Alex Murphy claimed the biggest victory of his career with a decisive climb to the line at the 2026 Portsdown Classic, as an all under-23 podium marked a telling start to the British domestic road racing season, Sunday 8 February 2026.
Alex Murphy claimed the biggest victory of his career with a decisive climb to the line at the 2026 Portsdown Classic, as an all under-23 podium marked a telling start to the British domestic road racing season.
Featured image: Mark James
Report
Raced over 72 kilometres on the exposed ridges above Portsmouth, the traditional season opener was shaped by heavy mist on Portsdown Hill, particularly around the military barracks, where visibility was poor for much of the day. Conditions were cold but dry, allowing the race to develop at a steady yet selective pace.
Formerly known as the Perfs Pedal, the event has long been regarded as the first meaningful test of the year. Its continuation as the Portsdown Classic, following the original race’s demise, is largely down to the efforts of organiser Seb Ottley, with the race now supported by title sponsor T&M Cable Services.
After a neutralised start from South Downs College, the bunch remained broadly intact on the opening lap, riders feeling their way into the effort. By lap two, however, the race had begun to show its hand.
A seven-rider move slipped clear with purpose: Nathan Levitt (Foran CT), Clay Davies (Ride Revolution RT), Jack Baldie (Pronto RT), Archie Wright (Aero CLCTV), Simon Alexander (DAS–Richardsons), Alex Murphy (StolenGoat 4Endurance) and Matt Gilmour (Nopinz RT). They were soon joined by two more riders bridging across – Josh Horsfield (Cycling Sheffield) and George Watch (Team PB Performance) – forming a nine-strong escape that would shape the race.
The break. Image: Mark James
The cooperation was immediate and effective. Within a lap, the gap had grown beyond a minute. Behind, the peloton hesitated – perhaps too early in the season for full commitment – and although the advantage fluctuated over the following laps, the bunch never truly brought the move back within reach.
As the final full lap unfolded, the escapees began to sense the opportunity. Attacks came and went, but none managed to make it stick, and all nine reached the base of the steep finishing climb – Crooked Walk Lane – together.
Then misfortune intervened. Davies hit a pothole and punctured, his chances evaporating in an instant – a brutal reminder of how little margin February racing allows.
What followed was simple and decisive. Murphy, still only under-23, rode away from the others with authority on the steep ramps of Crooked Walk Lane, out-climbing the group to take the biggest victory of his young career.
Image: Mark James
Behind him, Gilmour – a close friend – secured second, with Baldie third, completing an all under-23 podium that perhaps speaks volumes about the shifting balance of the domestic scene.
Further back, Leon Atkins (CAMS–Majaco) was the best of the rest, finishing tenth overall to claim the best junior honours – a result that underlines his reputation as one of the most closely watched young riders in the peloton.
Alex Murphy speaks with The British Continental post-race.
Alex Murphy claimed the biggest victory of his career with a decisive climb to the line at the 2026 Portsdown Classic, as an all under-23 podium marked a telling start to the British domestic road racing season.
Featured image: Mark James
Report
Raced over 72 kilometres on the exposed ridges above Portsmouth, the traditional season opener was shaped by heavy mist on Portsdown Hill, particularly around the military barracks, where visibility was poor for much of the day. Conditions were cold but dry, allowing the race to develop at a steady yet selective pace.
Formerly known as the Perfs Pedal, the event has long been regarded as the first meaningful test of the year. Its continuation as the Portsdown Classic, following the original race’s demise, is largely down to the efforts of organiser Seb Ottley, with the race now supported by title sponsor T&M Cable Services.
After a neutralised start from South Downs College, the bunch remained broadly intact on the opening lap, riders feeling their way into the effort. By lap two, however, the race had begun to show its hand.
A seven-rider move slipped clear with purpose: Nathan Levitt (Foran CT), Clay Davies (Ride Revolution RT), Jack Baldie (Pronto RT), Archie Wright (Aero CLCTV), Simon Alexander (DAS–Richardsons), Alex Murphy (StolenGoat 4Endurance) and Matt Gilmour (Nopinz RT). They were soon joined by two more riders bridging across – Josh Horsfield (Cycling Sheffield) and George Watch (Team PB Performance) – forming a nine-strong escape that would shape the race.
The cooperation was immediate and effective. Within a lap, the gap had grown beyond a minute. Behind, the peloton hesitated – perhaps too early in the season for full commitment – and although the advantage fluctuated over the following laps, the bunch never truly brought the move back within reach.
As the final full lap unfolded, the escapees began to sense the opportunity. Attacks came and went, but none managed to make it stick, and all nine reached the base of the steep finishing climb – Crooked Walk Lane – together.
Then misfortune intervened. Davies hit a pothole and punctured, his chances evaporating in an instant – a brutal reminder of how little margin February racing allows.
What followed was simple and decisive. Murphy, still only under-23, rode away from the others with authority on the steep ramps of Crooked Walk Lane, out-climbing the group to take the biggest victory of his young career.
Behind him, Gilmour – a close friend – secured second, with Baldie third, completing an all under-23 podium that perhaps speaks volumes about the shifting balance of the domestic scene.
Further back, Leon Atkins (CAMS–Majaco) was the best of the rest, finishing tenth overall to claim the best junior honours – a result that underlines his reputation as one of the most closely watched young riders in the peloton.
Results
Share this:
Discover more from The British Continental
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.