New Wales and West Midlands Cup launches to support new and developing riders into road racing

Beicio Cymru and British Cycling West Midlands are proud to announce a new joint road race series to support developing riders and those new to competitive road racing.

The Wales and West Midlands Cup features a series of Regional B races aimed at third- and fourth-category riders. The collaboration provides a clear and accessible entry for riders who want to gain experience, race consistently and progress within the sport.

The seven-round series runs across March, April, May and August. Organisers will stage four rounds in the West Midlands and three in Wales. The calendar uses a mix of established circuits and offers a range of profiles to suit different rider strengths and racing styles, suiting riders of all abilities.

Andrew Minshaw, Head of Events at Beicio Cymru, said:

“This series creates meaningful racing opportunities for riders who are still finding their feet or returning to the sport. By working closely with British Cycling West Midlands, we can offer a stronger and more varied calendar that supports development, builds confidence and helps riders progress, while also strengthening regional road racing.”

The series builds on growing collaboration between the two regions and demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening domestic road racing.

BC West Midlands Chair, Jean Brownsword added:

“In the last few years there has been increasing collaboration between our two regions, and it makes sense for us to work together to try to create an attractive target for riders who are finding their feet in a very tough sport, or who are returning after time out.”

The Wales and West Midlands Cup is open to riders from all British Cycling regions. Riders who finish each round score series points, with the best six results counting towards the overall standings. The series awards prize money and a bespoke modernist trophy created by Great Britain Olympic medallist and carbon production specialist Rob Hayles.

Organisers will also present team prizes for both club and composite teams, alongside a most aggressive or most meritorious rider award at each round.

The courses range from essentially flat circuits at Abergavenny, Three Cocks and Inkberrow to punchier circuits at Bobbington, Canon Pyon and Llandrindod Wells. The final round at Friz Hill provides a climber-friendly finale to the series. However, riders can “drop” a round, with a maximum of six rounds to count.

Riders can find more information and access entries for each round via the Wales and West Midlands Cup series page, with individual events being added as soon as they open for entry.

Wales and West Midlands Cup – 2026 calendar

·       8 March – Evesham Vale Support Race, Inkberrow

·       22 March – Abergavenny Road Race, Monmouthshire

·       12 April – Gannett CC North Herefordshire Road Race, Weobley / Canon Pyon

·       19 April – Les Archer Memorial Road Race, Bobbington

·       16 May – Three Cocks Road Race, Three Cocks, Brecon

·       24 May – Llandrindod Road Race, Llandrindod Wells

·       16 August – RLS Friz Hill Road Race, Warwickshire