Capernwray Road Race seeks new headline sponsor for 2026
Confirmed for April 2026, the enduring Capernwray Road Race remains a benchmark early-season test - but organisers say replacing headline support will be key to maintaining prize funds, accessibility and long-term stability.
Organisers of the Capernwray Road Race are searching for a new headline sponsor ahead of the 2026 edition of the long-established National B, after being informed that recent years’ title partner will not be renewing this season.
Cold Dark North have confirmed that the enduringly popular race will return on Saturday 4 April 2026, once again serving as an early-season proving ground on the punishing, undulating roads of the Capernwray circuit near Lancaster. Shaped by repeated passages over the climb of Sunny Bank, the familiar loop has long delivered an honest, attritional contest in which form is exposed early and only the strongest riders remain in contention.
It’s about the racers, not the organisers
Promoted by Cold Dark North, Capernwray has built a reputation not just for demanding racing, but for consistently spotlighting emerging talent. In 2025, Josh Housley (Primera–TeamJobs) claimed a commanding victory in the Open race, while local climber Esther Wong (Torelli, now Team Farto – Kiroot) sealed an impressive solo win in the Women’s event. Previous winners include Cat Ferguson, Robin Clay and Joss Lowden, underlining the organisers’ long-held belief that Capernwray “has always been a springboard for riders with big ambitions”.
Historically, the race also formed a cornerstone of the now-on-hiatus Proper Northern Road Race Series, helping to stitch together a coherent competitive pathway in the North West. Even standing alone, as it will again in 2026, Capernwray retains its weight – both as a sporting test and as a reference point for what well-run, rider-led domestic road racing can look like.
Organisers have been keen to stress that the search for a new headline sponsor should not be interpreted as a sponsor withdrawing unexpectedly. The decision by Brother UK not to continue as headline sponsor in 2026 had been anticipated, and Cold Dark North say the relationship remains a positive one.
Their investment in our races has been unrivalled, and we remain extremely grateful for the support they’ve given us and the British domestic racing scene
“There is no shade at all on Brother UK,” the organisers told The British Continental. “They haven’t pulled out or left us in the lurch in any way. Their investment in our races has been unrivalled, and we remain extremely grateful for the support they’ve given us and the British domestic racing scene.”
Running the Capernwray Road Race has previously cost approximately £2,000, a figure that is likely to rise as supplier and operational costs continue to increase. While entry fees mitigate those costs, Cold Dark North have deliberately kept rider entry prices lower than many comparable National B events – a position they are keen to maintain.
Prize money has traditionally been supported by a modest carry-over reserve alongside headline sponsorship. However, following lower rider numbers in 2025 and a decision to offer an unusually strong prize fund last season, organisers say they are effectively starting from scratch this year.
Without replacement funding, the 2026 prize fund would be lower than it was five years ago – a situation that risks discouraging entries and creating a self-reinforcing cycle that has become increasingly familiar across the domestic calendar.
The women’s race podium in 2025. Image: supplied
Beyond prize money, income from the race also contributes to volunteer support, essential operating costs such as website hosting, and Cold Dark North’s wider community activity, including subsidised entries for riders from under-represented backgrounds at events such as the Struggle Hill Climb.
There is some continuity to celebrate. Existing partners Fell Brewery and Fuelling the Bold have confirmed their continued support for 2026, again providing physical prizes for podium finishers.
Cold Dark North say they are ideally seeking a bike-industry or bike-adjacent brand willing to support what they describe as “a local and prestigious national race”, with a headline contribution in the region of £1,000 – a relatively modest sum by industry standards, but one that would allow the event to remain properly resourced, accessible and attractive to riders and teams.
We’re open to working collaboratively with any sponsor that wants to support the event in a way that feels authentic
In return, the organisers are offering on-site activation at race HQ and on the course, alongside opportunities to engage with their wider community through social rides and informal events held throughout the year.
“We don’t typically ask for much financial investment,” they said. “It’s about the racers, not the organisers. We’re open to working collaboratively with any sponsor that wants to support the event in a way that feels authentic.”
Potential sponsors interested in supporting the Capernwray Proper Northern Road Race are encouraged to contact Cold Dark North directly via racing@colddarknorth.co.uk or through their usual social media channels.
Organisers of the Capernwray Road Race are searching for a new headline sponsor ahead of the 2026 edition of the long-established National B, after being informed that recent years’ title partner will not be renewing this season.
Cold Dark North have confirmed that the enduringly popular race will return on Saturday 4 April 2026, once again serving as an early-season proving ground on the punishing, undulating roads of the Capernwray circuit near Lancaster. Shaped by repeated passages over the climb of Sunny Bank, the familiar loop has long delivered an honest, attritional contest in which form is exposed early and only the strongest riders remain in contention.
Promoted by Cold Dark North, Capernwray has built a reputation not just for demanding racing, but for consistently spotlighting emerging talent. In 2025, Josh Housley (Primera–TeamJobs) claimed a commanding victory in the Open race, while local climber Esther Wong (Torelli, now Team Farto – Kiroot) sealed an impressive solo win in the Women’s event. Previous winners include Cat Ferguson, Robin Clay and Joss Lowden, underlining the organisers’ long-held belief that Capernwray “has always been a springboard for riders with big ambitions”.
Historically, the race also formed a cornerstone of the now-on-hiatus Proper Northern Road Race Series, helping to stitch together a coherent competitive pathway in the North West. Even standing alone, as it will again in 2026, Capernwray retains its weight – both as a sporting test and as a reference point for what well-run, rider-led domestic road racing can look like.
Organisers have been keen to stress that the search for a new headline sponsor should not be interpreted as a sponsor withdrawing unexpectedly. The decision by Brother UK not to continue as headline sponsor in 2026 had been anticipated, and Cold Dark North say the relationship remains a positive one.
“There is no shade at all on Brother UK,” the organisers told The British Continental. “They haven’t pulled out or left us in the lurch in any way. Their investment in our races has been unrivalled, and we remain extremely grateful for the support they’ve given us and the British domestic racing scene.”
Running the Capernwray Road Race has previously cost approximately £2,000, a figure that is likely to rise as supplier and operational costs continue to increase. While entry fees mitigate those costs, Cold Dark North have deliberately kept rider entry prices lower than many comparable National B events – a position they are keen to maintain.
Prize money has traditionally been supported by a modest carry-over reserve alongside headline sponsorship. However, following lower rider numbers in 2025 and a decision to offer an unusually strong prize fund last season, organisers say they are effectively starting from scratch this year.
Without replacement funding, the 2026 prize fund would be lower than it was five years ago – a situation that risks discouraging entries and creating a self-reinforcing cycle that has become increasingly familiar across the domestic calendar.
Beyond prize money, income from the race also contributes to volunteer support, essential operating costs such as website hosting, and Cold Dark North’s wider community activity, including subsidised entries for riders from under-represented backgrounds at events such as the Struggle Hill Climb.
There is some continuity to celebrate. Existing partners Fell Brewery and Fuelling the Bold have confirmed their continued support for 2026, again providing physical prizes for podium finishers.
Cold Dark North say they are ideally seeking a bike-industry or bike-adjacent brand willing to support what they describe as “a local and prestigious national race”, with a headline contribution in the region of £1,000 – a relatively modest sum by industry standards, but one that would allow the event to remain properly resourced, accessible and attractive to riders and teams.
In return, the organisers are offering on-site activation at race HQ and on the course, alongside opportunities to engage with their wider community through social rides and informal events held throughout the year.
“We don’t typically ask for much financial investment,” they said. “It’s about the racers, not the organisers. We’re open to working collaboratively with any sponsor that wants to support the event in a way that feels authentic.”
Potential sponsors interested in supporting the Capernwray Proper Northern Road Race are encouraged to contact Cold Dark North directly via racing@colddarknorth.co.uk or through their usual social media channels.
Featured image: Darren Athersmith
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