"Cycling Weekly" readers ' Most exciting UK road race of the year' 2006"
East Midlands International CiCLE Classic
(Rutland - Melton)
 (Photo Gerry McManus)
Ian Wilkinson (Halfords -Bikehut) takes the 2009 CiCLE Classic on a day to remember!!
 'Wilko' on his charge for home over the final; Sawgate Lane; Sector of the 2009 race with just two kms to go. Berling never got past!!
(Photo:Dave O'Nyons, sSports Pictorial)
ENTRY NOW OPEN FOR THE CICLE
CHALLENGE SPORTIF RIDES ON SUNDAY 12th JULY 2009!!
The Eurosport coverage of the 2009 race is expected to be shown on British Eurosport firstly on May 3rd at 7.30 pm and then repeated on May 7th at 7.00 pm. A link to the BC website and the output will be placed on this site here shortly after those dates.
Why is the race so popular???
Quote from Paul Oldham, top Mountain Biker and Cyclo-cross rider.
"I am really looking forward to it; this will be the first race road race I've really wanted to do, as it's a bit different. I have to admit though it feels a bit wrong, taking your best bike and riding in some rough terrain, it's like when you were a kid riding your bike really fast through puddles, you just knew it was wrong, but it was such good fun and in a way this is how this race feels. That's probably why I'm looking forward to it!"
Judge for yourself!!
"This one should be a European Classic" - cyclingnews.com 30th April 2007
Principal Sponsors:
MARS UK
Welcome...
to the website of Britain's most unique, challenging and spectacular Elite single day cycle road race. A race which takes competitors where no other British race dares; on and off road for 100 miles; providing a course as near to a continental classic as it is possible to create within Britain. Not for nothing have continental based riders compared it to the renowned "Paris - Roubaix", but with hills reminiscent of the "Ronde van Vlaanderen".
In just three years the race has gone from just another new domestic race within the Premier Calendar of British Cycling events, to an international race, targetted and covetted by competitors from throughout Europe and beyond, as the race that they all want to win. The race though is not just about the competitors, it is about the creation of an unforgettable experience and wonderful day out for spectators , young and old, marvelling at the feats of the Elite riders as they literally 'pass through Hell'.
Additionally in 2007 & 2008 over 200 none Elite cyclists were able to experience some of what the Classic competitors go through, by being able to take part in a range of cyclo-sportif events held over part of the international course. For 2008 it is intended to develop this latter event, known as the CiCLE Challenge, into an event sharing the same reputation within the cyclo-sportif field that the Classic has established for itself at the Elite level. This years sportif will be on Sunday 12th July 2009.
In addition on Saturday the 25th April Rutland County Council stage the first 'Discover Rutland CiCLE Tour' sportif over 100, & 50 miles courses as well as a 30 kms 'starter' event. Why not make it a Rutland WEEKEND in April, enjoying the roads of Britain's smallest county before seeing the stars of the cycle road racing world show how it is really done?
Whether you wish to take part in the CiCLE Classic; find out where and when to see the race; or experience the thrill for yourself of the freedom that cycling in beautiful countryside offers, then read on. It's ALL here for you.
 rYou can be forgiven for thinking this is not England! Owston 2008
(Photo courtesy of Sarah Brooke)
Supported by:
Melton Borough Council
Rutland County Council
Oakham Town Council
Sponsored by:
East Midlands Development Agency
MARS (UK)
The Melton Mowbray Building Society
Manor Farm Feeds/Rural Energy/Rural Training Centre
Life CiCLE Sports and Health
Tim Norton (Ford)
East Midlands Airport (Nottingham, Leicester, Derby)
Thistle Hotel, East Midlands Airport
NFU Mutual (Melton Mowbray)
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