Southend Wheelers have confirmed that the Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic will return on Sunday 19 April 2026, giving riders one of the first opportunities to pin on a number next spring. The announcement adds further shape to an increasingly well-defined early-season calendar, with several organisers moving early this year to lock in their National B dates.
Both races, long-running fixtures in the Essex lanes, will feature a notable change for 2026: a switch from the familiar East Hanningfield loop to the neighbouring West Hanningfield circuit. The reroute offers subtly different terrain — still sinuous, still testing, but with fresh rhythm and fewer known reference points for returning riders. It’s a gentle reset that should sharpen the tactical edge of two races already known for their attritional character.
The Florrie Newbery Classic will also once again open the British Women’s Team Cup, setting the tone for a series that continues to grow in competitive depth and organisational ambition. Last year’s edition delivered a tight, hard-fought contest and a strong early marker from the women’s peloton; organisers will be hoping the new circuit draws similar commitment.
Noemie Thomson wins the 2025 Florrie Newbery Classic. Image: Mark James
Race organiser Matt Stock says the tweaks for 2026 reflect a desire to keep both races evolving while strengthening their local footprint.
“The Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic always attract strong fields, and the move to West Hanningfield should add a new layer of intrigue,” Stock said. “We’re also working hard to create a proper race-day atmosphere – engaging the community, involving local businesses, and making the event feel like a celebration of cycling, not just a race on the road.”
Southend Wheelers have also confirmed plans for two additional Regional A road races in 2026, run collaboratively with Essex Roads CC, London Academy and Primo RT – a joint model they hope will help sustain and strengthen race delivery in the region.
Full entry details for the Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic will be released in due course.
Southend Wheelers have confirmed that the Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic will return on Sunday 19 April 2026, giving riders one of the first opportunities to pin on a number next spring. The announcement adds further shape to an increasingly well-defined early-season calendar, with several organisers moving early this year to lock in their National B dates.
Both races, long-running fixtures in the Essex lanes, will feature a notable change for 2026: a switch from the familiar East Hanningfield loop to the neighbouring West Hanningfield circuit. The reroute offers subtly different terrain — still sinuous, still testing, but with fresh rhythm and fewer known reference points for returning riders. It’s a gentle reset that should sharpen the tactical edge of two races already known for their attritional character.
The Florrie Newbery Classic will also once again open the British Women’s Team Cup, setting the tone for a series that continues to grow in competitive depth and organisational ambition. Last year’s edition delivered a tight, hard-fought contest and a strong early marker from the women’s peloton; organisers will be hoping the new circuit draws similar commitment.
Race organiser Matt Stock says the tweaks for 2026 reflect a desire to keep both races evolving while strengthening their local footprint.
“The Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic always attract strong fields, and the move to West Hanningfield should add a new layer of intrigue,” Stock said. “We’re also working hard to create a proper race-day atmosphere – engaging the community, involving local businesses, and making the event feel like a celebration of cycling, not just a race on the road.”
Southend Wheelers have also confirmed plans for two additional Regional A road races in 2026, run collaboratively with Essex Roads CC, London Academy and Primo RT – a joint model they hope will help sustain and strengthen race delivery in the region.
Full entry details for the Andrews Trophy and Florrie Newbery Classic will be released in due course.
Featured image: Mark James
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