Just over three weeks remain before the 18th edition of the Sigma Sports/ Schwalbe UK Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic takes to the roads of Rutland and Esat Leicestershire once more.
With 174 riders from 21 nations spread across 33 teams, the Sigma Sports/Schwalbe UK sponsored 18th Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic on Sunday 28th April looks set to once again offer the greatest challenge so far this season to Britain’s best cycle road racing specialists.
Over a 185 kms course around and over the toughest roads and farm tracks that Rutland and East Leicestershire can offer, the course slightly revised from previous years will provide an even greater test to the international field of competitors.
Following on just six weeks after the Women’s and Junior Men’s races of the same name, the organisers are hoping for improved weather conditions on this occasion, but come fine or wet weather, the race goes on with the winner taking home the £2000 plus first prize together with a host of potential intermediate wards for those less fortunate to take the top prize.
“ We are delighted that the area once again hosts Britain’s ONLY single day international road race for Elite men in 2024, an accolade that we relish, although remain sad that no other domestic events have sought to offer international racing”, said Race Director Colin Clews. He continued, “The race continues to be the standard bearer for British racing at international level, and its unique character, mimicking the Northern European Spring Classic races makes it an event that everyone aspires to win. With neither the foreign winners of the 2022 and 2023 editions of the race being entered on this occasion, the opportunity for a British winner in 2024 provides a new dynamic to the event which already possess so many twists and turns before the finish line is reached.”
Several course changes have taken place with this year’s course. Certain changes have been required as at the earlier Women’s and Junior Men’s races necessitated by the Melton Distributor Road development, meaning that the rough section of Sawgate Lane is no longer practical to be included. However, the passages of Stapleford Estate late in the race will be included, and also , an entirely new sector of private road/track near Wymondham very early in the race. Both these sections are expected to provide a more combative race for all, and also enhance the spectator experience.
Once again the villages of Wymondham and Owston will form The two March events will be held over a 110 kms course and the international race in April over 180 kms. Both will cover modified courses following the construction works around Melton where a new Distributor Road is being built to ease traffic flow through the town.
At Wymondham the race will pass through the village and the Berkeley Arms public house five times , and then at Owston where there will once again be a bar serving Belgian Kwaremont beer alongside the usual BBQ and race commentary
The day prior to the international race in, all comers Sportif rides of 50 and 100 kms will be held on Saturday 27th April, starting and finishing from the Sigma Sports shop in South Street, Oakham.
Entry details as follows:
Full details of the road closures required to ensure the safety of competitors and public alike will be published shortly on both the race website at www.cicleclassic.co.uk and also in the local press etc.
The action starts at 11.00 in Oakham town centre and finishes in Melton Mowbray around 4.00 pm.