Cycling Sheffield Season Round Up

The Cycling Sheffield U23 road cycling team made 2025 a season of progress, competing across the UK and Europe and showing they can hold their own in some of the toughest fields on the calendar. With a packed race programme that included international stage races, British National Championships, National A road races, and high-speed town-centre criteriums, the riders consistently demonstrated the strength and depth of young talent in Sheffield.

The squad raced on Moda Finale carbon road bikes, fitted with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, Mavic Cosmic S42 carbon wheels, Deda finishing kit, KMC chains, and Goodyear tyres. This setup offered the perfect balance of aerodynamics, lightweight climbing ability, and reliable performance—an essential platform for ambitious U23 riders developing at national and international level.

Strong Rides in International Stage Racing

At the Tour des Deux Sèvres in France—one of Europe’s most competitive U23 stage races—the Sheffield squad put in strong rides:

• Sam Chaplin – 10th U23 on Stage 3 and 29th overall.

• James – 16th U23 overall.

For young riders, adapting to the aggressive nature of European racing is a big step. These results showed not only their tactical maturity but also how their race-ready bike setup supported consistent performances across multiple stages.

National Championships and Stage Race Performances

The team also gained valuable experience on home soil. At the British U23 Time Trial Championships, Sam Chaplin placed 18th, clocking the second-fastest time on the main climb, proof of both form and equipment working together.

In the Marches 3-Day Stage Race, Ryan shone with 5th place on the final stage, finishing 15th overall—evidence of his ability to combine endurance and speed across back-to-back racing days.

Circuit Racing Success

British circuit races are fast, tactical, and unforgiving—an arena where equipment choice matters as much as race craft.

• Ilkley GP – Alex broke into the National A Top 10 with 8th place.

• Otley GP – A hard-fought 23rd in one of the most competitive domestic criteriums.

The Moda Finale’s aerodynamic design gave the riders the edge they needed to hold speed, conserve energy, and position well in technical town-centre circuits.

Making Their Mark in Elite Road Races

At the Tour of the Reservoir, one of the hardest one-day races in Britain, James was the youngest rider to complete the event, after spending much of the race in the front group of 17.

Meanwhile, at the Witheridge GP, Sam Chaplin achieved his first Top 20 in a National A race, further highlighting the team’s steady progression into the elite tier of British road racing.

Podiums and Jerseys on the Regional Scene

Alongside major races, the squad converted hard work into podium finishes and special jerseys at regional and series events:

• Beeston Road Race (Sept) – Alex took 3rd after an 80km breakaway.

• Northern Circuit Championships – Sam Barbour claimed the silver medal.

• Andrew Matheson Memorial Trophy – James finished 2nd and secured the King of the Mountains jersey, with Alex in 5th.

• Worcester National U23 Series (June) – Dan rode superbly to finish 4th.

These results showed not only promise but also the ability to convert opportunities into tangible success.

A Season of Development and Momentum

The 2025 season underlined why Cycling Sheffield U23 is such an important pathway for young riders. From international stage racing in France to National Series podiums in the UK, the squad showed resilience, consistency, and flashes of brilliance.

Now in their fifth year of support, the team continues to prove the value of long-term investment in U23 cycling. Every season builds confidence and experience, helping riders take steps toward higher levels of competition.

At Moda, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Our bikes—including the Moda Finale, a proven aero carbon race bike—are designed to give riders the tools they need to climb faster, sprint harder, and race with confidence. Whether it’s a lightweight carbon road bike for stage racing or an aero machine for criteriums, we’re committed to supporting the next generation of cyclists.

Discover the Moda Finale – the aero carbon road bike built for speed, power, and precision.