Victor Berlemont Trophy will not run in 2026 as focus turns to 2027 return
British Cycling has confirmed the historic National B race will not take place this season, with efforts now focused on bringing the event back in 2027.
The Victor Berlemont Trophy will not run in 2026, British Cycling has confirmed to The British Continental, ending hopes of an eleventh-hour revival of one of the National B calendar’s longest-standing races.
The governing body said the decision came down to timing. Rather than rushing arrangements through in a matter of weeks for a 2026 edition, it was agreed that efforts would be better directed at delivering the event strongly in 2027. British Cycling said there had been constructive dialogue with prospective organisers about the race’s future, and that its regional teams would continue to work with the event.
The race, a fixture of the calendar since 1951, had looked set to disappear before RideRevolution Coaching CT’s Gabriel Dellar launched a rescue bid in June. Dellar hoped to stage the event on its traditional 30 August date on the Woodcote course in Oxfordshire, with the backing of outgoing organiser Andy Pearce—65 riders registered their interest within two hours of his appeal.
The decision means there will be no open National B road race that weekend.
“I’m very disappointed that the race isn’t going ahead this year,” Dellar told The British Continental. “However, after long discussions with British Cycling, they made it very clear they are really enthusiastic about saving the race.
“Sadly, they felt that due to the relatively late notice of organising the event, the risk of the event not performing to the level it deserves was too great for it to be given the go-ahead for 2026, despite me fighting my corner the best I felt I could.
“I would also like to thank the staggering number of people that reached out to me personally, offering help in various different ways. It is clear to see this community and passion for this race is very much alive.”
The Victor Berlemont Trophy will not run in 2026, British Cycling has confirmed to The British Continental, ending hopes of an eleventh-hour revival of one of the National B calendar’s longest-standing races.
The governing body said the decision came down to timing. Rather than rushing arrangements through in a matter of weeks for a 2026 edition, it was agreed that efforts would be better directed at delivering the event strongly in 2027. British Cycling said there had been constructive dialogue with prospective organisers about the race’s future, and that its regional teams would continue to work with the event.
The race, a fixture of the calendar since 1951, had looked set to disappear before RideRevolution Coaching CT’s Gabriel Dellar launched a rescue bid in June. Dellar hoped to stage the event on its traditional 30 August date on the Woodcote course in Oxfordshire, with the backing of outgoing organiser Andy Pearce—65 riders registered their interest within two hours of his appeal.
The decision means there will be no open National B road race that weekend.
“I’m very disappointed that the race isn’t going ahead this year,” Dellar told The British Continental. “However, after long discussions with British Cycling, they made it very clear they are really enthusiastic about saving the race.
“Sadly, they felt that due to the relatively late notice of organising the event, the risk of the event not performing to the level it deserves was too great for it to be given the go-ahead for 2026, despite me fighting my corner the best I felt I could.
“I would also like to thank the staggering number of people that reached out to me personally, offering help in various different ways. It is clear to see this community and passion for this race is very much alive.”
Featured image: Tom Springbett Photography
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