Peak 2 Day: Storms, Uphill TTs and a Truncated Finale

Our early domestic campaign resumed this month with the Peak 2 Day p/b Velo Edge. Storm‑force winds and heavy rain on Sunday 15 March forced organisers to cancel the final road race in the Peak District, leaving only the Holme Moss time trial to determine the standings. The 3 km climb averagesd 7.6 % and pitched to 10%, providing a serious early‑season efforts test. Oliver Dawson delivered two top‑ten rides, finishing 6th overall, 1 minute 03 seconds behind the eventual winner; Harrison Dainty also put in a good shift to finish 13th, at +2 minutes 06. Although the truncated programme denied our squad the chance to showcase their road‑racing strength, the Holme Moss effort provided valuable data and early confidence.

Oliver Dawson battling the rain. Photo Credit: Cyclng Chaos

Wally Gimber Trophy: Hard Racing and another Top Ten

A week later the team lined up at the 65th Wally Gimber Trophy on the punishing Bletchingley circuit. Eight‑and‑a‑half laps of double‑digit gradients whittled the field. Our squad rode on the front foot: Alex Franks bridged over to the day’s key move and sprinted in a reduced chasing group to 8th place. Dylan Belton Owen and Oscar Nisbett hung tough to take 17th & 26th. The race gave us valuable race intensity & experience ahead of the following weekend’s double‑header.

Kennel Hill Classic: A Commanding One‑Two Punch

Rowan Baker’s second Kennel Hill Classic victory as teammate Alex Franks finishes a close second. Photo Credit: Amelia Cough

Saturday 28 March brought the Kennel Hill Classic and our first victory of the year. The race exploded early on the Goodwood circuit as Thomas Heal and Oscar Nisbett infiltrated the opening move. Conor White then took up the mantle, leading out teammates Alex Franks and Rowan Baker on Kennel Hill to thin the peloton and redefine the front of the race. Heal tested the group with a solo move before Baker launched his winning attack with a lap and a half remaining. Franks marked the chasers while Heal and Nisbett blocked counter‑moves. Baker held his advantage to the finish line, and Franks broke clear of the remnants to secure a brilliant team one‑two. Every rider played a crucial role, from early breakaway patrols to the decisive lead‑out, underlining our depth and cohesion. The race highlights the dynamic and exciting roster of talent available to the team.

PB Performance Espoirs U23: Grit in Wind and Rain

The following day, our U23 squad took on the PB Performance Espoirs Road Race in Leicestershire. Persistent rain and strong winds made the 150 km race especially gruelling. A 13‑rider break escaped early; our riders switched from pacing duties to launching across the gap as the lead group swelled, and the peloton eventually reeled in the escapees. Former junior national champion Oliver Dawson proved the pick of our U23s, following the late attacks and sprinting to a hard‑fought fourth place. The rest of the squad contributed to the chase, gaining valuable experience that will serve them well in upcoming races.

Dylan Belton-Owen racing the 2026 PB Performance Espoirs U23 Race. Photo Credit: Cycling Chaos

Looking Ahead: Easter Week in Europe

With domestic momentum building, we now look to the continent. Boucle de l'Artois on 4 April will see our senior squad race against some of Europe’s strongest development teams. The preliminary startlist includes Groupama‑FDJ United CT, Parkhotel Valkenburg, Tarteletto‑Isorex, Soudal Quick‑Step Devo Team and several other Continental heavyweights. Racing against these outfits in northern France will provide an invaluable benchmark for our young riders.

Two days later our U23 team tackles the inaugural Mur de Huy Classic in Belgium. The event, built around the iconic Mur de Huy climb, has drawn a strong field of Continental squads including Lotto – Groupe Wanty, NSN Development Team, Parkhotel Valkenburg and Team Lotto Kern‑Haus Outlet Montabaur. We will be putting our Handsling A1R0evoS Bikes & Alta Via Wheels to the ultimate test on the steep slopes of Huy, hoping to sharpen our climbers’ skills ahead of the National A opener back home.

After Easter we return to the UK for the East Cleveland Classic in Saltburn – the first National A (Prem) of the season.

Support the Team & Win Big in Our Raffle

Our mission to build a sustainable elite pathway relies on the support of our community. To celebrate our first win of the season and help fund our European campaign, we’re running a Supporter Raffle with fantastic prizes for multiple winners. Here’s how it works:

Purchase tickets via our website
Choose your ticket bundle:
- £1 = 1 ticket
- £5 = 7 tickets
- £10 = 15 tickets
Already subscribed? All existing website subscribers automatically receive one bonus ticket as soon as they purchase a valid ticket. If you’re on our mailing list, you’re already a step ahead!
For supporters who aren’t subscribed to the mailing list- there is an additional ticket waiting for you as soon as you hit subscribe
Read the Raffle details for other ways to enter - including via Instagram

Every ticket purchased directly supports our race programme and helps our riders compete against the best in Europe. The draw will be announced after the Lincoln Grand Prix on 10 May.

Thank You!

March has been a whirlwind: from weather‑beaten time trials at Holme Moss to a commanding one‑two at Kennel Hill and a gritty U23 battle in Leicestershire. Your support powers every pedal stroke. Join us in celebrating our successes, backing our next European adventures and helping us build a brighter future for British cycling.

— The JAKROO Handsling Racing Team

A March to Remember: Team Racing Update & Raffle News