CLAYTON SPRING CLASSIC HANDICAP 2026

CLAYTON SPRING CLASSIC HANDICAP 2026 (sponsored by PM+M) runs on Sunday 22 February and has an entry closing date of 1st February

NEWS: CLAYTON SPRING CLASSIC HANDICAP 2026 (sponsored by PM+M) —- This year’s event runs on Sunday 22 February and has an entry closing date of 1st February before the ‘disorganised tax’ of an extra £10 on the entry fee applies.

Winner in 2024, Tyler Douglas Hannay had this to say: “The Clayton is one of the main staples in the British road racing circuit for northern cyclists. having such history behind it and prolific winners like Tom Pidcock, the race allows riders which could be less well known to show their ability on the national stage.

Being handicapped, you are always working hard and it means you never know who the winner is going to be until the death. The Northern wind and rain makes for a tough day but a great way to kick start the season for many!”

Whilst 2025 winner Si Wilson added his views: “The Clayton Spring Classic is a foundation of the Northern Cycling season, traditionally held on the last Sunday of February it is the guiding light for season planning – this is the date where new bikes and kit need to be ready and where we finally find out if the hard work through the winter has resulted in good form. The event always draws a strong entry; as the Northern season opener it attracts lots of media coverage and as a result riders and teams want to be seen and stamp their mark on the new season.

The handicap format gives the event a unique flavour and means that club riders can compete with the stars of the sport with a chance of winning and on occasion can also go home saying they have raced against an Olympian. The format also gives opportunity to developing young riders and for many just stepping into junior this will be their first race on the open road as it was for Tom Pidcock when he held off local hero Ian Wilkinson to win the 2016 edition – Tom has gone on to win multiple Classics as well as becoming 2 x Olympic MTB champion.

The event is much more than the racing though, it galvanises the cycling scene in the region, clubs and individuals step forward, pulling together by volunteering to perform the multitude of different roles required to make these events run. Post race the school hall is full of elation, disappointment, excuses and chatter as riders have found out exactly where they stand going into the new racing year whilst warming up with a brew before a traditional prize presentation.

With the Road Racing scene in the UK going through some challenging times these classic events with prestige and character are needed more than ever.”
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/330247/Clayton-Spring-Classic-Handicap-2026-sponsored-by-PMM