Jock Wadley back on the calendar, with a potential hat-trick in sight
After weeks of uncertainty, the Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race has been confirmed for Sunday 8 March. The late announcement sets up a congested early-season weekend, but also secures the return of one of the domestic calendar’s most established National B fixtures - and opens the door to a potential hat-trick for Jacob Vaughan, who has told The British Continental he hopes to line up again after winning in both 2024 and 2025.
The Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race will take place on Sunday 8 March, organisers have confirmed, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty over whether the long-running early-season race would run this year.
The timing, however, creates a significant pinch point in the calendar. The Jock Wadley now clashes with the Evesham Vale Road Race on the same day, while the Royal Navy Cup is scheduled for Saturday 7 March. All three are Open National B events with broadly flat profiles, likely to appeal to a similar pool of domestic riders and teams.
The contrast with last season is notable. In 2025, the Jock Wadley Memorial did not clash with any other Open National B road races, allowing it to draw from the full early-season domestic pool. This year’s overlap comes at a particularly sensitive point in the calendar: it will be only the second weekend of National-level road racing in the UK, following the Portsdown Classic on 8 February.
8-Feb
Portsdown Classic
Hampshire
07-Mar
Royal Navy Cup p/b SWRRWG
Somerset
08-Mar
Evesham Vale Road Race
Worcestershire
08-Mar
42nd Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race
Essex
14-Mar
The Peak 2 Day p/b Velo Edge | YBC
Derbyshire
15-Mar
The Peak 2 Day p/b Velo Edge | YBC
West Yorkshire
22-Mar
65th Dulwich Paragon Wally Gimber Trophy
Surrey
28-Mar
Kennel Hill Classic
West Sussex
28-Mar
Gifford Road Race
East Lothian
29-Mar
PB Performance Road Race
Leicestershire
Confirmed early season Open National B road races. Full calendar here.
First run in 1982 and organised by Colchester Rovers Cycling Club, the Jock Wadley Memorial is named in honour of Jock Wadley, one of the most influential figures in British cycling journalism. While it sits outside the National Road Series, its longevity and early-season position have made it a reference point for riders assessing form after winter.
Recent editions have been dominated by Jacob Vaughan, who claimed victory in both 2024 and 2025. Vaughan has told The British Continental that he hopes to race again this year. No rider has ever won the Jock Wadley Memorial three times, let alone three times in succession. A victory in 2026 would see Vaughan set a new benchmark in the race’s history.
The Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race will take place on Sunday 8 March, organisers have confirmed, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty over whether the long-running early-season race would run this year.
The timing, however, creates a significant pinch point in the calendar. The Jock Wadley now clashes with the Evesham Vale Road Race on the same day, while the Royal Navy Cup is scheduled for Saturday 7 March. All three are Open National B events with broadly flat profiles, likely to appeal to a similar pool of domestic riders and teams.
The contrast with last season is notable. In 2025, the Jock Wadley Memorial did not clash with any other Open National B road races, allowing it to draw from the full early-season domestic pool. This year’s overlap comes at a particularly sensitive point in the calendar: it will be only the second weekend of National-level road racing in the UK, following the Portsdown Classic on 8 February.
First run in 1982 and organised by Colchester Rovers Cycling Club, the Jock Wadley Memorial is named in honour of Jock Wadley, one of the most influential figures in British cycling journalism. While it sits outside the National Road Series, its longevity and early-season position have made it a reference point for riders assessing form after winter.
Recent editions have been dominated by Jacob Vaughan, who claimed victory in both 2024 and 2025. Vaughan has told The British Continental that he hopes to race again this year. No rider has ever won the Jock Wadley Memorial three times, let alone three times in succession. A victory in 2026 would see Vaughan set a new benchmark in the race’s history.
Entry link here.
Featured image: Mark James
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