Marches 3-day cycling event

The 2026 Marches 3-day cycling event is an opportunity for leading amateurs to challenge themselves on a 4-stage race over 3 days. It brought drama to the roads in North Herefordshire over the Bank Holiday weekend.   

The 1^st stage of the British Cycling, Marches 3-day cycling event was a 100km road race around Inkberrow in Worcestershire. Stage 2 was an 8km time trial between Presteigne and Shobdon, finishing close to Pearl Lake Country Holiday Park.  

Impressive times

The good weather meant stage times for the Marches 3-day cycling event were quick. Stage 2 saw Patrick Clarke from the Essex – based, Schils Doltcini Racing Team win the time trial in 8 mins 43.811 secs.  Second placed James Bacon from Surrey- based TAAP Kalas Cycling finished in 8 mins 44.040 secs. 3rd was Thomas Herbert from Bridgnorth CC came in at 8 minutes, 47.502 seconds  

Hill climb finish

Sadly, Stage 3 was cancelled due to a serious crash which left the race without medical cover. The action returned with the Stage 4 road race. 

This was a gruelling 110km circuit around Presteigne and Knighton with a hill climb finish.  

The winner was Matthew Warhurst from Schils – Doltcini Racing Team finishing in 2 hours 17minutes 55 seconds. Patrick Clark from the same team finished 12 seconds later. 

Quality event – strong support 

Event organiser and The Guardian’s cycling columnist, William Fotheringham, was delighted with the way the event went, “The racing was fantastic, very dynamic with some spectacularly high speeds. 

It was a shame to lose stage 3 but road racing by its nature, very occasionally throws up events of this kind. As organisers we all accept that’s part of the equation. 

“Around 70 volunteers from across Wales and West Midlands assisted. There was support from local cycling clubs Gannett and Luctonians CC as well as Halesowen. I’d pay tribute to all those people, as it’s an immense effort from all of them. 

“It was also fantastic to see last year’s winner, Piers Mahn, wave the chequered flag on the final stage. Plus, the weather cooperated by raining at night only. It was lovely to see support from local residents! This year the sponsorship from Discover Parks helped take the race to a new level.” 

Punctured

Discover Parks Guest Experience Team Member, Alister Cawthorne, took part in the event. Despite being an experienced road cyclist, he was hampered by four punctures! Alister still managed to finish in a very respectable time but some way off the leading groups.

“Although I received a wheel change from the service car,” said Alister, “I was off the bike for over 2 minutes and realised as the race carried on at full tilt, that it would be impossible to reconnect. That didn’t stop me trying and I cycled the next 90+kms solo and set some power records of my own. It’s just part and parcel of bike racing and I shall take it on the chin!” 

Marches 3-day cycling event sponsored by Discover Parks

Tash Allin, Marketing and Sustainability Manager at Discover Parks, said sponsoring the Marches 3-day cycling event was a real thrill. “The weekend was a great showcase for cycling in Herefordshire. The UK stage of the Tour de France passes close to our Rockbridge Holiday Park in Presteigne next year. We’re excited to welcome cycling fans to come and stay with us.  

“Sport really does bring communities together. We were delighted to provide the pink water bottles and the leaders yellow jersey. Other local businesses also got involved. Radnor Hills Water donated flavoured water White Heron Drinks provided British sparkling wine for the stage winners.” 

Book now for the Tour de France!

The 2027 ‘Grand Depart’ stage of the Tour de France takes place in the UK between July 2nd-4th. The 3rd stage of this section of the race will pass through Llandrindod Wells, which is close to Rockbridge Country Holiday Park

If you’re a cycling fan why not stay with us and take in the atmosphere of this most iconic of sporting events?

We’ve lodges with hot tubs and saunas, or bring your tourer and pitch up on our riverside touring and tenting area.