ESV Manchester excelled at the 2025 Northwest Youth Tour with three riders finishing in the top 20 of the Youth B boys (under 14) category, more than any other club.

The Northwest Youth Tour is a prestigious multi-stage race for boys and girls in youth categories from under 8s (youth E) to under 16s (youth A). Hosted in Lancashire across the August Bank Holiday weekend the race comprises of three stages: a two mile individual time trial on Morecambe promenade, a challenging, hilly road race in the rural outskirts of Lancaster and a thrilling, high-paced circuit finale around the campus of Lancaster University.

Dexter Murphy confirmed his status as one of the leading Youth B boys in the country with a brilliant second place on general classification (across the three stages.) After a rapid time trial on day one he challenged for the stage wins and collected more bonus seconds than any other rider across days two and three to secure a thoroughly deserved podium position.

Rory Wyeth backed up his top 10 finish at the Youth Tour of Scotland in April with ninth place in this event. He attacked on the final climb of the road stage to reconnect with the leaders in that race before a well-paced ride on stage three to protect his GC position.

Joshua Hughes also had an outstanding weekend, improving his ranking each day to finish 19th. Josh rode aggressively during the circuit stage to cross the line 9th in the sprint and was one of just two Youth B boys in the top 20 to move up the GC standings on stage three.

Eamonn Postlethwaite, a first year under 14, completed the ESV team. He was in contention for the top 20 too after an excellent time trial but an unfortunate crash during preparation for stage two forced him to withdraw. He will be a challenger next year.

The NWYT is one of just three such events for under 16 riders in the British Cycling calendar, with the Youth Tour of Scotland in Perthshire at Easter and the Isle of Man Tour in May. It’s a wonderful opportunity for riders to put into practice their regular track and circuit racing skills across a multi-format event and experience the essence of a tour. Hopefully other riders are inspired to represent ESV in 2026.