Photo: swpix.com
The first rounds of the Lloyds National Road Series open, the National Youth Circuit Series, the 4X National Series and the Downhill National Series got underway across the weekend of the 12-13 April 2025. Catch up in our round-up.
Community Traffic Management East Cleveland Classic 2025 [R1 Open / R2 Women] – 13 April
Adam Howell (MUC-OFF-SRCT-STORCK) and Alice McWilliam (Hess Cycling Team) were the winners at the Community Traffic Management East Cleveland Classic 2025 on Sunday (13).
In the opening fixture of the Open National Road Series, Howell took a first National Road Series win in an astonishing sprint finish with George Kimber (Spirit Racing Team), Howell taking it by a whisker after a superb bike throw.
Over six laps of the course on the north-east coast, including the famous Saltburn Bank climb, an open race unfolded with breakaway groups forming and disappearing in quick succession as the windy conditions drew the chasing packs in.
On the final lap, Howell and Kimber made the crucial break from Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli), and an almighty finale played out, going right down to the wire with Howell taking it. Martin was 16 seconds back, but his bold move with the duo earned him a podium spot.
As for the women’s race, the second fixture in the series all came down to a bunch sprint finish after some entertaining racing on the day. Hess teammates Alice McWilliam and Holly Ramsey emerged in the closing stages with McWilliam taking her first National Road Series win of the year.
The duo were part of a big bunch who attacked the final climb together, with Hess and Handsling Alba Development Road Team the main teams featuring at this stage. But McWilliam came through to take it from Ramsey, while Amelia Tyler (Handsling Alba Development Road Team) sealed her first podium finish ahead of Tiffany Keep (DAS-Hutchinson).
After two fixtures in the women’s National Road Series, McWilliam has the Series Leader’s jersey heading into round three which takes place at the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix next month.
Results: Open and Women
Youth Circuit Series Round 1: Youth Tour of Scotland (12-13 April)
Finlay Storrie (GKR Racing) and Aisling Charlesworth (Fibrax Fenwick’s Wrexham) claimed the overall Youth Tour of Scotland victories as Perth City Centre played host to Sunday’s Stage 2 criterium.
On Saturday, Melanie Rowe (Deeside Thistle) and Alex Box (Grit Cartel) wrap up the Youth A podiums, after two stunning stage victories in Forteviot.
Read full reports from Scottish Cycling for day one and day two.
Lloyds National Downhill Series Round 1: Cwmcarn, South Wales (12-13 April)
The elite women’s race went to a dominant Harriet Harnden (AON Racing) who was over 10 seconds ahead of nearest opponent. She topped the podium ahead of Jessica Stone and Emily Carrick-Anderson.
Laurie Greenland (Santa Cruz Syndicate) triumphed in the elite open during round one of the National Downhill Series. He got stronger as the run went on, mastering the course to win by nearly two seconds from Matt Walker (Trek Factory Racing), while Luke Williamson bagged the podium slot after a solid ride.
Results
National 4X Rounds 1-2: Chicksands Bike Park (12-14 April)
Round 1 – Saturday 12 April
The senior women’s contest saw Elizabeth Bown take a convincing win on her return to 4X after taking some time away last year. She took a convincing win from 2024 Series Champion Katherine Byng, with newcomer Silvi Vargas in third place overall.
In the elite open race, the final four saw Gabe Simpson, Ian Forsyth, Dan Wagstaff and Tom Bell go head-to-head. The gate dropped and the drag race on the first straight was on. Simpson got his bar in front early on, and it was an advantage which paid off as he took the win from Wagstaff, Forsyth and Bell.
Round 2 – Sunday 13 April
After a third place during round one, Silvi Vargas impressed to take her first British 4X Series win. She held her form throughout the day to take a memorable round victory ahead of Katherine Byng and Katherine Oldfield.
Ian Forsyth also improved on his third place during round one to seal the win on Sunday. In a high-octane race, Aaron Dalleywater and Lucas Rose completed the top three.
Results
