News:2022 CiCLE Classic Returns this weekend

Britain’s premier international one day cycle road race and Britain’s ONLY ‘Belgian Classic’ style race returns to the roads of Ruland-Melton this coming weekend.

News:2022 CiCLE Classic Returns this weekend

Race website: www.cicleclassic.co.uk

Britain’s premier international one day cycle road race and Britain’s ONLY ‘Belgian Classic’ style race returns to the roads of Ruland-Melton this coming weekend.

PROVISIONAL (EARLY) startlist for the race here:

Gabz Cullaigh winning in 2018 – can he repeat in 2022? Not long to wait!

After an enforced absence of two years, the 16th edition of the Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic finally returns to Rutland and East Leicestershire roads and tracks next Sunday. Start time as usual will be 11.00 am from Oakham’s Market Place which will be presided over by local MP Ms Alicia Kerans.

Provisional Startlist here:

With a field comprising 34 teams and 176 riders representing 18 nations in total, the event look set to once again to be the Spring highlight of the British racing calendar and the biggest road event in Britain so far this year. The only one day international road race for Elite Men in Britain the race is eagerly awaited by both competitors and fans alike.

All the top British domestic teams who this year have so far had to cross the Channel to enjoy this level of racing will be there, joined by three Dutch, three Irish, one French, one Spanish and a Latvian National team. In addition, for only the second time in the race’s history, the CiCLE Classic with host a Great Britain National selection who have so far this year enjoyed notaoble success in
leading Under 23 races within Europe.

The last winner was Colin Joyce in 2019 in a photo finish.

2019 Result:
1. Colin Joyce Rally UHC Cycling 5t 10′ 21″
2. Gabriel Cullaigh Team Wiggins
3. Rory Townsend Canyon DHB
4. Jacob Scott SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling
5. Thomas Pidcock Team Wiggins
6. Alex Luhrs Ribble Pro Cycling
7. Bas Van Der Kooij Monkey Town – A Block CT
8. Piotr Havik Beat Cycling Club
9. Steve Lampier Saint Piran
10. Scott Thwaites Vitus Pro Cycling

“It is wonderful to see the race in all its glory return to our local roads”, said Race Director Colin Clews.” We have selected a route not unlike previous years but with a few added challenges despite the reduction of the overall race distance from 200 to 180 kilometres. For instance, the ‘famed’ “Somerberg’ special sector will on this occasion be traversed three times instead of the customary two passages of previous years, doing so before reaching the heart of the race at Owston for the first time will be an exciting prospect.”

Whilst Owston will once again welcome fans existing fans and new visitors alike to their BBQ offerings and carnival atmosphere, the race will once again visit Wymondham village where its four circuits of the village will provide a spectacle that fans should not wish to miss.

Wymondham Windmill will be the scene of the first intermediate sprint of the race and a further sprint outside the Berkeley Arms on Main Street heralds the last passage of the race as it returns to Oakham,. But before once again contesting the Oakham Town Sprint sponsored by Oakham Wines on the reverse passage of the start line adjacent to the Market Square, a special ‘Return to Rutland’ award will be on offer at Teigh with the winner receiving a bottle of Osprey Migration gin for their efforts.

Owing to the extremely poor condition of the Barleyberg special sector after leaving Oakham, the race will on this occasion detour directly up Cold Overton Road rather than via Barleythorpe but the climb out of the town is expected to present some difficulty to the field as the first real ascent of the day.

It is then on to Owston and the crucial sections of the course before the race begins its progress towards the finish in Melton‘s Sherrard Street via Cuckoo Hill and Stapleford Park and Sawgate Lane special sectors. The first passage of Melton will as ever host the special Town Sprint sponsored by Dickinson & Morris who once again present a large pork pie to the first rider into the
town. It will be a further 17 kilometres further on however before we will know the winner when the race finishes at the same point around 15.45 pm.

Only one competitor No. 1 Gabs Cullaigh, amongst the field has tasted victory previously in the race and he will be wishing to avenge his near miss second victory in 2019 when he was pipped on the line by Colin Joyce of the US Rally Racing Team.

Without Joyce this time, two years behind him riding at World Tour level, Cullaigh must hope that an elusive second victory at CiCLE Classic can be his to match that of Ian ‘superman’ Wilkinson. However, as well as facing many others wishing to score a much coveted CiCLE Classic win on their palmares, he will also face tough challenges from two others, Harry Tanfield of Ribble-Weldtite and
Charlie Quarterman of the Philippe Wagner team who have equally competed at the World Tour level in recent years.

Meanwhile, Rory Townsend, third in 2019 and his teammate Jacob Scott from the WiV-Sungod team form a handy combination to potentially upset the plans of many teams. The CiCLE Classic, first held in 2005, is now the longest running single day international race in the country and continues to be primarily sponsored by The Giant Store (Rutland Water) and Schwalbe Tyres UK, whilst Tim Norton Motors (Ford of Oakham) provide the official race vehicles. Moores Estate Agents sponsor the race signage.

The Grainstore Brewery of Oakham also sponsor once again the more bizarre award of a riders ‘weight in beer’ which will be contested in the village of Owston, which with its carnival spirit on race day and endless BBQ’s is regarded as the ‘Heart of the CiCLE Classic’.

PROVISIONAL (EARLY) startlist for the race here:

…. continued after the advert.

WHERE TO SEE THE RACE ON SUNDAY
As in 2019, the opportunities to view the race will be greater than ever in 2022. For the enthusiastic spectator, the race is possibly the most spectator friendly races to ever watch. It is possible to see the race in between 15 – 20 places during its circuitous route between Oakham and Melton.

This year we have sponsorship of the start and finish areas in Oakham and Melton by ‘Pearces The Jewellers. ‘Melton BID’ also sponsor the Finish straight in Sherrard Street, Melton. So more to see at each end of the race let alone in between!.

Suggestions:
1. The START in Oakham Town Centre (TEAM PRESENTATION AND interviews with the Race favourites ON THE RACE P[ODIUM FROM 10.15 UNTIL THE START AT 11.00, with many outlets open and serving coffee to help keep all refreshed as well as entertained.

2. For those wishing to see the race start proper this will take place at Rutland Enterprise Park entrance on Ashwell Road. After a 4.3 km neutralised ride out from the Market Place.

3. Once again, It will be quick, with FIVE viewings in around 35 minutes, but Wymondham village will play host to the race on its new opening section. You will need to leave Oakham in advance of the race start to make it to Wymondham by just after 11 o’clock when the village will be closed down, but refreshments and entertainment will be there, and it is totally practical that having seen the race there, leaving via Stapleford and Leesthorpe, to get to Owston before the race arrives there for the first time. Why not give it a try? It will be AWESOME!!

4. Back then to Oakham Town Centre to see the Oakham Wines sprint be contested.

5. Sadly, owing to the extremely poor condition of the ‘Barleyberg’ sector, that sector has had to be omitted with a detour for the race directly up Cold Overton Road following passage over the level crossing in Oakham. The ascent of Cold Overton Road however does offer a chance to see the riders at close quarters at lower speed if that is preferred to the high speed sprint in Oakham for the ‘Oakham |ines’ sprint.

6. The top of Cold Overton hill for the first King of the Hills climb.

7. Or alternatively await the first passage of ‘Somerberg’ which this year ooccurs before the race reaches Owston for its first passage of the village.

8. Owston or Burrough on the Hill for the races many passages through those villages. At Owston enjoy the party atmosphere of the day, or enjoy a more relaxed view of the race from Grant’s Free House at Burrough over Sunday lunch and or a welcome drink.

9. or back to Cold Overton Hill for the fourth King of the Hills climb, or onto ‘Somerberg’ (Bruces Lane) for the ultimate CiCLE Classic experience .

10. Stapleford Park to see the race traverse the two passages of the new off road sectors dissecting the beautiful parkland area.

11. Or at the entry or exit of the penultimate rough sector of the race at Sawgate Lane just on the edge of Melton.

12. in Melton town centre where following the local annual St Georges day parade the race will pass through the town and riders contest a sprint for the ‘Pork Pie’ sprint award donated by Dickenson & Morris, before commencing their finishing circuit via Burton Lazers and Stapleford Park.

13. At the FINISH in Sherrard Street.

Hot & cold drinks and snacks will be available at various locations on and around the course, not the least at the start and finish areas in Oakham and Melton town centres, and ‘al fresco’ BBQ style at Owston where a party atmosphere is always guaranteed, and where there will be a commentary point for much of the race.

Please allow plenty of time to get from one point to another and be prepared to encounter the road closures which will apply as soon as the race approaches and will apply until the last of the ‘effective’ race passes. Also please remember to park your cars well off the road especially if parking on any of the many narrow roads that the race uses particularly around Owston and Burrough on the Hill. If viewing at Owston please use the identified car parks and always obey any instructions from race marshals.

Have a great viewing day!

PROVISIONAL (EARLY) startlist for the race here:

DETAILS ROAD USAGE (Sunday 24th April 2022)

RUTLAND:
— No waiting and parking of vehicles in Oakham High Street, Market Street, and Market Place to be effective from 22.00 hrs on Saturday 23rd April until Sunday 24th April at 13.00 hrs.

— Total closure of Oakham High Street between Burley Road mini roundabout and Church Street junctions from 08.00 hrs on Sunday 26th April until 13.00 on the same day. nb: In order each road covered, but then repeated at various later stages of the races all the following roads to be subject to temporary roiling road closures as race progress.

— OAKHAM, High Street, Market Street, Market Place, B641, Stamford Road, , A606, Burley Park Way, Ashwell Road, (RACE START PROPER.) Rutland Business Park. Ashwell Road, Oakham Road, Ashwell, Teigh Road, Ashwell, Teigh Road, TEIGH, Teigh Road, Ashwell, Oakham Road, Ashwell, Ashwell Road, Langham Lane, Burley on the Hill, Oakham Road Burley-on-the Hill, B668 Burley Road, A606 Burley Park Way, B641 Stamford Road, Oakham.

High Street, Oakham, Cold Overton Road, Oakham, B640, Barleythorpe Road, B640, Main Road, BARLEYTHORPE, Manor Lane, Cold Overton Road, unclassified road, COLD OVERTON, Cold Overton Road, LANGHAM, A606, Melton Road, A606, Cold Overton Lane, Main Street, COLD OVERTON, Main Street, Cold Overton Road, LANGHAM, A606, Melton Road, A606.

LEICESTERSHIRE:
— No waiting and parking vehicles in Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray to be effective from 22.00 hrs on Saturday 23rd April until Sunday 24th April at 18.00 hrs.

— Total closure of Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray between Burton Street and Sage Cross Street junctions from 08.00 hrs on Sunday 24th April until 18.00 on the same day.

— Total closure of Sage Cross Street, Melton Mowbray between 16.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs on Sunday 24th April.

— Total closure of Main Street, Melton Road, Butt Lane, The Mere, part Coston Lane, unclassified road, and Sewstern Road, Wymondham, between 11.15 hrs and 12.05 hrs on Sunday 24th April.

— Total closure of the B676, Saxby Road between its junction with Thorpe Road/Thorpe End /Norman Way , Melton Mowbray and Stapleford Lane between 15.30 hrs and 17.00 hrs on Sunday 24th April. nb: In order each road covered, but then repeated at various later stages of the races all the following roads to be subject to temporary roiling road closures as race progresses.

— Teigh Road,Edmondthorpe, part Main Street, EDMONDTHORPE, Edmondthorpe Road, WYMONDHAM, Main Street, and Melton Road, WYMONDHAM, Butt Lane, unclassified roads towards Coston and then Sewstern, Sewstern Lane, The Mere, WYMONDHAM, Main Street, WYMONDHAM. A606, Cold Overton Lane and Main Street, COLD OVERTON, Somerby Road, Oakham Road, Somerby, Knossingtom Road, Bruces Lane, Knossington Road, Owston, Long Lane, Cox’s lane, Main Street, Newbold Road, BURROUGH-on-the-HILL, Main Street, Twyford Road, Marefield Lane, Dawson’s Lane, unclassified road, Washdyke Road, Green Lane, (Private Road), Middle Street, Somerby Road, Town End, SOMERBY, Pickwell Road, PICKWELL, Main Street and Stygate Lane and Main Street, PICKWELL, Pickwell Road, SOMERBY, Town End, Owston Road, Somerby Road, OWSTON,A606, Leesthorpe Road, unclassified road, LITTLE DALBY, Burrough Road, Melton Lane, Knossington Road (Owston), Bruce’s Lane, Knossington Road (Somerby) , Oakham Road (Somerby) Somerby Road (Cold Overton), A606, Melton Road, unclassified road, Whissendine Road, Cuckoo Hill, Stapleford Road, Holygate Lane, (Private Road),STAPLEFORD, B676, MELTON, Saxby Road, Thorpe End, Sherrard Street, Burton Street, Burton Road, A606, Sawgate Lane, BURTON LAZERS, Cross Lane, Sawgate Road.