The 18th edition of Britain’s only UCI one-day race, the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, was cancelled after parts of the course were affected by flooding.
Most of the UK was hit hard by heavy rain early on Sunday morning as cold winds from the north brought with them an unseasonal deluge, causing havoc on the roads of the East Midlands.
With stretches of main roads in the area underwater as teams made their way to Oakham for the start, parts of the course, infamous for its narrow country lanes and technical off road sectors, suffered a similar fate; pictures and videos emerging of a flooded feed station in Owston, where the race passes multiple times. The finishing circuit was not unaffected either, with deep water across the road with only 2km to the finish in Melton.
News of a delay to the 11am start was sent to team managers as the 10am sign on approached, the rain starting to ease as a 12.30pm start was pencilled in with the likelihood of a revised route, the UCI’s extreme weather protocol being put into action.
At the race HQ, riders were left surrounded by uncertainty as they waited for news of a confirmed start time and route. With many confined to their cars or the warm surroundings of the sports hall reception, the Spectra squad played an impromptu game of cricket, something as quintessentially British as the weather that led them to it.
Under dry, but grey skies, the race organisation, led by Colin Clews, set about making changes to the race in an attempt to make it safe – a reduced 120km course was rumoured to be proposed. However, at 11.45 the race was officially cancelled – the organisation, UCI Commissaires and representatives of teams and riders from Saint Piran and Israel Premier Tech Academy reaching the conclusion that the race could not be run on safety grounds.
It’s the first time the race has fallen foul to the weather, having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A race with real character and a rare UCI event staged in Britain, both fans and riders will be looking forward to the race bouncing back in 2025 for its 20th anniversary.
A statement from the organisers read:
“Following discussions in line with the UCI extreme weather protocol with the Organisation, Commissaires Panel & representatives from teams & riders from Israel Premier Academy and Saint Piran discussing the safety and management of the route it has reluctantly been decided to cancel the 2024 CiCLE Classic.
“This decision has been taken after the best efforts of the organisation to design a reduced route but significant flooding at different sections of the route have sadly made this impossible.
“The Race Organisation wishes to convey their thanks to the teams, riders, officials, volunteers and supporters for the patience and understanding.”
The 18th edition of Britain’s only UCI one-day race, the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, was cancelled after parts of the course were affected by flooding.
Featured image: Mark James
Report
Most of the UK was hit hard by heavy rain early on Sunday morning as cold winds from the north brought with them an unseasonal deluge, causing havoc on the roads of the East Midlands.
With stretches of main roads in the area underwater as teams made their way to Oakham for the start, parts of the course, infamous for its narrow country lanes and technical off road sectors, suffered a similar fate; pictures and videos emerging of a flooded feed station in Owston, where the race passes multiple times. The finishing circuit was not unaffected either, with deep water across the road with only 2km to the finish in Melton.
News of a delay to the 11am start was sent to team managers as the 10am sign on approached, the rain starting to ease as a 12.30pm start was pencilled in with the likelihood of a revised route, the UCI’s extreme weather protocol being put into action.
At the race HQ, riders were left surrounded by uncertainty as they waited for news of a confirmed start time and route. With many confined to their cars or the warm surroundings of the sports hall reception, the Spectra squad played an impromptu game of cricket, something as quintessentially British as the weather that led them to it.
Under dry, but grey skies, the race organisation, led by Colin Clews, set about making changes to the race in an attempt to make it safe – a reduced 120km course was rumoured to be proposed. However, at 11.45 the race was officially cancelled – the organisation, UCI Commissaires and representatives of teams and riders from Saint Piran and Israel Premier Tech Academy reaching the conclusion that the race could not be run on safety grounds.
It’s the first time the race has fallen foul to the weather, having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A race with real character and a rare UCI event staged in Britain, both fans and riders will be looking forward to the race bouncing back in 2025 for its 20th anniversary.
A statement from the organisers read:
“Following discussions in line with the UCI extreme weather protocol with the Organisation, Commissaires Panel & representatives from teams & riders from Israel Premier Academy and Saint Piran discussing the safety and management of the route it has reluctantly been decided to cancel the 2024 CiCLE Classic.
“This decision has been taken after the best efforts of the organisation to design a reduced route but significant flooding at different sections of the route have sadly made this impossible.
“The Race Organisation wishes to convey their thanks to the teams, riders, officials, volunteers and supporters for the patience and understanding.”
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