Get ready for the biggest race of the year on domestic ground so far, the sole one-day UCI road race in the UK, a treasured gem within our delicate domestic road racing scene. Mud, dirt, gravel, and grime await.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
What is it?
Rutland might be the smallest county in the UK, but it is home to the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, the biggest race of the year for many domestic riders. Now in its 18th edition, the fabled UCI 1.2 event is once again sponsored by Sigma Sports and Schwalbe.
The race traverses 185 kilometres of rolling hills and farm tracks across Rutland and East Leicestershire, making it a favourite among spectators. It stands out as Britain’s only one-day UCI road race and one of just two UCI events in the UK for men, alongside the Tour of Britain.
Notable past champions include Malcolm Elliot, who won at age 45, Conor Dunne, Zak Dempster, and Ian Wilkinson, the only person to win the race twice. Last year’s event was a mudfest, ending in a bunch sprint won by TRINITY Racing’s Luke Lamperti.
Lamperti (centre) sprints to win the 2023 edition. Image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
This year’s edition features just six international professional teams, opening the door to larger numbers of domestic teams and entrants than in recent years. Defending champions TRINITY Racing are absent, two squads competing in France around the same time instead, leaving Saint Piran as the leading domestic team. Although there are fewer foreign teams participating this year, they add some exceptional quality, none more so than Joe Blackmore, who has made a significant impact on the UCI circuit in 2024, securing seven victories.
The route
Once again, the race features a dizzying route that takes the riders over six different sectors, some of which are visited more than once and tackled from different directions. At 185.14km, it is an ever so slightly longer edition than last year’s and includes an additional off-road sector, the Mataberg.
Starting in the village of Oakham by Rutland Water at 11.00, the route heads north at first to Wymondham where awaiting fans will be treated to five passes in just 35 minutes, including two climbs up Butt Lane by the Wymondham windmill, making it a prime spot for early race viewing. Wymondham windmill is also the scene of the first two intermediate sprints of the race. This opening section of the race also includes a diversion to the new Mataberg sector, a 1.6km ‘four star’ sector that has the potential to cause early splits in the peloton.
The peloton heads back to Oakham after the Wymondham section, before competitors head towards the day’s first major climb at Cold Overton. On the way they hit Barleyberg, which had been an off-road sector in previous editions but has now been paved over.
With old Overton tackled, it is then on to Owston, the focal point of the race. The village will feature a primary commentary station and enhanced amenities such as a licensed bar (thanks to Belgian beer sponsor Kwaremont), and the well-known village BBQ. These offerings provide entertainment and refreshment for spectators for several hours.
More importantly, to the riders at least, it is from here that the peloton crisscrosses around the local roads and farm tracks to cover the crucial sections of the course. Multiple traverses of the challenging sectors of the Somerberg and the Manorberg – as well as the ascent of Burrough Berg – should serve to thin the peloton out. This is where the race is often made – or unmade – for those gunning for a top position.
No.
Name
Race Distance
Length
Severity
12
Mataberg
28.01 kms
1600 m
****
10
Somerberg (Pass 1)
68.57 kms
2200 m
****
9
Manorberg (Pass 1)
81.79 kms
700 m
****
8
Manorberg (Pass 2)
102.13 kms
700 m
****
7
Somerberg (Pass 2)
117.03 kms
2200 m
*****
6
Manorberg (Reverse)
120.70 kms
1800 m
****
5
Newbold Manor
131.63 kms
1200 m
**
4
Manorberg (Pass 3)
141.03 kms
700 m
***
3
Somerberg (Reverse)
143.71 kms
2200 m
*****
2
Staple Park (Pass 1)
157.00 kms
2100 m
****
1
Staple Park (Pass 2)
174.69 kms
2100 m
****
All the of the off-road sectors are graded according to their difficulty. The Somerberg, in particular, is a brute. At 2.2 km, it is tackled three times in all, and comprises a rutted farm track with grass verges on one side of the summit and loose gravel on the other.
After the last time over the Somerberg, which the riders cross in reverse, the race then begins its progress towards the finish in Melton via Cuckoo Hill and the Staple Park sector (no Sawgate sector this year, alas – it has been replaced by a construction site for a partial bypass of Melton Mowbray). The first passage of Melton Mowbray will as ever host the special town sprint sponsored by Dickinson & Morris, with the first rider across the line winning themselves a famous giant pork pie.
The race then takes in a final lap of the Melton Mowbray circuit – including a final pass through the Staple Park sector – before the finish on Sherrard Street.
This race is renowned for its unpredictability. A sudden mechanical issue can instantly derail a rider’s prospects. Historical patterns show that the race’s outcome can vary: sometimes it ends in a reduced bunch sprint, favouring the sprinters, or in more aggressive versions, a small break or solo rider can triumph.
Blackmore at the 2024 Tour du Rwanda. Image: Tour du Rwanda
Saint Piran have been the dominant force in the UK once again this year, and the pressure will be on them to make the race. James McKay finished third here last season in a breakthrough performance when he was riding for Cycling Sheffield. He seems to be peaking at the right time too, showing strong legs to finish third in the East Cleveland Classic two weeks ago. Another form rider is East Cleveland Classic winner Rowan Baker, who has gone from strength-to-strength this year. Harry Birchill has had a quiet 2024, but he suits this race, as his 8th place in 2022 demonstrates.
James McKay talks to The British Continental’s Joe Hudson after his third in 2023. Image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
Park Valkenberg’s Jelte Krijnsen is another rider to watch. The 22-year-old Dutchman was a stage winner in this year’s Tour du Loir-et-Cher and was third overall at the Olympia’s Tour, so promises to be one of the strongest international riders on Sunday. Koos Jeroen Kers (WPGA Amsterdam) is the only participant other than McKay who has finished on the podium in this race, coming third in 2018.
Of the domestic riders, Damien Clayton is been one of the strongest this season, winning three National road races already. He lines up for the composite BC East Midlands Carter-Legrand team and will be a rider Saint Piran won’t want to go up the road unmarked.
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli have been Saint Piran’s strongest rivals domestically and in Tim Shoreman (second at the East Cleveland Classic and a fast finisher) and 2024 Peaks 2 Day winner Tom Martin they have two riders capable of a top ten finish.
Damien Clayton wins the 2024 Capernwray road race. Image: Ellen Isherwood
Charlie Aldridge is a fascinating entry. Representing Scotland, the under-23 world mountain bike cross-country champion has the power and off-road handling skills to perform well. The question will be how well he can adjust to riding in a large peloton, and whether he can last the distance.
Others to note include PROJECT 1 pair Thomas Mein and Ben Marsh. Both outsiders, but Mein is a top class cyclocross rider and Marsh won the junior edition of this race last year. Signed to Moonglu RT this week, Alex Luhrs won the Drummond Trophy in horrid weather conditions last weekend, while Rob Scott(TEKKERZ CC) and Ryan Christensen (BC South East) are both riders who on their day could do well but whose form is unknown.
Timings
Official start: 11.00. Expected finish: 15.45-16.10 (depending on race speed)
Weather
Rain is a possibility on the day and in the run-up to the race, so it could be a repeat of the mud-splattered edition of the last year.
How to follow
The CiCLE Classic Twitter account normally provides regular race updates. Jack Beavis will be there on the ground for us too, so keep an eye on our Instagram stories for updates and video content from him.
Get ready for the biggest race of the year on domestic ground so far, the sole one-day UCI road race in the UK, a treasured gem within our delicate domestic road racing scene. Mud, dirt, gravel, and grime await.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
What is it?
Rutland might be the smallest county in the UK, but it is home to the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, the biggest race of the year for many domestic riders. Now in its 18th edition, the fabled UCI 1.2 event is once again sponsored by Sigma Sports and Schwalbe.
The race traverses 185 kilometres of rolling hills and farm tracks across Rutland and East Leicestershire, making it a favourite among spectators. It stands out as Britain’s only one-day UCI road race and one of just two UCI events in the UK for men, alongside the Tour of Britain.
Often likened to Britain’s version of the ‘Belgian classic,’ the race is actually more similar to the Tro-Bro Léon in Brittany, featuring dusty farm tracks and gravel, rather than the iconic Flemish cobbles.
Notable past champions include Malcolm Elliot, who won at age 45, Conor Dunne, Zak Dempster, and Ian Wilkinson, the only person to win the race twice. Last year’s event was a mudfest, ending in a bunch sprint won by TRINITY Racing’s Luke Lamperti.
This year’s edition features just six international professional teams, opening the door to larger numbers of domestic teams and entrants than in recent years. Defending champions TRINITY Racing are absent, two squads competing in France around the same time instead, leaving Saint Piran as the leading domestic team. Although there are fewer foreign teams participating this year, they add some exceptional quality, none more so than Joe Blackmore, who has made a significant impact on the UCI circuit in 2024, securing seven victories.
The route
Once again, the race features a dizzying route that takes the riders over six different sectors, some of which are visited more than once and tackled from different directions. At 185.14km, it is an ever so slightly longer edition than last year’s and includes an additional off-road sector, the Mataberg.
Starting in the village of Oakham by Rutland Water at 11.00, the route heads north at first to Wymondham where awaiting fans will be treated to five passes in just 35 minutes, including two climbs up Butt Lane by the Wymondham windmill, making it a prime spot for early race viewing. Wymondham windmill is also the scene of the first two intermediate sprints of the race. This opening section of the race also includes a diversion to the new Mataberg sector, a 1.6km ‘four star’ sector that has the potential to cause early splits in the peloton.
The peloton heads back to Oakham after the Wymondham section, before competitors head towards the day’s first major climb at Cold Overton. On the way they hit Barleyberg, which had been an off-road sector in previous editions but has now been paved over.
With old Overton tackled, it is then on to Owston, the focal point of the race. The village will feature a primary commentary station and enhanced amenities such as a licensed bar (thanks to Belgian beer sponsor Kwaremont), and the well-known village BBQ. These offerings provide entertainment and refreshment for spectators for several hours.
More importantly, to the riders at least, it is from here that the peloton crisscrosses around the local roads and farm tracks to cover the crucial sections of the course. Multiple traverses of the challenging sectors of the Somerberg and the Manorberg – as well as the ascent of Burrough Berg – should serve to thin the peloton out. This is where the race is often made – or unmade – for those gunning for a top position.
All the of the off-road sectors are graded according to their difficulty. The Somerberg, in particular, is a brute. At 2.2 km, it is tackled three times in all, and comprises a rutted farm track with grass verges on one side of the summit and loose gravel on the other.
After the last time over the Somerberg, which the riders cross in reverse, the race then begins its progress towards the finish in Melton via Cuckoo Hill and the Staple Park sector (no Sawgate sector this year, alas – it has been replaced by a construction site for a partial bypass of Melton Mowbray). The first passage of Melton Mowbray will as ever host the special town sprint sponsored by Dickinson & Morris, with the first rider across the line winning themselves a famous giant pork pie.
The race then takes in a final lap of the Melton Mowbray circuit – including a final pass through the Staple Park sector – before the finish on Sherrard Street.
Contenders
See the provisional startlist here.
This race is renowned for its unpredictability. A sudden mechanical issue can instantly derail a rider’s prospects. Historical patterns show that the race’s outcome can vary: sometimes it ends in a reduced bunch sprint, favouring the sprinters, or in more aggressive versions, a small break or solo rider can triumph.
With only five UCI Continental teams competing this season, the rest of the competitors are from elite or composite squads. The standout rider is undoubtedly Joe Blackmore. The 21-year-old, a former mountain biker, has been almost unstoppable this season, racking up seven UCI road race victories, including the under-23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tours of Rwanda and Taiwan. He is supported by a strong Israel – Premier Tech Academy team including Pier-André Côté, who was 8th at the challenging Circuit des Ardennes last month (another race won by Blackmore). Floris Van Tricht, meanwhile, is the Belgian under-23 gravel champion. The team’s sports director Tim Elverson, the former AT85 Pro Cycling team manager, knows this race well too, so should have plenty of first-hand advice to impart to his riders.
Saint Piran have been the dominant force in the UK once again this year, and the pressure will be on them to make the race. James McKay finished third here last season in a breakthrough performance when he was riding for Cycling Sheffield. He seems to be peaking at the right time too, showing strong legs to finish third in the East Cleveland Classic two weeks ago. Another form rider is East Cleveland Classic winner Rowan Baker, who has gone from strength-to-strength this year. Harry Birchill has had a quiet 2024, but he suits this race, as his 8th place in 2022 demonstrates.
Park Valkenberg’s Jelte Krijnsen is another rider to watch. The 22-year-old Dutchman was a stage winner in this year’s Tour du Loir-et-Cher and was third overall at the Olympia’s Tour, so promises to be one of the strongest international riders on Sunday. Koos Jeroen Kers (WPGA Amsterdam) is the only participant other than McKay who has finished on the podium in this race, coming third in 2018.
Of the domestic riders, Damien Clayton is been one of the strongest this season, winning three National road races already. He lines up for the composite BC East Midlands Carter-Legrand team and will be a rider Saint Piran won’t want to go up the road unmarked.
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli have been Saint Piran’s strongest rivals domestically and in Tim Shoreman (second at the East Cleveland Classic and a fast finisher) and 2024 Peaks 2 Day winner Tom Martin they have two riders capable of a top ten finish.
Charlie Aldridge is a fascinating entry. Representing Scotland, the under-23 world mountain bike cross-country champion has the power and off-road handling skills to perform well. The question will be how well he can adjust to riding in a large peloton, and whether he can last the distance.
Others to note include PROJECT 1 pair Thomas Mein and Ben Marsh. Both outsiders, but Mein is a top class cyclocross rider and Marsh won the junior edition of this race last year. Signed to Moonglu RT this week, Alex Luhrs won the Drummond Trophy in horrid weather conditions last weekend, while Rob Scott (TEKKERZ CC) and Ryan Christensen (BC South East) are both riders who on their day could do well but whose form is unknown.
Timings
Official start: 11.00. Expected finish: 15.45-16.10 (depending on race speed)
Weather
Rain is a possibility on the day and in the run-up to the race, so it could be a repeat of the mud-splattered edition of the last year.
How to follow
The CiCLE Classic Twitter account normally provides regular race updates. Jack Beavis will be there on the ground for us too, so keep an eye on our Instagram stories for updates and video content from him.
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