North East Crit League - NECL

01/10/2026

Hi All,

I received more offers of help and a couple of serious enquiries about sponsorship / partnership for the event yesterday, which is really encouraging.

I tried to attached the latest iteration of the Partner Prospectus to yesterday's post but FB didn't like the pdf...... So I've gone old skool and attached screenshots.

I'm waiting on some feedback about the Partner offerings before getting some printed for distribution. If you know a local business that may be interested in joining the Darlington GP story, please PM and I'll email the pdf.

There are 4 main Partner packages but I have the option to create a bespoke package to suit budgets and requirements.

Thanks, Graham.

30/09/2026

Good Morning All,

It will be another month before we find out if the bid has been successful, but we have our first event partner!!!

Huge thanks to Col Sweeten and Longden Doors for supporting the bid to bring Elite cycle racing back to the region.

If you own or know a NE based business that would like to get involved, please ask for the Sponsorship / Partnership Prospectus. Packages start from £500 and all partnership tiers now include passes for VIP hospitality.

I spoke with the organiser of the Otley Circuit race last week and got a bit more insight into what it takes to put on an event of this standard. I will need to recruit a team of 8 or 10 to help with the various elements required to bring everything together. If you want to get involved in this exciting project and be part of the Darlington Grand Prix story, please PM or email [email protected].

Thanks. Graham.

26/09/2026

Morning All, Another busy week at NECL HQ.

The application to host a Elite National Circuit Series event was submitted last weekend.

This week has been all about creating a sponsor / partner prospectus to try and cover the estimated £27.5k.

I'm working on having 4 partnership tiers - Title Partner; Event Parter; Supporting Partner & Community Partner.

There are sponsorship / partner opportunities available from £500 to £5000 so if anyone knows a business interested in supporting bringing Elite cycle racing back to the North East, please get in touch.

Huge thanks to Kyle for making a Darlington Grand Prix website holding page - www.darlingtongrandprix.co.uk.

Thanks. Graham.

Coming in 2027?

21/09/2026

Very busy week in front of the laptop, but the application to host a Lloyds Elite National Circuit Series race in Darlington Town Centre is now submitted.

Now the hard work begins working more closely with the council, the police, Darlington SAG (Safety Advisor Group) to start making the necessary Traffic Plan, Emergency Evacuation Plan, Crowd Management, Medical provision plan.

Even if Darlington isn't selected for 2027, that's not the end. We need to be ready for a 2028 application.

Costs are approx £25k with a 10% contingency takes that to £27.5k to bring this elite event to the region.

I'm working on the Partner / Sponsor packages to help cover the costs but I could really do with a bit of help from people who deal with sponsorship, event planning, event marketing & hospitality.

I'm also looking for some motivated people to get involved and support bringing this to life. An event of this nature, is far too much for 1 person so if you can help, please DM or email [email protected].

Thanks. Graham.

15/09/2026

Had a good night at the British Cycling North East AGM & volunteer event last night.

Nice to meet the people keeping cycling moving in the region - Breeze leaders, club coaches, accredited marshalls, young members steering group, road race organisers & BCNE staff.

Some common themes around participation numbers & memberships decreasing but we all have a desire to offer a range of cycling activities in the NE so there is something for everyone of any age or ability.

Checkout BCNE FB page for regular updates about events, races, meet ups etc.

After the meeting I progressed the Darlington GP application a little.....

Graham.

13/09/2026

Good Morning All,

So in the past 24 hours, things have taken off like a Space-X Falcon.....

Darlington's bid for an Elite National Circuit Series made the UK popular cycling press and I did my first What's App voice note interview!!

So many messages of support from the region and a couple of potential sponsors got in touch yesterday too.

The Traffic Management team from the 2024 National Champs are keen to get involved too.

I'm at Middlesbrough for CXNE Round 1 all day so I'm up early and just submitted the Expression of Interest to host an Elite National Circuit Series event in 2027.......

So just like a Space-X Falcon, we have ignition and the countdown has begun!!

Graham.

12/09/2026

Darlington's bid for a National Circuit Series event in 2027 has made the UK cycling press already -

Graham Stobbs has until Sunday evening to lodge an expression of interest to host a Darlington Grand Prix in 2027, on the town centre circuit used for the 2024 national championships. He expects to…

12/09/2026

Good Morning All,

Yesterday I had 3 really great conversations with British Cycling, Darlington Council and a Darlington based business about the process, costs and benefits of hosting a Lloyds British Cycling Elite National Circuit Series event in the region.

There is still an unbelievable amount to sort out but it's been agreed that I will submit the Expression of Interest to host the Darlington Grand Prix in 2027.

The event will take place on the same course used for the 2024 National Circuit Championships, right in the centre of Darlington.

How amazing will it be to have the word "Darlington" hanging from an Elite National Circuit Series finish gantry?!?!?!?

I have 7 days to prepare the official application to demonstrate that there is the structure, support and budget to deliver an event which hits all of British Cycling's Guiding Principles

🔹 To grow and support the sport of cycling
🔹 To lead on the world stage
🔹 To drive social impact

In all, 30 elements to fulfill....

It will be a huge undertaking but the support I have received from the NECL riders and supporters has already highlighted to British Cycling that there is the desire for cycle racing in the north east and with the Darlington Council already on board, it feels like we are already 50% of the way there.

Watch. This. Space.

Thanks. Graham.


British Cycling
British Cycling North East

10/09/2026

Morning All,

Here are the podium positions & photos for NECL Round 5. Official results are now on BC - https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/335519/North-East-Crit-League-Summer-Series---Round-5

I'll share the Overall Series Top 3 and photos tonight.....

Open Cat 3/4 Race overall:
1st - Jack Barlow (Muckle CC)
2nd - Carl Gibson (Leadout Performance)
3rd - Harry Collingwood-Cooper (Otley Race Team)

Open Cat 4:
1st - Carl Gibson (Leadout Performance)
2nd - Joe Searle (Albarosa CC)
3rd - Hitoshi Inoue

Open Cat 3:
1st - Jack Barlow (Muckle CC)
2nd - Harry Collingwood-Cooper (Otley Race Team)
3rd - Dan Waring (Cleveland Wheelers)

Women's combined race overall:
1st - Eleanor Dixon (The Hera Project)
2nd - Sarah Allen (Muckle CC)
3rd - Vicki Spong (Muckle CC)

Women's Cat 4:
1st - Sarah Allen (Muckle CC)
2nd - Vicki Spong (Muckle CC)
3rd - Freya Plummer (Cleveland Wheelers)

Women's Cat 2:
1st - Eleanor Dixon (The Hera Project)

Open E123 race overall:
1st - Toby Tanfield (TS Racing)
2nd - Jake Dobson (Muckle CC)
3rd - Mark Hansom (TS Racing)

Open Cat 3:
1st - Harry Collingwood-Cooper (Otley Race Team)
2nd - Scott Auld
3rd - George Court (Leadout Performance)

Open Cat 2:
1st - Jake Dobson (Muckle CC)
2nd - Mark Hansom (TS Racing)
3rd - Daniel Smith (TS Racing)

Open Cat 1:
1st - Toby Tanfield (TS Racing)
2nd - Joe Wilson (Moonglu)
3rd - Robert Smart (Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli)

**I've just realised I didn't do separate 3rd, 2nd, 1st Cat podiums on the night, sorry** 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

There's been some great racing all season and Round 5 was no different.

Thanks. Graham.

09/09/2026

Hey NECLers,

Official results for NECL R5 were uploaded to BC this morning so once checked and verified, your points should appear on your profile.

I will get the podium photos from Round 5 uploaded this week, sorry for the delay.

I did some work on the National Circuit Series application last night, too.

As you can imagine, it's quite an expensive event to put on and costs are approx £20-£25k.....

Prize money alone for the 2 Elite races is £4k.

I will be offering Corporate sponsorship packages at £1k, £2k & £3k. Exact details of what will be included in each tier are still tbc.

There will also be the option for individuals to donate as a community via a GoFundMe type fundraiser.

If you know of any NE businesses, especially near Darlington that could help bring this high profile, National event to the region, please let me know.

I'm exciting to be involved in bringing this to life.

Thanks, Graham.