2025 Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy: preview and startlists
This weekend (Sunday 17 August), the prestigious Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy take place in Stamfordham, featuring top competition as important rounds of the National Road Series and Rapha Super-League.
This weekend sees a double-header of elite road races: the women’s Curlew Cup and the open Beaumont Trophy. Both events carry significant heritage and challenge, set on the hallowed Ryals circuits in Northumberland, and serve as key rounds of the 2025 National Road Series and the Rapha Super-League. With series titles still undecided, expect tense and thrilling racing in Stamfordham on Sunday.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: SWpix.com.
What is it?
The Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy are part of the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, a Northumberland weekend that also includes sportives and family rides. Both races take place on Sunday 17 August, with Stamfordham once again providing the start and finish. This year they serve as the penultimate rounds of the British Cycling National Road Series, while also doubling as Round 14 of 16 in the inaugural Rapha Super-League.
The Beaumont Trophy has a storied history dating back to 1952, when it was presented by Newcastle cycle wholesaler Rex Beaumont. It has long been a highlight of the UK calendar, attracting many of Britain’s and Europe’s finest riders. Its past winners include Sir Bradley Wiggins, Malcolm Elliott, the Downing brothers and, more recently, Ollie Rees, who triumphed in 2024.
By contrast, the Curlew Cup is a relative newcomer, first run in 2012. But in little more than a decade it has become a fixture of the women’s scene, regularly drawing the country’s best teams along with British talent racing abroad. Its honour roll features Dame Sarah Storey, Hannah Barnes, Katie Archibald and Alice Barnes. Last year’s winner was Robyn Clay, then of DAS-Hutchinson.
Route
Both races are run over the rolling lanes west of Newcastle, using the famous Stamfordham-based circuits that have defined the Beaumont Trophy for decades. The shared centrepiece is the Ryals, a stepped 2.7km climb that kicks up to gradients of 13%. Each ascent offers Queen/King of the Mountains points and, more importantly, a natural launchpad for race-winning moves.
The Curlew Cup tackles three laps of the main 40.8km circuit, totalling 122.4km. With three ascents of the Ryals, almost 1,600 metres of climbing overall and a gently rising drag into Stamfordham for the finish, the women’s race invariably suits puncheurs and climbers who still have a kick left in the legs.
The Beaumont Trophy runs over four laps of the same large circuit before switching to a shorter 22km finishing loop. At 182.3km and with four ascents of the Ryals in its first 150km, it’s a true test of stamina and race craft. The final small lap, while omitting the Ryals, still offers sharp rises that can be used for last-ditch attacks before the run-in to Stamfordham.
With exposed moorland sections and twisting B-roads, both races are vulnerable to the wind and attrition. Even if the peloton is intact after the Ryals, the combination of distance, terrain and the uphill drag to the line usually ensures only the strongest contest the finish.
Timings
The Curlew Cup begins at 8:45 am., while the Beaumont Trophy starts at 1:30 pm.
How to follow
Our reporter Joe Hudson will be on the ground and bringing you live updates on Instagram and our live ticker over on the Stats Hub.
Riders to watch
Curlew Cup
Robyn Clay (DAS–Hutchinson): The reigning Curlew Cup champion and one of Britain’s brightest young talents, Clay has been virtually unstoppable this season. She stormed to victory at June’s Tour of the Reservoir (part of the National Road Series) and followed up by winning marquee crits at Otley and Guildford, showcasing her punchy sprint finish and grit on tough courses. Clay has already won the National Circuit Series and leads the National Road Series standings too – a rare feat of domestic dominance. Backed by a strong DAS–Hutchinson squad, she’ll be the marked favourite and has the confidence to dictate the race’s outcome. Notably, last season culminated with her sprint win at the Curlew Cup, and she’ll be determined to repeat that success on Sunday.
With Anna Morris, Kate Richardson, and Noémie Thomson all absent from Stamfordham, the women’s Rapha Super‑League leaderboard is ripe for change. Anna Morris holds a slender one‑point lead (311) over Clay (310), with Kate Richardson (216) and Noémie Thomson (214) noticeably farther back. Their absence hands a golden chance to nearby rivals. Should Clay deliver another strong performance on the tough Curlew Cup circuit, she could reclaim and solidify the Super‑League lead. Meanwhile, riders like Madeline Cooper (190) also have a realistic path to surge up the standings with a standout result in one of the remaining road‑race rounds
Robyn Clay of DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK wins the Curlew Cup 2024. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Team DAS–Hutchinson’s supporting cast: Clay’s teammates add serious firepower. Lucy Lee has been one of the season’s most consistent performers, combining strong individual results with selfless teamwork. She claimed an early-season win at Kennel Hill, finished 4th at the Tour of the Reservoir, and stood on the podium at the Guildford Town Centre crit – part of a string of top-five and top-ten finishes that underline her form. The 2024 Ryedale Grand Prix winner is a versatile threat. Morven Yeoman, a 21-year-old Scot, has quietly racked up points across the season with aggressive riding. In every key race Yeoman animates the action – she’s been consistently in the mix, placing 3rd at Otley and 4th at both Ilkley and Guildford crits. A powerful engine who isn’t afraid to attack, Yeoman has hovered around the top 10 in road series rounds. Expect Yeoman to either launch stinging attacks on the climbs or set a searing pace to set up her team leader.
Lauren Dickson (Handsling Alba Development RT): A standout early this season, Dickson clinched a spectacular win at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in May, her maiden National Road Series victory. That Lincoln GP triumph – on the famous cobbled Michaelgate climb – showed her strength and race craft, and it briefly installed her as the inaugural Rapha Super-League leader. Dickson’s momentum has been checked by injury and illness, but she is on the comeback and eager to return to peak form. An excellent climber, she shouldn’t be underestimated if she’s back near 100%. Look for Dickson to test her legs on any climbs and be in contention late on. She’ll have help from teammate Mari Porton, among others. Porton, an U23 rider stepping up in her first elite season, packs a fast finish and will be keen to support Dickson and seize any opportunity to show her talent.
Lauren Dickson (Handsling Alba Development Road Team) takes fifth at the Lloyds National Road Race Championships. Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
The “Lucy duo” of Smurfit Westrock Cycling Team could play a big role. Lucy Harris, 32, is enjoying a breakout season. She scored a landmark win at the rough-and-tumble CiCLE Classic in March, where she attacked late on the dirt roads to solo into Melton Mowbray with a 30-second gap. That victory propelled Harris into the early National Road Series lead, and she’s remained a consistent force – after the most recent rounds she sits second overall in the series standings. A tough classics-style rider, Harris thrives on attritional courses and isn’t afraid to go long. Her teammate Lucy Gadd brings aggression and climbing prowess. Gadd set a hard tempo from the gun at CiCLE Classic and was integral in forcing splits; she eventually earned the Queen of the Mountains title that day as reward for her day-long aggression. Earlier in the spring she also won the Peaks 2-Day stage race, so her form on hilly roads is proven. However, a period of illness means this race is likely to be more about recovering race form that aiming for the win.
This young Hess Cycling Team duo of Grace Lister & Holly Ramsey has been making waves. Grace Lister (21) signalled her talent in May by finishing 3rd at the prestigious Lincoln Grand Prix, just seconds behind winner Dickson. Climbing brilliantly on the cobbles, Lister made the elite lead group and out-sprinted seasoned riders for the podium. She’s also been consistently high in the U23 rankings and even cracked the top ten in the British National Championship road race, underlining her form. With a fast finish and growing confidence, Lister could be a dark horse on a course like the Curlew Cup, especially if she can stay with the leaders over the lumps. Holly Ramsey (19) is another U23 star on the rise. She started the season with a bang – at CiCLE Classic, Ramsey went up the road in a late break with Harris, only losing contact in the final kilometres to place fourth. That aggressive ride, plus other solid finishes, had Ramsey sitting just a handful of points off the series lead earlier in the summer. She’s a strong time trialist with a big engine, the kind of rider who can push the pace in crosswinds or initiate a long-range move. If Ramsey sees an opportunity in the winds of Northumberland, she might try to slip away – and given her power, the bunch cannot afford to give her too much rope.
2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women – Stage 3: The Scottish Borders Stage, Kelso – Holly Ramsey (Hess Cycling Team). Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Several other contenders from smaller teams have the form to shake up the race. Grace Sargeant (London Academy) is one such wildcard. She’s a relatively new name at this level, but 2025 has seen her podium in big domestic races. Just last week Sargeant took 2nd at the Duncan Murray RR (a National B event) with a bold chasing move. Earlier in the season, she was runner-up at the Capernwray Road Race, only beaten by Esther Wong. Sargeant is clearly on form and not afraid to attack; though without the backing of a large squad, she’ll rely on tactical nous to surf the wheels of bigger teams and seize an opening in the finale.
Madeleine Cooper (Spectra Racing) has been one of the domestic scene’s surprise packages this year. Originally known for her cyclocross pedigree, Cooper’s punchy power has translated to the road and circuit races remarkably well. She earned a mid-season call-up to Spectra after eye-catching results – for instance, she broke away on the climbs to take 3rd at the Ilkley GP and then sprinted to 2nd at the Guildford Town Centre Races. Those performances have put her third overall in the National Circuit Series. On the road, she also recently signed to Handsling Alba Development RT as a stagiaire, a move which is earning her valuable UCI road race experience. With her rapid acceleration and fearless racing style, she could animate the Curlew Cup by getting into a break or launching a late counter-attack – and if a reduced group comes to the line, don’t overlook her fast finish.
The LOGCO Otley Cycle Races – Santini Otley Grand Prix, Women – Esther Wong (Torelli). Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Lastly, Esther Wong (Torelli) is a young rider who has already shown she can win on tough terrain. Back in April at the Capernwray race, on the steep Sunny Bank climb, Wong used her local knowledge to surge clear of the field and claim victory – her second big win of the season. Still just 19, Wong rides under Irish colours and brings a fearless attacking mentality. Curlew Cup’s course often features short climbs and rolling countryside, which should suit Wong’s punchy climbing ability. If the race breaks apart, look for her to try a long attack on a climb – it’s exactly how she distanced everyone at Capernwray.
Beaumont Trophy
The Lloyds Bank National Road Series title may already be nearly in the grasp of Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck’s Adam Howell, but a star-studded domestic field will be keen to leave its mark on the Beaumont Trophy. Howell has been the dominant force of the 2025 series so far, with victories at both the East Cleveland Classic and the Tour of the Reservoir helping him build a lead of 170 points. His advantage is real but not unassailable, with James McKay (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) just behind on 129 and Howell’s teammate Will Truelove on 124. Tom Martin (111) and Thomas Armstrong (110) add further depth to Wheelbase’s challenge, while Alex Beldon (109) remains in the mix.
Rapha Super-League implications also loom large as Matthew Bostock (Tekkerz CC) is absent from this round. Bostock, the current points leader, has amassed 271—well clear of anyone else. In his absence, challengers like William Truelove (183 pts), Alex Beldon (142 pts), and Thomas Armstrong (137 pts) will be keen to close the gap and leap up the standings. A big performance here could see them significantly tighten the leaderboard heading into the season’s end.
Adam Howell ((U23) MUC-OFF-SRCT-STORCK) wins the Tour of The Reservoir. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck comes armed with arguably the strongest squad of the race. Series leader Howell’s blistering early-season form (two National Series wins, including East Cleveland) set the tone, and his fellow under-23 Alex Beldon has been on a tear as well. Beldon pulled off back-to-back wins in April – the PB Performance Espoirs Road Race followed by the prestigious Danum Trophy the next day – rapidly cementing his reputation as a breakthrough talent in British racing. Add in the consistently high-performing Will Truelove (who until a crash at Rutland had never finished outside the top five this year) and the ever-aggressive Ed Morgan, and it’s clear why Muc-Off leads the team rankings. Morgan won the PNE National B road race and even placed 4th in the UCI 1.2 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic this season – underlining his prowess on tough courses. Completing the pink-and-black armada is young Henry Hunter, a mid-season signing who immediately impressed with a podium at the Witheridge National Series round (behind only Howell and Beldon). Hunter first caught the eye with third in the under-23 classification at East Cleveland and nearly toppled continental opposition at the two-day Mennock Pass race in Scotland. With such strength in numbers, expect Muc-Off to dictate the race – sending riders in breaks and forcing rivals to chase.
If anyone can challenge Muc-Off’s might, it’s Wheelbase CabTech Castelli. The Lancashire-based outfit brings a multi-pronged attack led by McKay, Martin and Thomas Armstrong. James McKay, a regular National Series podium finisher formerly of Saint Piran, will be itching to add a big one-day win to his résumé after his Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix victory and consistent top-ten finishes this year. His presence high in both the Series standings underlines his consistency, and he’ll know that a strong ride here could vault him further up the rankings. Tom Martin, victor of the Rás Mumhan earlier this season, adds further firepower as a proven winner with a fast finish and the ability to survive repeated climbs. Tom Armstrong, meanwhile, has been a podium threat all season (3rd at Capernwray, 6th at East Cleveland) and sits just outside the Series top five. The National Circuit Series winner this season, he was 3rd at this race last year and will hope to rise up the podium steps this time around.
The Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix 2025 – James McKay (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) wins. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Beyond the two powerhouse teams, George Kimber will look to remind the peloton why he was last year’s Series champion. The Spirit Racing rider has extra motivation: not only is he third overall in the standings, but he also thrives on courses with repeated climbs. Kimber showed his class by storming to a win the Rás Tailteann this year, and he’ll relish the challenging Ryals ascent. Meanwhile, Matthew Holmes (One Good Thing – Factor) brings WorldTour experience and an uncanny knack for timing his efforts. Winner of this year’s Witheridge Grand Prix, Holmes has shown he can deliver on hard courses with a sting in the tail. His nous and measured attacking style make him one of the most dangerous riders in a reduced finale – if the bunch hesitates on the Ryals, Holmes has the pedigree to make them pay.
Josh Housley is another to watch. The 28-year-old took the biggest win of his career this spring at the notoriously hilly Capernwray Road Race, showcasing a potent uphill sprint. Housley also cracked the top ten at East Cleveland, proving he can hang with the best on tough terrain. Danylo Riwnyj (Foran Cycling Team) is a name perhaps less known nationally, but the 26-year-old has been one of this season’s revelations. He claimed a gritty Stage 1 win at the Ronde van Wymeswold – his first National B victory – by outsprinting none other than Ed Morgan from an eight-man break. Riwnyj’s all-round strength (he’s solid on the flats and punchy on climbs) makes him a dangerous breakaway rider in a race like this, especially if the big teams underestimate him.
Jake Edwards (360cycling) finishes second at the Witheridge Grand Prix. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
From the ranks of 360Cycling come Jake Edwards (22) and Maxwell Hereward (20), a dynamic young duo in fine form. Edwards, in particular, turned heads with second place at the Witheridge Grand Prix, backing it up with second at the Yorkshire Under-23 Classic the following week. Hereward, meanwhile, took his maiden National B road race victory at the Yorkshire Under-23 Classic, and confirmed his form by winning the Clive Tiley Memorial stage race last weekend.
Charlie Genner is a dark horse. The 22-year-old rides for Spanish outfit Telco’m On Clima – Osés and brings European racing experience to Northumberland. Genner underlined his talent by winning the Chitterne National B road race in Wiltshire, escaping in the early break and outfoxing his rivals. A strong climber who isn’t afraid to go solo, Genner could thrive if the race splits over the Ryals and the bunch hesitates – he won’t be on many radar screens, but he has the engine to cause an upset. And then there’s Alexander Ball (BCC Race Team), an under-23 rider who has quietly had a stellar season. Ball was top 10 at East Cleveland Classic and rode to a superb 5th at the Danum Trophy National A, hanging tough against the trade teams.
Finally, the wildcard in the pack: Thomas Mein (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambiente). A former national cyclocross champion and U23 World Cup winner, Mein is known for his aggressive racing style and formidable engine. He doesn’t race the domestic scene often nowadays, but whenever he does, he makes it count. In last year’s Beaumont Trophy finale, Mein (riding for Project 1) ignited the race by bridging to a dangerous break containing Tom Martin and others, forcing the favourites to chase hard. He even launched a solo attack later that day on the Thorpe Lane climb – a testament to his fearless approach. The Gateshead native will have circled this race on his calendar; it’s practically a hometown event for him.
This weekend sees a double-header of elite road races: the women’s Curlew Cup and the open Beaumont Trophy. Both events carry significant heritage and challenge, set on the hallowed Ryals circuits in Northumberland, and serve as key rounds of the 2025 National Road Series and the Rapha Super-League. With series titles still undecided, expect tense and thrilling racing in Stamfordham on Sunday.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: SWpix.com.
What is it?
The Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy are part of the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, a Northumberland weekend that also includes sportives and family rides. Both races take place on Sunday 17 August, with Stamfordham once again providing the start and finish. This year they serve as the penultimate rounds of the British Cycling National Road Series, while also doubling as Round 14 of 16 in the inaugural Rapha Super-League.
The Beaumont Trophy has a storied history dating back to 1952, when it was presented by Newcastle cycle wholesaler Rex Beaumont. It has long been a highlight of the UK calendar, attracting many of Britain’s and Europe’s finest riders. Its past winners include Sir Bradley Wiggins, Malcolm Elliott, the Downing brothers and, more recently, Ollie Rees, who triumphed in 2024.
By contrast, the Curlew Cup is a relative newcomer, first run in 2012. But in little more than a decade it has become a fixture of the women’s scene, regularly drawing the country’s best teams along with British talent racing abroad. Its honour roll features Dame Sarah Storey, Hannah Barnes, Katie Archibald and Alice Barnes. Last year’s winner was Robyn Clay, then of DAS-Hutchinson.
Route
Both races are run over the rolling lanes west of Newcastle, using the famous Stamfordham-based circuits that have defined the Beaumont Trophy for decades. The shared centrepiece is the Ryals, a stepped 2.7km climb that kicks up to gradients of 13%. Each ascent offers Queen/King of the Mountains points and, more importantly, a natural launchpad for race-winning moves.
The Curlew Cup tackles three laps of the main 40.8km circuit, totalling 122.4km. With three ascents of the Ryals, almost 1,600 metres of climbing overall and a gently rising drag into Stamfordham for the finish, the women’s race invariably suits puncheurs and climbers who still have a kick left in the legs.
The Beaumont Trophy runs over four laps of the same large circuit before switching to a shorter 22km finishing loop. At 182.3km and with four ascents of the Ryals in its first 150km, it’s a true test of stamina and race craft. The final small lap, while omitting the Ryals, still offers sharp rises that can be used for last-ditch attacks before the run-in to Stamfordham.
With exposed moorland sections and twisting B-roads, both races are vulnerable to the wind and attrition. Even if the peloton is intact after the Ryals, the combination of distance, terrain and the uphill drag to the line usually ensures only the strongest contest the finish.
Timings
The Curlew Cup begins at 8:45 am., while the Beaumont Trophy starts at 1:30 pm.
How to follow
Our reporter Joe Hudson will be on the ground and bringing you live updates on Instagram and our live ticker over on the Stats Hub.
Riders to watch
Curlew Cup
Robyn Clay (DAS–Hutchinson): The reigning Curlew Cup champion and one of Britain’s brightest young talents, Clay has been virtually unstoppable this season. She stormed to victory at June’s Tour of the Reservoir (part of the National Road Series) and followed up by winning marquee crits at Otley and Guildford, showcasing her punchy sprint finish and grit on tough courses. Clay has already won the National Circuit Series and leads the National Road Series standings too – a rare feat of domestic dominance. Backed by a strong DAS–Hutchinson squad, she’ll be the marked favourite and has the confidence to dictate the race’s outcome. Notably, last season culminated with her sprint win at the Curlew Cup, and she’ll be determined to repeat that success on Sunday.
With Anna Morris, Kate Richardson, and Noémie Thomson all absent from Stamfordham, the women’s Rapha Super‑League leaderboard is ripe for change. Anna Morris holds a slender one‑point lead (311) over Clay (310), with Kate Richardson (216) and Noémie Thomson (214) noticeably farther back. Their absence hands a golden chance to nearby rivals. Should Clay deliver another strong performance on the tough Curlew Cup circuit, she could reclaim and solidify the Super‑League lead. Meanwhile, riders like Madeline Cooper (190) also have a realistic path to surge up the standings with a standout result in one of the remaining road‑race rounds
Team DAS–Hutchinson’s supporting cast: Clay’s teammates add serious firepower. Lucy Lee has been one of the season’s most consistent performers, combining strong individual results with selfless teamwork. She claimed an early-season win at Kennel Hill, finished 4th at the Tour of the Reservoir, and stood on the podium at the Guildford Town Centre crit – part of a string of top-five and top-ten finishes that underline her form. The 2024 Ryedale Grand Prix winner is a versatile threat. Morven Yeoman, a 21-year-old Scot, has quietly racked up points across the season with aggressive riding. In every key race Yeoman animates the action – she’s been consistently in the mix, placing 3rd at Otley and 4th at both Ilkley and Guildford crits. A powerful engine who isn’t afraid to attack, Yeoman has hovered around the top 10 in road series rounds. Expect Yeoman to either launch stinging attacks on the climbs or set a searing pace to set up her team leader.
Lauren Dickson (Handsling Alba Development RT): A standout early this season, Dickson clinched a spectacular win at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in May, her maiden National Road Series victory. That Lincoln GP triumph – on the famous cobbled Michaelgate climb – showed her strength and race craft, and it briefly installed her as the inaugural Rapha Super-League leader. Dickson’s momentum has been checked by injury and illness, but she is on the comeback and eager to return to peak form. An excellent climber, she shouldn’t be underestimated if she’s back near 100%. Look for Dickson to test her legs on any climbs and be in contention late on. She’ll have help from teammate Mari Porton, among others. Porton, an U23 rider stepping up in her first elite season, packs a fast finish and will be keen to support Dickson and seize any opportunity to show her talent.
The “Lucy duo” of Smurfit Westrock Cycling Team could play a big role. Lucy Harris, 32, is enjoying a breakout season. She scored a landmark win at the rough-and-tumble CiCLE Classic in March, where she attacked late on the dirt roads to solo into Melton Mowbray with a 30-second gap. That victory propelled Harris into the early National Road Series lead, and she’s remained a consistent force – after the most recent rounds she sits second overall in the series standings. A tough classics-style rider, Harris thrives on attritional courses and isn’t afraid to go long. Her teammate Lucy Gadd brings aggression and climbing prowess. Gadd set a hard tempo from the gun at CiCLE Classic and was integral in forcing splits; she eventually earned the Queen of the Mountains title that day as reward for her day-long aggression. Earlier in the spring she also won the Peaks 2-Day stage race, so her form on hilly roads is proven. However, a period of illness means this race is likely to be more about recovering race form that aiming for the win.
This young Hess Cycling Team duo of Grace Lister & Holly Ramsey has been making waves. Grace Lister (21) signalled her talent in May by finishing 3rd at the prestigious Lincoln Grand Prix, just seconds behind winner Dickson. Climbing brilliantly on the cobbles, Lister made the elite lead group and out-sprinted seasoned riders for the podium. She’s also been consistently high in the U23 rankings and even cracked the top ten in the British National Championship road race, underlining her form. With a fast finish and growing confidence, Lister could be a dark horse on a course like the Curlew Cup, especially if she can stay with the leaders over the lumps. Holly Ramsey (19) is another U23 star on the rise. She started the season with a bang – at CiCLE Classic, Ramsey went up the road in a late break with Harris, only losing contact in the final kilometres to place fourth. That aggressive ride, plus other solid finishes, had Ramsey sitting just a handful of points off the series lead earlier in the summer. She’s a strong time trialist with a big engine, the kind of rider who can push the pace in crosswinds or initiate a long-range move. If Ramsey sees an opportunity in the winds of Northumberland, she might try to slip away – and given her power, the bunch cannot afford to give her too much rope.
Several other contenders from smaller teams have the form to shake up the race. Grace Sargeant (London Academy) is one such wildcard. She’s a relatively new name at this level, but 2025 has seen her podium in big domestic races. Just last week Sargeant took 2nd at the Duncan Murray RR (a National B event) with a bold chasing move. Earlier in the season, she was runner-up at the Capernwray Road Race, only beaten by Esther Wong. Sargeant is clearly on form and not afraid to attack; though without the backing of a large squad, she’ll rely on tactical nous to surf the wheels of bigger teams and seize an opening in the finale.
Madeleine Cooper (Spectra Racing) has been one of the domestic scene’s surprise packages this year. Originally known for her cyclocross pedigree, Cooper’s punchy power has translated to the road and circuit races remarkably well. She earned a mid-season call-up to Spectra after eye-catching results – for instance, she broke away on the climbs to take 3rd at the Ilkley GP and then sprinted to 2nd at the Guildford Town Centre Races. Those performances have put her third overall in the National Circuit Series. On the road, she also recently signed to Handsling Alba Development RT as a stagiaire, a move which is earning her valuable UCI road race experience. With her rapid acceleration and fearless racing style, she could animate the Curlew Cup by getting into a break or launching a late counter-attack – and if a reduced group comes to the line, don’t overlook her fast finish.
Lastly, Esther Wong (Torelli) is a young rider who has already shown she can win on tough terrain. Back in April at the Capernwray race, on the steep Sunny Bank climb, Wong used her local knowledge to surge clear of the field and claim victory – her second big win of the season. Still just 19, Wong rides under Irish colours and brings a fearless attacking mentality. Curlew Cup’s course often features short climbs and rolling countryside, which should suit Wong’s punchy climbing ability. If the race breaks apart, look for her to try a long attack on a climb – it’s exactly how she distanced everyone at Capernwray.
Beaumont Trophy
The Lloyds Bank National Road Series title may already be nearly in the grasp of Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck’s Adam Howell, but a star-studded domestic field will be keen to leave its mark on the Beaumont Trophy. Howell has been the dominant force of the 2025 series so far, with victories at both the East Cleveland Classic and the Tour of the Reservoir helping him build a lead of 170 points. His advantage is real but not unassailable, with James McKay (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) just behind on 129 and Howell’s teammate Will Truelove on 124. Tom Martin (111) and Thomas Armstrong (110) add further depth to Wheelbase’s challenge, while Alex Beldon (109) remains in the mix.
Rapha Super-League implications also loom large as Matthew Bostock (Tekkerz CC) is absent from this round. Bostock, the current points leader, has amassed 271—well clear of anyone else. In his absence, challengers like William Truelove (183 pts), Alex Beldon (142 pts), and Thomas Armstrong (137 pts) will be keen to close the gap and leap up the standings. A big performance here could see them significantly tighten the leaderboard heading into the season’s end.
Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck comes armed with arguably the strongest squad of the race. Series leader Howell’s blistering early-season form (two National Series wins, including East Cleveland) set the tone, and his fellow under-23 Alex Beldon has been on a tear as well. Beldon pulled off back-to-back wins in April – the PB Performance Espoirs Road Race followed by the prestigious Danum Trophy the next day – rapidly cementing his reputation as a breakthrough talent in British racing. Add in the consistently high-performing Will Truelove (who until a crash at Rutland had never finished outside the top five this year) and the ever-aggressive Ed Morgan, and it’s clear why Muc-Off leads the team rankings. Morgan won the PNE National B road race and even placed 4th in the UCI 1.2 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic this season – underlining his prowess on tough courses. Completing the pink-and-black armada is young Henry Hunter, a mid-season signing who immediately impressed with a podium at the Witheridge National Series round (behind only Howell and Beldon). Hunter first caught the eye with third in the under-23 classification at East Cleveland and nearly toppled continental opposition at the two-day Mennock Pass race in Scotland. With such strength in numbers, expect Muc-Off to dictate the race – sending riders in breaks and forcing rivals to chase.
If anyone can challenge Muc-Off’s might, it’s Wheelbase CabTech Castelli. The Lancashire-based outfit brings a multi-pronged attack led by McKay, Martin and Thomas Armstrong. James McKay, a regular National Series podium finisher formerly of Saint Piran, will be itching to add a big one-day win to his résumé after his Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix victory and consistent top-ten finishes this year. His presence high in both the Series standings underlines his consistency, and he’ll know that a strong ride here could vault him further up the rankings. Tom Martin, victor of the Rás Mumhan earlier this season, adds further firepower as a proven winner with a fast finish and the ability to survive repeated climbs. Tom Armstrong, meanwhile, has been a podium threat all season (3rd at Capernwray, 6th at East Cleveland) and sits just outside the Series top five. The National Circuit Series winner this season, he was 3rd at this race last year and will hope to rise up the podium steps this time around.
Beyond the two powerhouse teams, George Kimber will look to remind the peloton why he was last year’s Series champion. The Spirit Racing rider has extra motivation: not only is he third overall in the standings, but he also thrives on courses with repeated climbs. Kimber showed his class by storming to a win the Rás Tailteann this year, and he’ll relish the challenging Ryals ascent. Meanwhile, Matthew Holmes (One Good Thing – Factor) brings WorldTour experience and an uncanny knack for timing his efforts. Winner of this year’s Witheridge Grand Prix, Holmes has shown he can deliver on hard courses with a sting in the tail. His nous and measured attacking style make him one of the most dangerous riders in a reduced finale – if the bunch hesitates on the Ryals, Holmes has the pedigree to make them pay.
Josh Housley is another to watch. The 28-year-old took the biggest win of his career this spring at the notoriously hilly Capernwray Road Race, showcasing a potent uphill sprint. Housley also cracked the top ten at East Cleveland, proving he can hang with the best on tough terrain. Danylo Riwnyj (Foran Cycling Team) is a name perhaps less known nationally, but the 26-year-old has been one of this season’s revelations. He claimed a gritty Stage 1 win at the Ronde van Wymeswold – his first National B victory – by outsprinting none other than Ed Morgan from an eight-man break. Riwnyj’s all-round strength (he’s solid on the flats and punchy on climbs) makes him a dangerous breakaway rider in a race like this, especially if the big teams underestimate him.
From the ranks of 360Cycling come Jake Edwards (22) and Maxwell Hereward (20), a dynamic young duo in fine form. Edwards, in particular, turned heads with second place at the Witheridge Grand Prix, backing it up with second at the Yorkshire Under-23 Classic the following week. Hereward, meanwhile, took his maiden National B road race victory at the Yorkshire Under-23 Classic, and confirmed his form by winning the Clive Tiley Memorial stage race last weekend.
Charlie Genner is a dark horse. The 22-year-old rides for Spanish outfit Telco’m On Clima – Osés and brings European racing experience to Northumberland. Genner underlined his talent by winning the Chitterne National B road race in Wiltshire, escaping in the early break and outfoxing his rivals. A strong climber who isn’t afraid to go solo, Genner could thrive if the race splits over the Ryals and the bunch hesitates – he won’t be on many radar screens, but he has the engine to cause an upset. And then there’s Alexander Ball (BCC Race Team), an under-23 rider who has quietly had a stellar season. Ball was top 10 at East Cleveland Classic and rode to a superb 5th at the Danum Trophy National A, hanging tough against the trade teams.
Finally, the wildcard in the pack: Thomas Mein (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambiente). A former national cyclocross champion and U23 World Cup winner, Mein is known for his aggressive racing style and formidable engine. He doesn’t race the domestic scene often nowadays, but whenever he does, he makes it count. In last year’s Beaumont Trophy finale, Mein (riding for Project 1) ignited the race by bridging to a dangerous break containing Tom Martin and others, forcing the favourites to chase hard. He even launched a solo attack later that day on the Thorpe Lane climb – a testament to his fearless approach. The Gateshead native will have circled this race on his calendar; it’s practically a hometown event for him.
Startlists
Curlew Cup
Beaumont Trophy
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