The first major date in the domestic calendar, this Sunday’s 9th edition of the Women’s CiCLE Classic is set to begin the National Road Series with a bang.
Preview and startlist.
Featured image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
What is it?
The women’s CiCLE Classic, a highlight in the UK cycling calendar, takes place amidst the picturesque yet challenging terrains of Rutland and East Leicestershire. Despite this being only in its ninth iteration, the event has quickly become a pivotal fixture in the UK’s women’s road racing circuit. Mirroring the men’s edition, it is celebrated for its unique off-road segments and its vibrant Belgian roadside ambiance that enriches the British road racing landscape.
2023 marked a significant shift as the race transitioned to March from its usual June slot, making it the inaugural event of the women’s National Road Series – the earliest start in the series’ history. This change, warmly received for enhancing the race’s resemblance to the Belgian classics, appears to be a permanent fixture.
Last year’s race was a mudfest, won in style by El King. The race’s roll of honour includes esteemed riders such as Josie Nelson, Abi Smith, Emily Nelson, Neah Evans, Katie Archibald, and Becky Durrell.
The event unfolds in the afternoon, preceded by the open Junior CiCLE Classic in the morning. The junior edition also kicks off the open Junior Road Series, sharing the course with the women’s race.
The race starts and finishes in Melton Mowbray, a town famed for its pork pies. Spanning 105km and divided into three distinct sections, the route weaves through the off-road sectors of StaplePark, Somerberg, Manor Farm, and Newbold Manor. Riders will also tackle three categorised climbs: Burrough Berg, Cold Overton Berg, and Cuckooberg. Each sector is graded for difficulty, with Somerberg—ridden twice, once in each direction—standing out as the most punishing of all.
In the opening phase of the race (marked in green on the map below), riders roll out from Melton Mowbray on relatively wide roads. Upon reaching Owston, they will navigate the Owston-Burrough circuit in the reverse direction compared to its pre-2021 layout.
This reversal significantly alters the lap’s dynamics, forcing riders to tackle sharp inclines immediately after tight corners, often requiring near standstill manoeuvres.
#
Sector
Length
Rating
7 & 3
Newbold Manor
1100m
**
6 & 4 (ridden in reverse)
Manor Farm
700m
****
5 & 2 (ridden in reverse)
Somerberg
2200m
*****
1
StaplePark
2200m
****
The second section (blue) introduces the race’s most demanding terrain, including the first encounter with the formidable Somerberg sector. The final part of the race (red) features additional off-road sections before directing riders back towards Melton Mowbray.
It’s so important to be positioned well at the right time, because it is a bit of a game of luck, but by preparing properly, you can make your own luck to a certain extent – Sian Botteley
Notably, this year’s finishing circuit has been altered due to roadworks, bypassing the town on the first lap. However, riders will still face two ascents of Cuckoo Hill and the final passage through StaplePark before descending Burton Road and reaching the finish line on Sherrard Street via Mill Lane and Regent Road.
“These course modifications, particularly to the run-in to the finish, have been necessary due to ongoing roadworks in and around Melton,” explained Race Director Colin Clews. “While this has unfortunately meant that the Men’s international CiCLE Classic will not finish in the town this year, we are pleased that Melton can still host these two important events.”
In addition to a £1,000 cash prize and a winner’s trophy sponsored by Dame Laura Kenny, the victor of the Women’s race will also receive a large pork pie, donated by ‘Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe’—a fitting tribute to Melton Mowbray’s world-renowned speciality.
At the time of writing, the forecast says it will rain the day before the race, before light showers on the big day too, which could add mud and slippery roads to the mix, just as there has been in the last two editions.
The demanding off-road terrain makes the CiCLE Classic one of the most unpredictable races on the British calendar. As the first national road race of the season, it also presents an early test where rider form remains uncertain. The entry list, however, boasts a strong lineup of notable contenders.
8th Anexo CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England – Eluned King of Lifeplus Wahoo. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Defending champion El King headlines the bill, riding in the colours of her new team, Handsling Alba Development Road Team. If she repeats her 2024 win she’ll be the first rider to win the race twice. However, a lack of racing so far this season leaves a question mark hanging over her form. King’s teammates Amelia Tyler (5th last year) and Maddie Leech are among the other cards the team can play.
Smurfit Westrock CT has dominated the early season so far. Bexy Dew took an excellent win at the season opener, the North Lincolnshire Classic, while Lucy Gadd topped a brilliant team performance with victory at last weekend’s Peaks 2-Day, where Lucy Harris also took third, and Alex Morrice and Lucy Ellmore were in the top ten as well. Gadd and Harris, in particular, will be a threat. The team also has Sian Botteley, who knows these roads intimately and finished fifth in 2023.
8th ANEXO CAMS Women’s CiCle Classic – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England – Lucy Ellmore of Team Pro-Noctis – 200o Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting Ltd. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
DAS-Hutchinson are another strong team. They boast 2023 Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix winner Robyn Clay, who on paper has all the attributes to succeed in this race. Lizzie Hermolle is clearly flying after her stage win at the Peaks 2 Day last week. Natalie Grinczer makes her debut for the team; the journeywoman has Tour de France Femmes experience under her belt. Lucy Lee had a standout 2024 and will be looking for another National Road Series win after her Ryedale Grand Prix victory in 2024.
Hess Cycling Team brought a full team to the race last season, including experienced international riders. This year, however, uncertainty surrounds the team’s future, with Esther Wong and Lizette Sander already having officially left the team.
2024 8th Anexo CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England – Hess Cycling Team, Team Classification winners, pictured with Alex Dowsett. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Two of the team’s strongest British riders, Alice McWilliam (who was third in this race last year), and 2024 Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix winner Kate Richardson are both listed as private members. We understand that, with the team not officially registered as a UCI team at present, neither rider can race in team colours. The same will apply for Holly Ramsey, who is in excellent form this season, finishing 6th at the Peaks 2 Day. Our sources tell us that Hess rider Liz Wenzel, who finished 10th in this race last year, will also take to the start. Expect all four to line up in neutral colours.
Eilidh Shaw (UAE Development Team) makes a welcome return to the domestic scene. The Scot’s second place in this race last season kickstarted a remarkable run of form that culminated in victories in both the National Circuit Series and National Road Series. The 20-year-old has already had the benefit of six days of racing with the UAE Team ADQ WorldTour team this year, so should be in excellent shape.
2024 8th Anexo CAMS Women’s CiCLE Classic – Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England – Eilidh Shaw – Alba Development Road Team. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
There is a strong junior presence this year, with both Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco and Shibden Apex RT fielding full squads. The former have Rebecca Gardiner, who was fourth at the North Lincolnshire Classic, and US junior time trial champion Lidia Cusack among their ranks. Shibden are bursting with talent; one rider to watch could be Mabli Phillips; she was 9th at the recent Clásica de Jaén Nation’s Cup Women and then 13th at the Peaks 2 Day. One junior no one should ignore is Erin Boothman. The Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco rider, who will be representing Scotland at the race, has had an incredible start to 2025, winning the opening Nations Cup race, Clásica de Jaén Nation’s Cup Women, before finishing 5th at Round 2, the Piccolo Trofeo Alfredo Binda.
Others to watch include former rower Charlotte Hodgkins-Byrne (Raptor Factory Racing), who was second in the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in 2023 and a two-time National B road race winner last year, and Melissa Denman (StolenGoat RT), who impressed with second at the North Lincolnshire Classic earlier this month. Spectra Racing’s Anna Flynn, the reigning National MTB Marathon Champion could benefit from her off-road skills, while Isabel Darvill (CJ O’Shea), 4th in this race last year, will be hoping to use this race to re-find her form after a long road back from injury after crashing in the National Circuit Series last July.
The first major date in the domestic calendar, this Sunday’s 9th edition of the Women’s CiCLE Classic is set to begin the National Road Series with a bang.
Preview and startlist.
Featured image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
What is it?
The women’s CiCLE Classic, a highlight in the UK cycling calendar, takes place amidst the picturesque yet challenging terrains of Rutland and East Leicestershire. Despite this being only in its ninth iteration, the event has quickly become a pivotal fixture in the UK’s women’s road racing circuit. Mirroring the men’s edition, it is celebrated for its unique off-road segments and its vibrant Belgian roadside ambiance that enriches the British road racing landscape.
2023 marked a significant shift as the race transitioned to March from its usual June slot, making it the inaugural event of the women’s National Road Series – the earliest start in the series’ history. This change, warmly received for enhancing the race’s resemblance to the Belgian classics, appears to be a permanent fixture.
Last year’s race was a mudfest, won in style by El King. The race’s roll of honour includes esteemed riders such as Josie Nelson, Abi Smith, Emily Nelson, Neah Evans, Katie Archibald, and Becky Durrell.
The event unfolds in the afternoon, preceded by the open Junior CiCLE Classic in the morning. The junior edition also kicks off the open Junior Road Series, sharing the course with the women’s race.
Read our National Road Series explainer here.
Route
The race starts and finishes in Melton Mowbray, a town famed for its pork pies. Spanning 105km and divided into three distinct sections, the route weaves through the off-road sectors of StaplePark, Somerberg, Manor Farm, and Newbold Manor. Riders will also tackle three categorised climbs: Burrough Berg, Cold Overton Berg, and Cuckooberg. Each sector is graded for difficulty, with Somerberg—ridden twice, once in each direction—standing out as the most punishing of all.
In the opening phase of the race (marked in green on the map below), riders roll out from Melton Mowbray on relatively wide roads. Upon reaching Owston, they will navigate the Owston-Burrough circuit in the reverse direction compared to its pre-2021 layout.
This reversal significantly alters the lap’s dynamics, forcing riders to tackle sharp inclines immediately after tight corners, often requiring near standstill manoeuvres.
The second section (blue) introduces the race’s most demanding terrain, including the first encounter with the formidable Somerberg sector. The final part of the race (red) features additional off-road sections before directing riders back towards Melton Mowbray.
Notably, this year’s finishing circuit has been altered due to roadworks, bypassing the town on the first lap. However, riders will still face two ascents of Cuckoo Hill and the final passage through StaplePark before descending Burton Road and reaching the finish line on Sherrard Street via Mill Lane and Regent Road.
“These course modifications, particularly to the run-in to the finish, have been necessary due to ongoing roadworks in and around Melton,” explained Race Director Colin Clews. “While this has unfortunately meant that the Men’s international CiCLE Classic will not finish in the town this year, we are pleased that Melton can still host these two important events.”
In addition to a £1,000 cash prize and a winner’s trophy sponsored by Dame Laura Kenny, the victor of the Women’s race will also receive a large pork pie, donated by ‘Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe’—a fitting tribute to Melton Mowbray’s world-renowned speciality.
Timings
14.00 – 16.20 approx
Weather
At the time of writing, the forecast says it will rain the day before the race, before light showers on the big day too, which could add mud and slippery roads to the mix, just as there has been in the last two editions.
Riders to watch
View the startlist here.
The demanding off-road terrain makes the CiCLE Classic one of the most unpredictable races on the British calendar. As the first national road race of the season, it also presents an early test where rider form remains uncertain. The entry list, however, boasts a strong lineup of notable contenders.
Defending champion El King headlines the bill, riding in the colours of her new team, Handsling Alba Development Road Team. If she repeats her 2024 win she’ll be the first rider to win the race twice. However, a lack of racing so far this season leaves a question mark hanging over her form. King’s teammates Amelia Tyler (5th last year) and Maddie Leech are among the other cards the team can play.
Smurfit Westrock CT has dominated the early season so far. Bexy Dew took an excellent win at the season opener, the North Lincolnshire Classic, while Lucy Gadd topped a brilliant team performance with victory at last weekend’s Peaks 2-Day, where Lucy Harris also took third, and Alex Morrice and Lucy Ellmore were in the top ten as well. Gadd and Harris, in particular, will be a threat. The team also has Sian Botteley, who knows these roads intimately and finished fifth in 2023.
DAS-Hutchinson are another strong team. They boast 2023 Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix winner Robyn Clay, who on paper has all the attributes to succeed in this race. Lizzie Hermolle is clearly flying after her stage win at the Peaks 2 Day last week. Natalie Grinczer makes her debut for the team; the journeywoman has Tour de France Femmes experience under her belt. Lucy Lee had a standout 2024 and will be looking for another National Road Series win after her Ryedale Grand Prix victory in 2024.
Hess Cycling Team brought a full team to the race last season, including experienced international riders. This year, however, uncertainty surrounds the team’s future, with Esther Wong and Lizette Sander already having officially left the team.
Two of the team’s strongest British riders, Alice McWilliam (who was third in this race last year), and 2024 Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix winner Kate Richardson are both listed as private members. We understand that, with the team not officially registered as a UCI team at present, neither rider can race in team colours. The same will apply for Holly Ramsey, who is in excellent form this season, finishing 6th at the Peaks 2 Day. Our sources tell us that Hess rider Liz Wenzel, who finished 10th in this race last year, will also take to the start. Expect all four to line up in neutral colours.
Eilidh Shaw (UAE Development Team) makes a welcome return to the domestic scene. The Scot’s second place in this race last season kickstarted a remarkable run of form that culminated in victories in both the National Circuit Series and National Road Series. The 20-year-old has already had the benefit of six days of racing with the UAE Team ADQ WorldTour team this year, so should be in excellent shape.
There is a strong junior presence this year, with both Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco and Shibden Apex RT fielding full squads. The former have Rebecca Gardiner, who was fourth at the North Lincolnshire Classic, and US junior time trial champion Lidia Cusack among their ranks. Shibden are bursting with talent; one rider to watch could be Mabli Phillips; she was 9th at the recent Clásica de Jaén Nation’s Cup Women and then 13th at the Peaks 2 Day. One junior no one should ignore is Erin Boothman. The Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco rider, who will be representing Scotland at the race, has had an incredible start to 2025, winning the opening Nations Cup race, Clásica de Jaén Nation’s Cup Women, before finishing 5th at Round 2, the Piccolo Trofeo Alfredo Binda.
Others to watch include former rower Charlotte Hodgkins-Byrne (Raptor Factory Racing), who was second in the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix in 2023 and a two-time National B road race winner last year, and Melissa Denman (StolenGoat RT), who impressed with second at the North Lincolnshire Classic earlier this month. Spectra Racing’s Anna Flynn, the reigning National MTB Marathon Champion could benefit from her off-road skills, while Isabel Darvill (CJ O’Shea), 4th in this race last year, will be hoping to use this race to re-find her form after a long road back from injury after crashing in the National Circuit Series last July.
How to follow
Our reporter Joe Hudson will be at the race, bringing you updates on our Instagram stories and our live ticker.
British Cycling will have live updates on its social media channels.
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