Organiser reveals Portsdown Classic will open 2026 season on 8 February
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Instagram comment, organiser Seb Ottley appears to have confirmed that the Portsdown Classic will once again launch the domestic road season — with riders set to roll out on 8 February 2026.
It seems the 2026 domestic road season has its soft launch — via the comments section.
In an understated move, organiser Seb Ottley appears to have confirmed that the Portsdown Classic will once again open the calendar, kicking off on Sunday 8 February. The revelation came not through a press release or official calendar announcement, but a passing remark beneath a social media post — a fittingly low-key reveal for a race that’s quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early season.
The Portsdown Classic, run by RCR FatCreations, has earned a reputation for offering a proper test of winter form: short, sharp climbs, crosswinds, and enough grit to remind riders that domestic racing never waits for spring.
No official confirmation has yet come from British Cycling, but few would bet against Ottley’s slip being accurate. The race’s blend of slick organisation, uncompromising roads and strong fields has made it the natural curtain-raiser for the British season.
So, while others wait for the official calendar drop, the insiders are already marking 8 February in their diaries — courtesy of one offhand Instagram comment.
It seems the 2026 domestic road season has its soft launch — via the comments section.
In an understated move, organiser Seb Ottley appears to have confirmed that the Portsdown Classic will once again open the calendar, kicking off on Sunday 8 February. The revelation came not through a press release or official calendar announcement, but a passing remark beneath a social media post — a fittingly low-key reveal for a race that’s quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the early season.
The Portsdown Classic, run by RCR FatCreations, has earned a reputation for offering a proper test of winter form: short, sharp climbs, crosswinds, and enough grit to remind riders that domestic racing never waits for spring.
No official confirmation has yet come from British Cycling, but few would bet against Ottley’s slip being accurate. The race’s blend of slick organisation, uncompromising roads and strong fields has made it the natural curtain-raiser for the British season.
So, while others wait for the official calendar drop, the insiders are already marking 8 February in their diaries — courtesy of one offhand Instagram comment.
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