Circuit of Ingleborough 2026 Results

By Richard Bideau.

Welcome to the Circuit of Ingleborough and the continuing revival of British time trialling. A record number of entries, the best weather in over a decade and many amazing rides have made this a year to remember.

It almost didn’t happen. Wednesday and reports of temporary lights on the course reached me. Thursday and my final ride to check the course confirmed their presence and though the notice of work suggested completion by Friday, it was an added problem to deal with.

Saturday came, cool in the early hours but already with a glorious blue sky and sunshine reflecting cheeringly from the white limestone scars above Ingleton. The course was clear – and what a day! Completely still at the HQ with wind forecast to remain light throughout the event. The early chill was set to lift with unseasonally warm conditions for most of the riders. I was momentarily envious, regretting that I would not ride this year. Only momentarily…

Ingleborough is difficult! Changes of gradient are frequent, opportunities to output steady power, rare. The start sets the tone, no gentle introduction: a few hundred meters and then straight into a long steady climb. The first climb done, there is a brief respite with a long flowing descent to Clapham. Through the village and then out onto the A65 for a short rolling section that gives way to the second major climb up to Buck Haw Brow. The summit has a glorious view of the limestone scars, one that can be difficult to appreciate in the circumstances. A fast plunge down to Settle, over the Ribble and then the turn northwards and the start of the long flowing section towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Sharp climbs and short drops abound but all the time the elevation is increasing. Helwith Bridge and the half way point is behind, seldom a comfort, the toughest parts still lie ahead. The straight run in towards Horton is a a fine moment – perfect for the pure time trialler. After the village it is out onto the exposed moorland. The goal now is Ribblehead, the way impeded by numerous short climbs and twisting descents. Often this is the toughest part, a strong performance here is essential to a good overall ride. The first sight of the Ribblehead viaduct is a brilliant moment, a short decent, left turn and the final section is open.

Massively wind affected. With a tail wind it is an exhilarating conclusion accompanied by fine limestone scenery. A headwind is another matter. Then, the final miles are tough, a grim battle to the chequerboard.

The short climb past the Station Inn and under the viaduct is followed by an agonisingly gradual levelling off to the highest point. Ingleborough sits grandly to the left. A fast plunge and then the start of the final climb to White Scar Cave. A series of ascending ripples with many false summits until finally, the real end of the climbing. One final plunge and the chequerboard is reached. A great moment – reality returns, the world seems a better place than moments before. A short coast down the hill and back to the HQ. Time for warm drinks, friends, and stories of how hard the ride was with so many hold-ups…