Elite road racing is set to return to Dawlish this summer as the town once again hosts a round of the British Cycling National Circuit Series, bringing high-speed town-centre racing back to the South Devon coast.
The Dawlish Grand Prix will take place on Friday 17 July 2026, with national-level riders competing on a fast, technical circuit set around The Strand and The Lawn in the heart of the town.
The event forms part of both the Women’s and Open National Circuit Series, with riders battling for crucial points across a tightly packed evening of racing.
Hosted in partnership between the South West Road Race Workgroup and Dawlish Town Council, the event has quickly established itself as one of the standout summer sporting fixtures in the region.
Race schedule
Racing begins early evening and runs across three main events:
*6:00pm* – Support race / opening race
*7:00pm* – Women’s National Circuit Series race
*8:00pm* – Open National Circuit Series race
*9:00pm* – Presentations
Each race is expected to last around 50 minutes, with riders tackling repeated laps of the town-centre circuit at high speed. ([British Cycling][1])
A technical town-centre circuit
The Dawlish course is known for being fast but technical, rewarding strong positioning, cornering ability, and tactical awareness. Riders will need to manage both endurance and strategy as they navigate tight sections through the town centre.
As one of the mid-summer rounds of the national series, the event is expected to attract strong domestic teams and some of the country’s top elite riders.
Road closures and travel advice
Organisers have confirmed a phased approach to road closures in Dawlish to reduce disruption:
* Some parking restrictions will be in place around The Lawn during the day
* The Strand will close from mid-afternoon
* Wider circuit closures will begin from around 5:00pm
Spectators are being encouraged to arrive early and use public transport where possible, with Dawlish railway station located close to the race route.
More than just racing
Alongside the elite competition, a wellbeing market is expected to run earlier in the day on The Lawn, showcasing local community groups and health-focused organisations.
Why it matters for South Devon
The return of the Dawlish Grand Prix reinforces South Devon’s growing reputation as a destination for national sporting events. It brings:
* High-profile visitors and teams into the town
* Increased footfall for local businesses
* National broadcast and media attention for Dawlish
* A unique evening sporting spectacle for residents and visitors
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/334773/Dawlish-GP
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