The famous British domestic road opener, formally known as Perf’s Pedal RR and in it’s second year as the Portsdown Classic, this is one of the sternest races of the season; cold – wet – windy – and if thats not enough of a task across 5 laps of the 8.5mile course, add 90-100 of the national best.

First run in 1964, spanning 61years of starting the domestic season, creating talking points and stoking the season to get under way! The race has seen winners such as Sean Yates, Tim Harris, Alex Dowsett and most recently, Saint Piran’s Sam Culverwell in 2024.

League RT stepped up with two riders for this year’s race – Olly, Cat 2 & Dan an U23 also a Cat 2. Both were reserves for the start list and found themselves getting the ride, Olly racing for the first time since his accident last season resulting in a broken collar bone, he went into the race carrying a lot of anxiety and concern – completely unlike the 27 yo rider from Oxford who is known for the race plan that is “Ohh **** it, just send it and commit.”

Missing the break and feeling a little boxed in, Olly had to work hard to rework his position and his mind during the race which until the third lap he struggled to remedy but on the fourth he got himself into a small group of riders willing to work together and try to pull turns to get back to the break which by this point had upward of 40s gap. Unfortunately, Olly punctured which resulted in a DNF.

Dan found the baptism of fire a tough and eye opening event; based in Portsmouth the ‘local’ U23 rider took on his FIRST EVER road race… 🤯 Started the first lap feeling good but the course was “Brutal – with so many strong guys out‘ and just found himself being “slowly dropped” from the pack. He rode the remainder of the race with a few other riders, who in the final stages of the race took the jump on him. It’s great learning and experience for Dan, gaining important knowledge from such a tough race that he can move forward and set his focus on the next races.

Azets – which is the first of the BC Southern RR league is in two weeks time and we plan to arrive with a team of at least 4, depending on rider entrance.

Massive thank you to Peloton Pix – as always such a fantastic gallery of shots that tell the story! Take a look at the full gallery. PELOTON PIX – PORTSDOWN 2025

A huge well done to both riders, experience gained at the National level and we’re left wondering what might have been if not for a mechanical… We’d like to say a massive thank you to all those that make these events happen, from organisers to Marshalls, sponsors to medical support – On to the next we move!