Rapha Super-League Returns: A Boost for British Domestic Cycling

Mar 02, 2026, 8:34 PM

The Rapha Super-League is making a comeback for its second season, aiming to inject new life into the British domestic road racing scene. This initiative seeks to consolidate the diverse landscape of British cycling into a unified, year-long competition, highlighting the sport's potential for engaging narratives and thrilling action.

Elevating British Cycling: More Action, More Stories, More Exposure

The League's Structure and Evolution

The upcoming season of the Rapha Super-League will feature a more concentrated calendar, comprising eight key events—four road races and four criteriums—for both male and female competitors. This streamlined approach, with a reduction of eight events compared to the previous year, is designed to enhance focus and impact.

Kicking Off the Season: Key Dates and Locations

The competitive action for women is scheduled to commence next month with the ANEXO/CAMS Women's CiCLE Classic, while the men's season will begin in April with the Rutland International CiCLE Classic. The league will conclude in August at the Cambridge Criterium, with other significant events including the revitalized North Yorkshire Grand Prix and the re-established City of London Nocturne.

Refined Scoring and Enhanced Viewing Experience

Significant adjustments have been made to the points system, assigning distinct value to each race, with points awarded to the top 20 finishers. A major highlight for fans will be the extensive live streaming of nearly every race via Monument TV, ensuring broader accessibility and increased visibility for the sport.

Rapha's Vision: Nurturing Domestic Talent and Community

Jess Morgan, Rapha's UK marketing manager, expressed a strong belief in the untapped potential of domestic road racing, emphasizing its rich action and compelling stories. She underscored the importance of providing platforms for fans to engage with the sport and celebrate its vibrant community, from dedicated organizers to passionate riders who trace their roots back to grassroots cycling.

A Turning Point for British Cycling

Morgan articulated her optimism for the future, citing the return of iconic events like the Nocturne in central London, the widespread live streaming of Super-League races, and the growing support from various brands. These developments, she believes, signal a crucial turning point for British cycling, moving away from narratives of decline towards a period of growth and positive change.

Shining a Light on Success

With an eye towards amplifying positive stories and fostering a sense of optimism, Morgan hopes the Rapha Super-League will play a pivotal role in showcasing the flourishing aspects of domestic cycling. The league aims to highlight the numerous "green shoots" and reasons for enthusiasm within the sport, reinforcing its resilience and potential.

Previous Champions: Celebrating Past Achievements

The 2025 Rapha Super-League saw Robyn Clay (then representing DAS-Hutchinson, now with Picnic PostNL) and Matt Bostock (then from Tekkerz CC) emerge as champions in their respective categories, setting a high bar for the upcoming season's contenders.

The 2026 Rapha Super-League Calendar

The confirmed schedule for the 2026 Rapha Super-League is as follows:
March 23: ANEXO/CAMS Women's CiCLE Classic
April 26: Rutland International CiCLE Classic
May 10: Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix
June 13: City of London Nocturne
July 1: LOGCO Otley Cycle Races
July 17: Dawlish Grand Prix
August 9: Curlew Cup and Beaumont Trophy
August 16: North Yorkshire Grand Prix
August 23: Cambridge Criterium