British Cycling has released the first confirmed calendars for the 2026 Lloyds National Series, outlining the women’s and open road programmes alongside the national circuit, cross-country and downhill schedules. The announcement marks the starting point for riders and teams to shape their preparations for next year, with further calendars for other disciplines due in the coming weeks.
The new dates arrive on the back of a competitive 2025 season that produced compelling storylines across the women’s and men’s pelotons. Robyn Clay and Adam Howell emerged as overall National Road Series champions after demonstrating consistency across the spring and summer, setting a benchmark for the riders who will return to the same set-piece events in 2026.
Lloyds National Road Race Women’s Series
The women’s calendar retains several familiar fixtures, starting with the Anexo/CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic on 22 March before moving through a sequence of established one-day races across England.
Round 1: Anexo/CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic – 22 March
Round 2: East Cleveland Classic – 12 April
Round 3: Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix – Women – 10 May
Round 4: Tour of the Reservoir – 7 June
Round 5: TBA – 12 July
Round 6: South Molton GP – 19 July
Round 7: Curlew Cup – 9 August
Round 8: North Yorkshire Grand Prix – 16 August
These races were central to Clay’s rise in 2025, with her ability to score points at every round underscoring how valuable consistency will again be next season.
Photo Credit: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.comLloyds National Road Race Open Series
The open series mirrors the women’s structure, beginning with the East Cleveland Classic in mid-April and culminating in the North Yorkshire Grand Prix in August.
Round 1: East Cleveland Classic – 12 April
Round 2: Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix – 10 May
Round 3: Tour of the Reservoir – 7 June
Round 4: TBA – 12 July
Round 5: South Molton GP – 19 July
Round 6: Beaumont Trophy – 9 August
Round 7: North Yorkshire Grand Prix – 16 August
In 2025, Howell used early-season success at the East Cleveland Classic and Tour of the Reservoir to build an advantage he retained through to the finale, highlighting the importance of the spring rounds for riders chasing the overall.
Lloyds National Circuit Series (Open & Women)
The mid-summer criterium block remains one of the most recognisable stretches of the domestic calendar, featuring the atmospheric evening races that traditionally draw large crowds.
Round 1: Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix – 16 June
Round 2: LOGCO Otley Cycle Races – 1 July
Round 3: Ilkley Cycle Races – 3 July
Round 4: Canyon Guildford Town Centre Races – 8 July
Round 5: Dawlish Grand Prix – 17 July
Round 6: Sheffield Grand Prix – 22 July
Clay dominated this format in 2025, securing the National Circuit Series title during her breakthrough season.
Lloyds National MTB Cross-Country Series
Round 1: Newnham Park – 28/29 March
Round 2: Cannock Chase – 11/12 April
Round 3: Tong – 9/10 May
Round 4: Pippingford Park – 13/14 June
Round 5: Margam Park – 4/5 July
Lloyds National Downhill Series
Round 1: Rhyd-Y-Felin – 18/19 April
Round 2: Antur Stiniog – 9/10 May
Round 3: Glencoe – 27/28 June
Round 4: Llangollen – 8/9 August
Round 5: Fort William – 12/13 September
2026 National Championships
XCO: Ae Forest – 17–19 July
Downhill: Revolution Bike Park – 18–19 July
Enduro & E-Enduro: Isle of Man – 1–2 August
Marathon: Newcastleton – 16 August
A season shaped by familiar venues and new ambitions
British Cycling says the 2026 calendar offers a stable platform for riders stepping up from strong 2025 campaigns and those aiming to break through next season. Head of Talent Development and Sport Joe Malik stressed the value of continuity, noting that the spread of events across England, Wales and Scotland will again give riders a national stage on which to perform.
“The 2026 calendar offers something for everyone everywhere. New names will be heard, storylines will form and I cannot wait to see the cycling action on offer.”
With the first part of the calendar now confirmed, teams can begin to map out their pathways through a season that mirrors the structure of 2025 – a year defined by new champions, rising riders and the competitive depth that British Cycling hopes to see grow again next spring.
Main photo credit: Craig Zadoroznyj/SWpix.com
