There will be a major route change in this year's Rutland-Melton CiCle Classic race with the finish not being held in Melton for the first time in its history.
First held in 2005, the 19th edition of the Sigma Sports/ Schwalbe UK Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic will make UK cycling history as the longest ever running one day international race in British cycle sport.
The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic has achieved popularity among the cycling community which is unheard of for so many other races, and whilst the British domestic road racing scene continues to dwindle year on year, the CiCLE Classic’s popularity has continued to grow with fellow cyclists.
The 2024 race was cancelled at the 11th hour following flash flooding along most of the route and organisers pulled the plug deeming it too unsafe to continue on the morning of the event.
Following the cancellation, the organisers say they had hoped for an easier lead into the 2025 historic edition. However that has not proved possible as continuing major road works around Melton have required the organisers to race against time to revise the race route will will avoid the race’s usual finish in Melton Town Centre.
Race Director Colin Clews told NEMM: ” Despite the race plans being known to Leicestershire County Council for several months, it has come as a significant blow that only now has the race organisation been informed of restrictions upon road usage which pose a threat to the race’s viability. Thankfully Rutland County Council have responded positively to an urgent approach made to them to assist in the race finish, in addition to the race start, taking place within Oakham in 2025. But with just nine weeks to go before the race date, there is much to be done to ensure the race happens once again as planned.”
The route normally leaves Oakham and travels cross country eventually ending up in Melton town centre, following a lap of Burton Road and Stapleford first.
He added: "The only possibility is for the race to now finish, as well as start, in Oakham, and Rutland CC are currently being supportive of this as is MP Alicia Kearns.
I'm trying to keep as much of the usual course in the revision, but its difficult due to the above restrictions."
Meanwhile the popularity of the CiCLE Classic race remains as high as ever, with teams from The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Ireland and for the first time ever, Italy, along with 30 British squads entered for the international event.
While its bad news for the Men's race, it's been confirmed that the ANEXO/CAMS Women’s and Junior Men’s CiCLE Classics will be held in Melton, starting and finishing in Melton Mowbray on Sunday 23rd March.
.
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.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council who are responsible for maintaing the roads and the bypass works, said: "“We have been unable to support the 2025 men’s CiCLE Classic Route from Oakham to Melton as requested, as parts of the proposed cycle route will be operating as a diversion route for traffic impacted by planned closures required for the new NEMMDR (North and East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road) road, which is currently under construction.
“We have a duty to keep disruption to a minimum for local road users and accommodating a number of closures throughout the day for cyclists on the diversion route which will be busier than normal, will unfortunately not be possible for 2025.
“We did not receive a full route plan for the 2025 men’s Classic until 11 February and as such, issues with the route were not identified until this time. The works in association with the NEMMDR have been planned well in advance.
“Race organisers have been offered an opportunity to modify the route and officers will meet with them on 26 February to discuss this further.”
More details of road closures and route confirmation will be published in due course in local media and online at CiCLE Classic | Britain's Belgian Classic
The CiCLE Race normally takes place on the same day as the St. George's Day parade through Melton Town Centre, Melton Borough Council have been approached for comment on this event and did not yet respond to our query.
Comentarios