Paul Drake has assembled what can only be described as a cycling supergroup. Keith Lea — 3rd overall in 2024 at 34.8 km/h — brings genuine horsepower. Alex Rothwell is pushing the boundaries of acceptable speed and power. And then there's Charlie Butcher — the secret weapon nobody's talking about yet. Late start means fresh roads and clear targets ahead. Duckling? More like a peregrine falcon.

The defending 2024 champions. Neil Kelsall (5th overall, 230W), Andy Taylor (6th, 222W), Marcus Brueton (7th). These three rode into Ditchling like they owned it last year. Chris Carney is 2nd on the all-time leaderboard. This is not a group that does scenic rides. Same late start as the Ducklings — expect fireworks.

Rob Graham goes top 5 every year like clockwork — 5th in 2025, 17th in 2024. Consistent, experienced, doesn't crack. Greg Pearce and Matt Ryzak-McGhee have the 2024 data to back them up. Tim Robinson is an unknown quantity which in cycling terms usually means trouble for everyone else.

Gavin Pollock — 1st overall in 2025, fresh off 20th place at the European Triathlon Championships (8th GB, 6th fastest bike split without being in a big group). The man is in the form of his life. Mike Gates went 3rd in 2025 at 229W. Si Holmes is unknown. Small team, massive engine at the front. Could sneak a podium.

G Moloko is a changed rider in 2026 — FTP up significantly, lighter, leaner, and absolutely loaded with motivation. Nick Barratt was 9th overall in 2024 at 244W and will be pulling like a freight train. The wildcard? Matty Day's yoga sessions may have unlocked a flexibility and mental resilience that other teams simply cannot replicate. Namaste and go fast.

Adrian Cobbin, Paul Phillips, Paul McDonald and Chris Taylor all finished together in 2025 at 22.1 km/h. Consistent but mid-pack. The name suggests a philosophical crisis about training with power meters. Could surprise.

Paul Radford and Pete Wolsey finished together in 2025 — solid, dependable. Early start means they'll be chased down all day. Psychological warfare or tactical genius? Bold move, gentlemen.

They came from Leicestershire. Respect the commitment. Andrew Ridgard has previous on this route. Tim Cole went sub 3:31 in 2024. First on the road, last to be forgotten.

Giles Elmore and Simon Elmes — a surname's worth of entertainment. Simon went 27th in 2025, Giles 28th. They finished within 11 seconds of each other. Either deeply tactical or entirely coincidental. James Woodall and Anthony Dyer are wildcards.

Calvin, Jimmy O, Jo Davies and crew. No start time confirmed, no historical data, maximum mystery. Jo Davies — 8th at the Women's European Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Tarragona. Do not sleep on this team.

Ian Banks went 5:28 in 2024. Michael Kleynhans went 5:28 too — they were literally inseparable. Frank McGurin is an unknown. The Bullets may be silver but their spirits are gold.