Event: 21 April 2013
Location: Oakham, Rutland
Whilst torrential rain and floods may have been the hallmark of the 2012 edition of the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, with just over four weeks to go to the 2013 race nothing seems to have dampened the enthusiasm and interest shown by teams in taking part in Britain’s only single day international cycle road race.
With teams from Poland, Belgium, Spain, Paraguay, Azerbyjan, Latvia, Austria and Ireland joining the best of Britain’s teams, including a British Cycling Academy team, the organisers are predicting the most competitive edition yet on Sunday 21 April.
“Although last year's winner Alex Blain of France, now riding for Team Raleigh will return and wear number one in this years race, trying to suggest a winner will be more difficult than ever,” Predicts Race Director Colin Clews. “We expect to see very combatitive racing with a higher quality of visiting and domestic teams in the race, many of whom have already scored impressive performances in world class events this years. But in addition the inclusion of a 15 kms finishing circuit in and around Melton will add a new dimension to the race allowing many riders who have been tailed off earlier to fight their way back into contention before the final sprint for the line.”
With new sponsorship from the Giant Store (Rutland Water) and Schwalbe tyres, it is hoped that the two laps of Rutland Water that commence the race can also be made increasingly interesting with a detour off the main road each lap in order for the race to pass alongside the Giant Store. The day prior the store will play host to the start and finish of the associated Rutland CiCLE Tour sportif rides which this year see over 800 leisure riders enjoying the beautiful roads around Rutland and East Leicestershire.
The Normanton ‘excursion’ will provide an early additional and attractive viewing point for the many spectators expected to travel to the area from across Britain and the continent to witness the major sporting spectacle that the race provides each year.
Once again the race has been in the enviable position of having to turn teams away as the closing date approaches with the quality of teams entered being of a very high standard.
Schwalbe tyres will be adding support to the high level neutral service required by the race and its competitors each year, allowing their products to be tested to the full. This will include a high profile in and around the ‘Somerberg’ near Owston, which will undoubtedly be as usual a popular viewing point for spectators.
Sadly, the supporting race usually held in and around Owston on race day morning will not take place this year.
Teams already contracted to the event are:
Team Raleigh (GBR)
Team Voralberg (AUT)
Node4-Giordana (GBR)
Madison-Genesis (GBR)
Rapha-Condor-Sharp (GBR)
MG- Maxifuel (GBR)
Team Wilbatech (POL)
Team UK Youth (GBR)
Model- Murcia (ESP)
Synergy-Baku Cycling Prioject (AZJ)
Doltcine-Baguet-Flanders (BEL)
Metaltec-Knights of Old (GBR)
Start –Trigon (PAR)
UCD (Dublin) (IRL)
IG Marckets- Sima Sport (GBR)
Deschuytter-Westkerke (BEL)
Wheelbase-Altura –MGD (GBR)
Herbalife-LeisureLakes (GBR)
BC East Midlands (GBR)
BC North East (GBR)
British Cycling Academy (GBR)
Asfra –Flanders (BEL)
Velo29- Blackhawk (GBR)
Felt-Colbournes-Hargroves (GBR)
Hope Racing (GBR)
Team Corley (GBR)
Dirtwheels (GBR)
Spirit Bikes (GBR)
Team Diabetes UK (GBR)
Clay Cross Racing Team (GBR)
In 2012, the terrible weather conditions meant that only 22 riders from the original 162 starters found their way to the Melton finish, but with the prospect of a larger crowd than ever in Melton town centre, with both the St Georges Day parade and the Arts Festival being staged at the same time, riders will have an even greater incentive to finish the race..
Website: www.cicleclassic.co.uk
