside a Regional Stage Race, the National B event’s opening two stages on Saturday are 60 minute criteriums, while Sunday sees the General Classification battle come alive, starting with an 8km time trial, which last year proved decisive, followed by an attritional 127km road race in the afternoon to crown a worthy winner.
As well as the general classification, a points classification is up for grabs, with a host of point scoring opportunities available across all the stages, bar the time trial. Three points are awarded at each intermediate sprint, with a maximum of five up for grabs at the finish line.
The stages
Saturday 2 August | Stages 1 and 2
Coming off the back of a large block of circuit racing in July, Saturday’s test, in the form of two 60 minute criteriums promises exciting, flat out racing as the sprinters go head to head with those looking to escape and win not only the stage, but put themselves in an enviable position in the General Classification.
Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park’s 1.6km purpose built cycle track plays host to the day’s action, with both races run in opposite directions around the L shape circuit, one of the longest facilities of its type in the country.
Flat and fast, with long straights and sweeping bends, the circuit is akin to that of the Colne GP, where the flat out pace can mean one mistake can cost a rider their position, and a shot of victory, in a number of seconds. Track and circuit race specialist Frank Longstaff used his sprint to perfection to seal both stages last year, although with intermediate sprints at 20 and 40 minutes, plus the General Classification on the line, there is a possibility for tactical nous to shine through with a breakaway upsetting the sprinters.
Sunday 3 August | Stage 3
If Saturday was for the sprinters and criterium specialists, Sunday turns the tables in favour of the strong men and General Classification contenders, starting with an 8km test against the clock – the race of truth proving decisive last year with Alex Pickering using his experience in the discipline to take the race lead.
The course covers the same roads as the afternoon’s road race, running from Birch Green down to Abberton Reservoir, then back north to the finish in Layer-de-la-Haye.
Beginning with a slight downward run, the course is devoid of any major obstacles, a mild sting in the tail as the riders reach the flamme rouge the only climb to trouble the competitors.
With times expected to be in the region of 11 minutes it will be a full out effort which favours the strongest rouleurs. Can they make their advantage count ahead of the afternoon’s road race?
Sunday 3 August | Stage 4
After a late change to the course last year, the organisers have stuck with the same formula, this year’s road race stage running over an extended 11 laps of the short, 11.6km Abberton Reservoir / Birch Circuit; 127km standing in the way of the field and overall victory. For those in the hunt for the points classification there is also a bumper haul of points up for grabs, with intermediate sprints scheduled on four of the laps as well as the maximum five available at the finish.
Famously used in the Jock Wadley Memorial, the course is flat, but by no means easy. Twisty narrow lanes, exposed roads, and a kicker as the race heads into Layer-de-la-Haye for the finish all provide challenges, the fatigue of a rare weekend stage race promising a very attritional affair. A solo win, as Sean Dawson achieved last year, is as likely as a reduced bunch sprint as the field is whittled down lap by lap, with riders eyeing both stage, and overall victory.
Riders to watch
With Frank Longstaff and Alex Pickering both absent, Sean Dawson, last year’s Stage Four winner, now riding in the colours of Bridgnorth Cycling Club, heads the startlist consisting of just 36 riders. Dawson’s win last year was a surprise and his best results this season have come in circuit races, a useful attribute given Saturday’s parcours, although he will be a marked man this time round on the Abberton Reservoir / Birch parcours.
There are a number of favourites for the title in the small field who will also be marked men, Callum Laborde (Ornata Factory Racing) with the class, and form, to overcome that, having finished on the second step of the podium four times in a National B setting this season, including at the ART Super Stage Race in June, which featured an extended 105 minute criterium and individual time trial. An excellent circuit racer who formed a crucial part of the Wheelbase CabTech Castelli squad last year, Laborde has shown his road racing prowess after moving to pastures new, taking an impressive second place behind National Road Series leader Adam Howell at the Kennell Hill Classic back in March.
Tied for second that day was Oliver Curd (Primo RT), who has equally impressed in Regional Circuit Races this season, defeating National Series star Milo Wills when raising his arms in victory at Crystal Palace and stepping onto the podium at Hog Hill this season. The experienced Jake Hales (Ride Revolution Coaching) is another rider who will relish Saturday’s challenge, taking top tens in the Sheffield and Colne GPs recently, the National B criterium winner also proving he can mix it with the best on the road with a brilliant 4th place into Bective once the final stage of the Ràs Tailteann this year. The road race course should be one that suits him, making veteran Hales a dark horse for the overall spoils.
Bernard Galea (Primera-TeamJobs) is a rider with stage race pedigree this year, finishing in the top five of the Ronde van Wymeswold, making the winning break on the opening stage, a fast, attritional course similar to the offering on the Abberton Reservoir / Birch course. Solid in the short time trial there, and in the Tour ta Malta, a race he won overall, the recent National B circuit race winner should feature heavily towards the head of affairs across the weekend.
After a breakthrough 2024, John Bardsley (360Cycling) has failed to reach the same heights this term, although the terrain and small field offers the U23 rider the perfect chance to return to form. One rider hitting form at just the right time, however, is Simon Alexander, the local DAS-Richardsons rider 12th in the Witheridge Grand Prix on Sunday amongst distinguished company.
In a small field few riders have the luxury of a teammate, something the duos of Joshua Horsfield and Sam Walsham (Reflex Nopinz) and Freddy Pett and Phil Large (Wold Top Pactimo) will be hoping to use to their advantage. Walsham put on an excellent display of criterium riding when winning from a break in Nottingham last month and has done well in the attritional Clayton Spring Classic before, while Large put in an excellent time trial and all round performance at the ART Super Stage Race, finishing 6th overall.
A flurry of last minute entries promise to shake up the dynamic of the race further, Alex Pritchard (DAS-Richardsons) a rider with designs on the 8km time trial, having previously held the 10 Mile Road Bike CTT Competition Record. A stage winner in the Ràs Tailteann, Pritchard will find Sunday’s Road Race fits his abilities as a rouleur, the Cambridge rider constantly improving after his diabetes diagnosis earlier in the year.
Gabe Dellar (Primera-TeamJobs) was one of the standout performers in 2024, notching up four National B road race wins, and although he hasn’t reached those heights so far this term, he has shown glimpses of his potential this year, most notably performing admirably in both the circuit and road race elements of the Totnes Vire Stage Race back in April on the way to 7th overall.
Provisional startlist
Entries available on the line.
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