East Midlands International CiCLE Classic
(Rutland - Melton)
 The peleton exits the Owston Manor
special sector during the 2007 CiCLE Classic in front of a large an appreciative crowd.
Owston; the little village with a big 'heart', - "Cycling Weekly" 3rd May 2007
Essential Guide to the CiCLE Classic
It is hard to believe that in only the three years that the CiCLE Classic has existed that it has moved from being a promising new event on the British cycle racing calendar, to possibly the most attractive new one day race for many years to enter the international scene.
What makes it so attractive is its unique character and course; a blend of wide roads around Rutland Water; possibly the major tourist centre in the East Midlands; to narrow and treacherous farm tracks more reminiscent of those to be found in the Spring 'classic races' in northern France and Belgium.
That the race has made such an impact upon the Brtish road racing scene can be gauged from the following comments made concerning the 2006 edition of the race.
(Cycling Weekly Magazine)
(RoadCyclingUK.com)
(CyclingNews.com)
(Team Managers comments)
(Spectators letter to Cycling Weekly)
(Rob Hayles, double World Cycling Champion 2005)
In 2007, with an international field, can you afford to miss it??
When and where is it happening?
Sunday 27th April 2008
Start: Market Place, Oakham town centre, 11 am
Finish: Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray, approx 3 pm
Who's racing?
In 2005, the CiCLE Classic had 110 entries, while in 2006 the race organisation accepted 150 entries from the 193 received and in 2007 156 riders started from 182 accepted from the 242 received. In 2008 the race breaks new ground with 200 to be accepted and 180 riders to start. This will be the largest ever field in Britain outside of either a World Championship or World Cup race.
In the past two years the field has included World and Commonwealth Games Champions, as well as Olympic medallists. In 2006 the flavour of international racing was provided by the inclusion of the Australian based FRF Couriers -Caravello team. In 2008 seven full continental based teams will take part with each expected to make a significant contribution to a very active day of racing as did the five teams accepted to the race in 2007. In previous years the race has formed poart of the British Cycling Premier Calendar, but in 2008 the CiCLE Classic will stand alone from this competition alongside the GP of Wales which will join the CiCLE Classic on the UCI international (Europe Tour) calendar. For any British rider with ambition, the race will once again be THE race to win, and with greater participation from foreign based teams this is likely to become a far more difficult task than previously. It is hoped that the event will once again be filmed by cyclingtv.com and televised by British Eurosport, although at the time of completing this statement, this is currently unconfirmed by British Cycling who negotiate this contract on behalf of all its major event organisers.
Where shall I go and watch?
There will be lots of great vantage points on the route.
At the start and finish, there will be various cycling and sport related activities, including ‘Go Ride’ type skill activities for children sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency and Mars (UK).
For a village fete atmosphere, try Owston or Burrough on the Hill, both of which are visited by the race several times. In Owston, there will be a barbeque and teas at the village hall, and also toilet facilities and parking! There will also be regular announcements from the race commentator who will be taking up their vantage point in Owston, as the riders come through the village no less than six times. In Burrough on the Hill, the Stag and Hounds is well placed to see the race several times as it laps the village.
Main points on route and approximate times:
Will roads be closed?
To protect the cyclists and members of the public there will be road closures in operation along the route, including a 20 minute road closure on the main road into Melton. Other routes of entry into the town will be closed to traffic in either direction 10 minutes before the leading riders reach the outskirts of the town.
Spectators are advised to plan their arrival at their preferred viewing spot well ahead of the scheduled time of arrival of the race, to ensure they are able to take their positions.
Where can I find out more?
A full copy of the course is provided under "The route of the Classic 2007"
Information on the preparations and results as they are known will be posted here! Check out the 'news' section for more information on the race.
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