The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic is set to make a much-anticipated return in 2025 after the 2024 edition was cancelled due to extreme weather. The popular UCI 1.2 one-day race, known for its challenging mix of farm tracks and gravel sectors, will see riders once again take on the demanding roads of Rutland on Sunday, 27th April.
First held in 2005, the CiCLE Classic has become a staple of the UK cycling calendar, attracting some of the sport’s biggest names. The race is famous for its unique parcours, which takes competitors across narrow lanes, gravel sections, and farm tracks before finishing in Melton Mowbray. Over the years, it has seen the likes of Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan, and Mads Pedersen on its start line, offering a stage for emerging talents to shine.
The most recent winner, Luke Lamperti, secured victory in 2023 while riding for Trinity Racing, cementing his status as one of the brightest young prospects in international cycling. However, the 2024 edition was marred by torrential rain, leading to the race’s first-ever cancellation. The setback came at a challenging time for UK elite cycling, with many events facing difficulties, and the future of the Classic was briefly thrown into doubt.
Image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
Race director Colin Clews admitted that the past six months had been testing, but credited the race’s supporters, teams, and partners for pulling together to ensure its survival. “The 20th anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has played a part in this race over the years,” Clews said. “The financial pressures we faced could have ended the event forever, but thanks to the support we’ve received, we’re coming back with a new look and a renewed commitment to the future of the UK’s only UCI Classic-style race.”
In honour of the milestone, the CiCLE Classic is undergoing a rebranding, which includes a new logo, enhanced digital presence, and initiatives aimed at improving the fan experience. Clews highlighted the importance of these changes in securing the race’s future, with plans to attract new sponsors and expand the event’s appeal in the coming years.
“The CiCLE Classic is a testament to the UK’s incredible cycling culture,” Clews remarked. “If we can use this race to inspire the next generation and ignite a passion for the sport, we will have achieved something truly special.”
The 2025 edition will be preceded by the Sigma Sports CiCLE Classic Sportive on Saturday, 26th April, allowing amateur riders to test themselves on the same course. Additionally, the women’s and junior races will take place on Sunday, 23rd March, setting the stage for a month of top-level cycling.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic is set to make a much-anticipated return in 2025 after the 2024 edition was cancelled due to extreme weather. The popular UCI 1.2 one-day race, known for its challenging mix of farm tracks and gravel sectors, will see riders once again take on the demanding roads of Rutland on Sunday, 27th April.
First held in 2005, the CiCLE Classic has become a staple of the UK cycling calendar, attracting some of the sport’s biggest names. The race is famous for its unique parcours, which takes competitors across narrow lanes, gravel sections, and farm tracks before finishing in Melton Mowbray. Over the years, it has seen the likes of Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan, and Mads Pedersen on its start line, offering a stage for emerging talents to shine.
The most recent winner, Luke Lamperti, secured victory in 2023 while riding for Trinity Racing, cementing his status as one of the brightest young prospects in international cycling. However, the 2024 edition was marred by torrential rain, leading to the race’s first-ever cancellation. The setback came at a challenging time for UK elite cycling, with many events facing difficulties, and the future of the Classic was briefly thrown into doubt.
Race director Colin Clews admitted that the past six months had been testing, but credited the race’s supporters, teams, and partners for pulling together to ensure its survival. “The 20th anniversary is a celebration of everyone who has played a part in this race over the years,” Clews said. “The financial pressures we faced could have ended the event forever, but thanks to the support we’ve received, we’re coming back with a new look and a renewed commitment to the future of the UK’s only UCI Classic-style race.”
In honour of the milestone, the CiCLE Classic is undergoing a rebranding, which includes a new logo, enhanced digital presence, and initiatives aimed at improving the fan experience. Clews highlighted the importance of these changes in securing the race’s future, with plans to attract new sponsors and expand the event’s appeal in the coming years.
“The CiCLE Classic is a testament to the UK’s incredible cycling culture,” Clews remarked. “If we can use this race to inspire the next generation and ignite a passion for the sport, we will have achieved something truly special.”
The 2025 edition will be preceded by the Sigma Sports CiCLE Classic Sportive on Saturday, 26th April, allowing amateur riders to test themselves on the same course. Additionally, the women’s and junior races will take place on Sunday, 23rd March, setting the stage for a month of top-level cycling.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
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