We are pleased to announce today the launch of a new Under-23 Men’s National Road Series, designed to increase the number of available racing opportunities for talented young riders.

The three-round series has been designed in collaboration with our Road Commission and regional teams, with the calendar designed to ensure a good geographical spread and avoid clashes with National Road Series races and other key events.

Beginning with the Yorkshire Under-23 Classic on Sunday 17 April, the second round of the series will be the Stars of the South West RR on Sunday 28 August, before then concluding with the Central U23 Classic on Sunday 25 September.

All rounds will be designated as National B races, with an overall series winner crowned following the final round. As announced in December 2021, an Under-23 Women’s National Road Series will for the first time this year be incorporated into the Junior Women’s National Road Series, in order to support those races to become more sustainable and competitive.

Both moves form part of our wider work, as set out in our 2021 long-term plan for road racing, to provide full and high-quality calendars for riders of all ages, and improve the retention and progression opportunities for those in the youth, junior and under-23 age categories.

Ahead of today’s announcement, British Cycling Head of Sport and Major Events, Jonathan Day, said:

“This new series has been developed following discussions with our Road Commission and with the support of organisers on the ground working collaboratively with our regional team. We know that domestically, opportunities for under-23’s to race amongst their peer group are limited, and we hope this pilot series will help to address that and provide new opportunities for riders at this level.

“We recognise that there are barriers facing talented young riders currently looking to make their way, particularly given the added challenges of riding in Europe, and hope that the new series will give them an added boost as they continue their preparations for a great year of racing ahead.”

Member of the British Cycling Road Commission, Heather Bamforth, said:

"The Commission carried out a rider consultation last year to obtain feedback from under-23 riders, and the new series will hopefully be seen as a step towards addressing the challenges those riders highlighted. We look forward to working with riders, organisers and the Regional Boards to continue to further build the pathway for under-23 riders in the future."

Under-23 Men’s National Road Series calendar:

• Round 1: Yorkshire Under-23 Classic, Sunday 17 April
• Round 2: Future Tour of Wales, Friday 8 - Sunday 10 July - Cancelled*
• Round 3: Worcester Classic, Sunday 31 July - Cancelled**
• Round 4: Stars of the South West RR, Sunday 28 August
• Round 5: Central U23 Classic, Sunday 25 September