Grit, dust, gravel. Prepare yourself for one of the most eagerly awaited races of the domestic cycling season – the UK’s only one-day UCI road race, a distinctive highlight within our cherished domestic cycling calendar.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
What is it?
Despite being Britain’s smallest county, Rutland proudly hosts the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, a favourite among riders and fans alike. Now entering its 18th edition, this celebrated UCI 1.2 event is once again jointly sponsored by Sigma Sports and Schwalbe.
Spanning 177 kilometres across rolling terrain, tough gravel sectors, and challenging farm tracks in Rutland and East Leicestershire, the race is a major draw for spectators each year. It maintains its unique status as Britain’s only one-day UCI road race, standing alongside the Tour of Britain as one of just two men’s UCI races in the UK.
Frequently likened to the legendary ‘Belgian classics,’ this race arguably bears greater resemblance to Brittany’s demanding Tro-Bro Léon, known for its dirt roads and rural routes rather than traditional cobbles.
The event has a distinguished list of past winners, including Malcolm Elliot, who famously secured victory at age 45, Conor Dunne, Zak Dempster, and Ian Wilkinson – the only rider to have won it twice. Luke Lamperti won the last edition in 2023. Following the cancellation of last year’s race due to extreme weather, anticipation is especially high for its return in 2025.
Image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
Route
For the first time, the race will both start and finish in the heart of Oakham, due to roadworks in Melton Mowbray necessitating a change from its traditional finishing location. The revised 177 km route maintains its notorious challenge, featuring multiple rugged terrain sectors tackled from various angles.
For the first time, the race will both start and finish in the heart of Oakham, due to roadworks in Melton Mowbray necessitating a change from its traditional finishing location.
Setting off from Oakham at 11:00, the riders initially head north toward Wymondham. Here, spectators are treated to five passes in quick succession, including two challenging ascents of Butt Lane by Wymondham Windmill, an excellent early viewing spot. Wymondham Windmill is also the scene of the day’s initial intermediate sprints. This first loop also includes a diversion to the new Mataberg sector, a 1.6 km ‘four-star’ farm track sector, which, with its tight farmyard entry and steep climb, has the potential to cause early splits in the peloton.
Following the intense Wymondham loops, the peloton returns briefly to Oakham before turning towards the race’s first significant climb at Cold Overton. En route, riders encounter Barleyberg, a previously off-road section now paved, yet still demanding.
No.
Location
Race Distance
Points
1
Cold Overton Berg (Pass 1)
62.56 km
5, 3, 1
2
Burrough Berg (Pass 1)
73.93 km
5, 3, 1
3
Burrough, Melton Lane
90.94 km
5, 3, 1
4
Cold Overton Berg (Pass 2)
105.47 km
5, 3, 1
5
Burrough Berg (Pass 3)
116.54 km
5, 3, 1
6
Cuckoo Berg
144.55 km
5, 3, 1
King of the Bergs climbs
Owston serves as the event’s traditional focal point, featuring enhanced amenities like a commentary station, licensed bar sponsored by Kwaremont beer, and the popular village BBQ. From Owston, the riders face repeated challenges on critical race-defining sections, including multiple passes over the formidable Somerberg and Manorberg sectors, as well as the demanding Burrough Berg climb.
No.
Name
Race Distance
Length
Severity
12
Mataberg
26.41 km
1600 m
****
Barleyberg
50.02 km
1100 m
**
10
Somerberg (Pass 1)
66.98 km
2200 m
****
9
Manorberg (Pass 1)
81.70 km
700 m
****
8
Manorberg (Pass 2)
97.40 km
700 m
****
7
Somerberg (Pass 2)
112.28 km
2200 m
*****
6
Manorberg (Reverse)
112.56 km
1800 m
****
5
Newbold Manor
123.53 km
1200 m
**
4
Manorberg (Pass 3)
133.91 km
700 m
***
3
Somerberg (Reverse)
135.81 km
2100 m
*****
2
DELETED
1
Staple Park
147.74 km
2200 m
****
Sectors
As the longest and most difficult sector, the Somerberg is widely considered the pivotal point of the CiCLE Classic. It features in the middle portion of the race, when the riders hit the Rutland lanes repeatedly, and serves to thin out the peloton dramatically. Multiple passages mean any weakness is exposed – riders who struggle on the first run may be dropped for good on the second or third. Tactically, the strongest contenders often launch attacks or force the pace on the Somerberg to distance their rivals. It’s no exaggeration to say this is where the race is often made – or unmade – for those gunning for a top position.
Alongside Somerberg, the shorter but equally demanding Manorberg sector around Owston Manor Farm tests riders’ technical skills and stamina repeatedly.
The concluding kilometres bring riders through Stapleford Park, navigating the Staple Park sector—a picturesque yet testing 2.1 km track through estate parkland, typically offering one last opportunity for decisive attacks or unfortunate mishaps.
Finally, the peloton races back to Oakham via Burley on the Hill, setting the stage for a dramatic and historic town centre finish.
With a record 33 teams set to roll out, the 2025 Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic promises a thrilling spectacle featuring a blend of seasoned domestic racers, rising stars, and international challengers. It’s always an unpredictable affair given the terrain, and with very few international teams taking part, this year’s edition feels particularly open.
The startlist is yet to be fully confirmed, but here is our rundown of the riders to watch based on the latest announcements about who is racing.
Domestic teams
Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) has emerged as one of Britain’s form riders this spring. Just last weekend, the 26-year-old clinched overall victory at the Rás Mumhan stage race in Ireland, overcoming a 25-second deficit on the final day with a bold solo attack, snatching the yellow jersey by a mere eight seconds. Martin is a classic rouleur – powerful on the flats, yet capable on short climbs – and crucially, he’s proven on rough terrain, a regular performer of the gravel circuit with world championships experience.
Tom Martin wins stage 3 of Rás Mumhan. Image: Caroline Kerley
Martin’s teammate James McKay announced himself at this race two years ago with a stunning 3rd place finish, and he’s determined to better that podium this time around. The Sheffield-based rider has matured into one of Britain’s most consistent one-day road race riders. He’s known for timing his moves well and has the endurance to shine in a long, gruelling race. With the motivation of that 2023 CiCLE podium in mind, McKay will be hungry to finish the job and grab the biggest win of his career on Sunday. Another member of the Wheelbase squad is Tom Armstrong, whose recent performances demand attention. He was pivotal in Martin’s Rás Mumhan win – helping drive a high pace on the climbs and even sprinting to 4th on the decisive final stage. He placed 3rd in the Beaumont Trophy last autumn, and his ability to get in key moves provides Wheelbase with another card to play.
The Muc-Off–SCRT–Storck team enters the CiCLE Classic with a dynamic lineup of young talent capable of challenging experienced rivals. Adam Howell made waves with a breakthrough victory at the recent East Cleveland Classic, narrowly beating George Kimber with a dramatic bike throw at the line. At just 20 years old, this result highlighted Howell’s endurance and sprinting prowess in tough races. His earlier wins at the Kennel Hill Classic and the Peaks 2 Day further underscored his strength on challenging, punchy terrain. Although this is his CiCLE Classic debut, his raw talent should hold him in good stead for Sunday. At 19, Alex Beldon is the team’s youngest rider but has begun his 2025 impressively including wins at the PB Performance Espoirs road race and the Danum Trophy, marking him out as a young rider to watch. Ed Morgan will arrive fresh off a win at the PNE National B road race last week, adding to a strong string of results in 2025. William Truelove adds further depth. The Welshman notably finished second at last year’s Beaumont Trophy and placed 5th place at East Cleveland, which shows his strong form. Together, the team has options to make the race difficult for their rivals.
Adam Howell of MUC-OFF-SRCT-STORCK beats George Kimber of Spirit Racing Team at the 2025 Community Traffic Management East Cleveland Classic. Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
George Kimber (Spirit Racing Team), the reigning National Road Series champion, has been a model of consistency across Britain’s one-day races. He won last year’s series overall through sheer tenacity and versatility, and he’s continued that momentum into 2025. In fact, he came within a whisker of victory at this month’s East Cleveland Classic, only losing out in a photo-finish sprint after 150 km of racing. The Devonian has a fast finish and an engine honed from years of hilly racing (he’s also a former hill-climb specialist). Kimber handles tricky conditions with aplomb – note that he was top 10 in the torrential downpour edition of CiCLE in 2023.
Team Scotland brings a strong lineup to the CiCLE Classic, headlined by Alfie George. George boasts significant Continental racing experience and is currently with the French SCO Dijon – Team Matériel – Velo.com team. He was on the podium at the Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers (UCI 1.2) earlier this year, and has rarely been out of the top ten all season. With his combination of sprinting prowess and endurance, evidenced by top-10 finishes in the Ronde de l’Oise and Tour du Loir et Cher, George is well-suited for the tough CiCLE Classic. Charlie Aldridge is Team Scotland’s wildcard and off-road specialist. The 24-year-old is a former Under-23 World Champion in mountain bike cross-country and brings formidable bike-handling skills and a powerful engine. He has limited road racing experience, however, so his potential is a mystery somewhat.
Raptor Factory Racing presents a formidable duo in Rowan Baker and Dylan Hicks. Baker, now thriving after the collapse of Saint Piran, comes into the race as the reigning Under-23 National Road Series champion. His notable victories, including the East Cleveland Classic and Victor Berlemont Trophy in 2024, along with a dominant performance at this year’s Peaks 2 Day, showcase his strength and aggressive racing style. Baker’s bold, attacking approach makes him a significant threat on CiCLE’s demanding terrain. His teammate Dylan Hicks adds further depth to Raptor Factory’s lineup. At just 21, Hicks has already captured a UCI stage win at the International Tour of Hellas and previously won the Junior CiCLE Classic, underlining his affinity for challenging terrain.
Jacob Vaughan wins the 2025 Jock Wadley Memorial. Image: Mark James
Jacob Vaughan (Sigma Sports South East) brings experience and a flair. The 25-year-old Londoner has raced with top European development squads and recently defended his Jock Wadley Memorial title with an impressive sprint victory. Expect Vaughan to ride opportunistically, leveraging his sprint speed and tactical savvy if the race comes down to a select group. 20-year-old Jamie Whitcher (BC East Midlands/Carter Legrand) nearly secured a fairytale overall win at the recent Rás Mumhan, ultimately finishing second by only eight seconds and claiming the U23 classification. A strong time trialist, Whitcher’s well-rounded abilities should serve him well at CiCLE.
Renowned for his sprinting prowess, Matt Bostock (Tekkerz CC), a former British circuit race champion, is a strong contender. He impressed in the National Circuit Series last year and showed his road racing legs recently by placing 9th in the demanding East Cleveland Classic. Provided he navigates CiCLE’s challenging sectors safely, Bostock’s powerful finishing kick could be decisive. Tekkerz CC will aim to protect him, setting up a potentially explosive finale. Ryan Christensen (Foran CT) is a seasoned Kiwi pro, brings extensive experience from high-level races known for rough conditions. His notable results include podium finishes at the New Zealand Nationals and top-10 performances in challenging Belgian and Dutch races. The 28-year-old showcased his ongoing strength with a fifth-place finish at last year’s Beaumont Trophy. His tactical awareness and experience make him a genuine contender for victory if he reaches the closing kilometres in contention.
International teams
Ben Granger (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambiente)An aggressive all-rounder who splits his season between Italy and the UK, Granger is fast becoming a star. The 24-year-old Brit opened 2025 with a gritty sprint victory at Firenze-Empoli, Italy’s prestigious season opener, showing he can win in cold, wet conditions against quality opposition. That win was no one-off – it’s his third major Italian triumph after the Giro del Montalbano (2024) and Giro del Valdarno (2023). And he’s just as potent on home roads: last summer he unleashed a late attack to win the Lancaster Grand Prix, underlining a ‘controlled aggression’ racing style that catches rivals off-guard. Teammate Matthew Kingston is another rider with Italian experience, notably finishing third on a stage of Olympia’s Tour and consistently performing well in European one-day races. Kingston’s versatility makes him an ideal support rider who could step up if the opportunity arises.
Ben Granger of Mg.K VIS Colors for Peace VPM wins the 2024 Lancaster Grand Prix. Image: Craig Zadoronyj/SWpix.com
One of the international raiders in the field, Luke Verburg (Park Hotel Valkenburg) is a young Dutch rider who appears tailor-made for the CiCLE Classic. The 23-year-old has been racking up results on the European circuit this spring for Parkhotel. In March, he nabbed an impressive 3rd place at the Dorpenomloop Rucphen (UCI 1.2) in the Netherlands, showcasing a fast finish after a hard day – exactly the skillset needed for CiCLE. He followed that up with 10th in the gravel-strewn Omloop van de Braakman, another Dutch race notorious for its off-road sections. His teammate Niek Voogt is another Dutchman looking to spoil the British party. Last season, he achieved the biggest result of his career with a stage win at the Tour of Poyang Lake in China – a daring uphill attack that he called the highlight of his year. He also carried strong form through Europe, finishing 8th overall at the Flèche du Sud stage race in Luxembourg and 7th in the Carpathian Couriers U23 race. Now 24, Voogt combines punchy climbing with raw power on the flats.
18-year-old Willem O’Connor (Velo Performance Development Team) recently impressed at Rás Mumhan, finishing 3rd overall against seasoned competitors. A first-year U23 rider from Cork with climbing ability and a punchy sprint, O’Connor thrives on challenging terrain. While relatively unknown internationally, his fearless style could see him involved in key moves, making him a rider to watch closely.
Wild cards
Cameron Mason (Team Scotland) – A three-time British cyclo-cross champion, Mason excels in tough conditions and technical terrain. His cyclo-cross and mountain biking background, including a second place at the 2023 European CX Championships, equip him perfectly for CiCLE’s gravel sections. Mason’s versatility and resilience make him an intriguing competitor.
Max Greensill (Great Britain) – At just 20, Greensill is a four-time national mountain biking champion transitioning to road racing. His exceptional bike-handling and punchy power, gained from XC racing, will serve him well on CiCLE’s challenging terrain. Limited experience at this level adds uncertainty, but his raw talent and off-road pedigree make him an exciting wildcard.
Charlie Tanfield (Great Britain) – Known for his Olympic track success and powerhouse time-trial abilities, Tanfield brings significant horsepower to the CiCLE Classic. The 26-year-old Olympic medallist’s immense engine and extensive road experience make him capable of animating the race, especially if he senses an opportunity for a decisive move.
Timings
Official start: 11.00. Expected finish: 15.45 – 16.15 (depending on race speed)
Weather
The weather looks excellent on the day, and a dry run-up to the race should mean there is no repeat of last year’s flood-related cancellation or the mud-splattered edition of 2023.
How to follow
We will be at the roadside on Sunday. You can follow along with the action on our live ticker, which will go live here on Sunday.
Grit, dust, gravel. Prepare yourself for one of the most eagerly awaited races of the domestic cycling season – the UK’s only one-day UCI road race, a distinctive highlight within our cherished domestic cycling calendar.
Here is our preview.
Featured image: Joe Cotterill/The British Continental
What is it?
Despite being Britain’s smallest county, Rutland proudly hosts the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, a favourite among riders and fans alike. Now entering its 18th edition, this celebrated UCI 1.2 event is once again jointly sponsored by Sigma Sports and Schwalbe.
Spanning 177 kilometres across rolling terrain, tough gravel sectors, and challenging farm tracks in Rutland and East Leicestershire, the race is a major draw for spectators each year. It maintains its unique status as Britain’s only one-day UCI road race, standing alongside the Tour of Britain as one of just two men’s UCI races in the UK.
Frequently likened to the legendary ‘Belgian classics,’ this race arguably bears greater resemblance to Brittany’s demanding Tro-Bro Léon, known for its dirt roads and rural routes rather than traditional cobbles.
The event has a distinguished list of past winners, including Malcolm Elliot, who famously secured victory at age 45, Conor Dunne, Zak Dempster, and Ian Wilkinson – the only rider to have won it twice. Luke Lamperti won the last edition in 2023. Following the cancellation of last year’s race due to extreme weather, anticipation is especially high for its return in 2025.
Route
For the first time, the race will both start and finish in the heart of Oakham, due to roadworks in Melton Mowbray necessitating a change from its traditional finishing location. The revised 177 km route maintains its notorious challenge, featuring multiple rugged terrain sectors tackled from various angles.
For the first time, the race will both start and finish in the heart of Oakham, due to roadworks in Melton Mowbray necessitating a change from its traditional finishing location.
Setting off from Oakham at 11:00, the riders initially head north toward Wymondham. Here, spectators are treated to five passes in quick succession, including two challenging ascents of Butt Lane by Wymondham Windmill, an excellent early viewing spot. Wymondham Windmill is also the scene of the day’s initial intermediate sprints. This first loop also includes a diversion to the new Mataberg sector, a 1.6 km ‘four-star’ farm track sector, which, with its tight farmyard entry and steep climb, has the potential to cause early splits in the peloton.
Following the intense Wymondham loops, the peloton returns briefly to Oakham before turning towards the race’s first significant climb at Cold Overton. En route, riders encounter Barleyberg, a previously off-road section now paved, yet still demanding.
Owston serves as the event’s traditional focal point, featuring enhanced amenities like a commentary station, licensed bar sponsored by Kwaremont beer, and the popular village BBQ. From Owston, the riders face repeated challenges on critical race-defining sections, including multiple passes over the formidable Somerberg and Manorberg sectors, as well as the demanding Burrough Berg climb.
As the longest and most difficult sector, the Somerberg is widely considered the pivotal point of the CiCLE Classic. It features in the middle portion of the race, when the riders hit the Rutland lanes repeatedly, and serves to thin out the peloton dramatically. Multiple passages mean any weakness is exposed – riders who struggle on the first run may be dropped for good on the second or third. Tactically, the strongest contenders often launch attacks or force the pace on the Somerberg to distance their rivals. It’s no exaggeration to say this is where the race is often made – or unmade – for those gunning for a top position.
Alongside Somerberg, the shorter but equally demanding Manorberg sector around Owston Manor Farm tests riders’ technical skills and stamina repeatedly.
The concluding kilometres bring riders through Stapleford Park, navigating the Staple Park sector—a picturesque yet testing 2.1 km track through estate parkland, typically offering one last opportunity for decisive attacks or unfortunate mishaps.
Finally, the peloton races back to Oakham via Burley on the Hill, setting the stage for a dramatic and historic town centre finish.
Contenders
View the starlist here.
Updated 18.30, 26 April
With a record 33 teams set to roll out, the 2025 Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic promises a thrilling spectacle featuring a blend of seasoned domestic racers, rising stars, and international challengers. It’s always an unpredictable affair given the terrain, and with very few international teams taking part, this year’s edition feels particularly open.
The startlist is yet to be fully confirmed, but here is our rundown of the riders to watch based on the latest announcements about who is racing.
Domestic teams
Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli) has emerged as one of Britain’s form riders this spring. Just last weekend, the 26-year-old clinched overall victory at the Rás Mumhan stage race in Ireland, overcoming a 25-second deficit on the final day with a bold solo attack, snatching the yellow jersey by a mere eight seconds. Martin is a classic rouleur – powerful on the flats, yet capable on short climbs – and crucially, he’s proven on rough terrain, a regular performer of the gravel circuit with world championships experience.
Martin’s teammate James McKay announced himself at this race two years ago with a stunning 3rd place finish, and he’s determined to better that podium this time around. The Sheffield-based rider has matured into one of Britain’s most consistent one-day road race riders. He’s known for timing his moves well and has the endurance to shine in a long, gruelling race. With the motivation of that 2023 CiCLE podium in mind, McKay will be hungry to finish the job and grab the biggest win of his career on Sunday. Another member of the Wheelbase squad is Tom Armstrong, whose recent performances demand attention. He was pivotal in Martin’s Rás Mumhan win – helping drive a high pace on the climbs and even sprinting to 4th on the decisive final stage. He placed 3rd in the Beaumont Trophy last autumn, and his ability to get in key moves provides Wheelbase with another card to play.
The Muc-Off–SCRT–Storck team enters the CiCLE Classic with a dynamic lineup of young talent capable of challenging experienced rivals. Adam Howell made waves with a breakthrough victory at the recent East Cleveland Classic, narrowly beating George Kimber with a dramatic bike throw at the line. At just 20 years old, this result highlighted Howell’s endurance and sprinting prowess in tough races. His earlier wins at the Kennel Hill Classic and the Peaks 2 Day further underscored his strength on challenging, punchy terrain. Although this is his CiCLE Classic debut, his raw talent should hold him in good stead for Sunday. At 19, Alex Beldon is the team’s youngest rider but has begun his 2025 impressively including wins at the PB Performance Espoirs road race and the Danum Trophy, marking him out as a young rider to watch. Ed Morgan will arrive fresh off a win at the PNE National B road race last week, adding to a strong string of results in 2025. William Truelove adds further depth. The Welshman notably finished second at last year’s Beaumont Trophy and placed 5th place at East Cleveland, which shows his strong form. Together, the team has options to make the race difficult for their rivals.
George Kimber (Spirit Racing Team), the reigning National Road Series champion, has been a model of consistency across Britain’s one-day races. He won last year’s series overall through sheer tenacity and versatility, and he’s continued that momentum into 2025. In fact, he came within a whisker of victory at this month’s East Cleveland Classic, only losing out in a photo-finish sprint after 150 km of racing. The Devonian has a fast finish and an engine honed from years of hilly racing (he’s also a former hill-climb specialist). Kimber handles tricky conditions with aplomb – note that he was top 10 in the torrential downpour edition of CiCLE in 2023.
Team Scotland brings a strong lineup to the CiCLE Classic, headlined by Alfie George. George boasts significant Continental racing experience and is currently with the French SCO Dijon – Team Matériel – Velo.com team. He was on the podium at the Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers (UCI 1.2) earlier this year, and has rarely been out of the top ten all season. With his combination of sprinting prowess and endurance, evidenced by top-10 finishes in the Ronde de l’Oise and Tour du Loir et Cher, George is well-suited for the tough CiCLE Classic. Charlie Aldridge is Team Scotland’s wildcard and off-road specialist. The 24-year-old is a former Under-23 World Champion in mountain bike cross-country and brings formidable bike-handling skills and a powerful engine. He has limited road racing experience, however, so his potential is a mystery somewhat.
Raptor Factory Racing presents a formidable duo in Rowan Baker and Dylan Hicks. Baker, now thriving after the collapse of Saint Piran, comes into the race as the reigning Under-23 National Road Series champion. His notable victories, including the East Cleveland Classic and Victor Berlemont Trophy in 2024, along with a dominant performance at this year’s Peaks 2 Day, showcase his strength and aggressive racing style. Baker’s bold, attacking approach makes him a significant threat on CiCLE’s demanding terrain. His teammate Dylan Hicks adds further depth to Raptor Factory’s lineup. At just 21, Hicks has already captured a UCI stage win at the International Tour of Hellas and previously won the Junior CiCLE Classic, underlining his affinity for challenging terrain.
Jacob Vaughan (Sigma Sports South East) brings experience and a flair. The 25-year-old Londoner has raced with top European development squads and recently defended his Jock Wadley Memorial title with an impressive sprint victory. Expect Vaughan to ride opportunistically, leveraging his sprint speed and tactical savvy if the race comes down to a select group. 20-year-old Jamie Whitcher (BC East Midlands/Carter Legrand) nearly secured a fairytale overall win at the recent Rás Mumhan, ultimately finishing second by only eight seconds and claiming the U23 classification. A strong time trialist, Whitcher’s well-rounded abilities should serve him well at CiCLE.Renowned for his sprinting prowess, Matt Bostock (Tekkerz CC), a former British circuit race champion, is a strong contender. He impressed in the National Circuit Series last year and showed his road racing legs recently by placing 9th in the demanding East Cleveland Classic. Provided he navigates CiCLE’s challenging sectors safely, Bostock’s powerful finishing kick could be decisive. Tekkerz CC will aim to protect him, setting up a potentially explosive finale. Ryan Christensen (Foran CT) is a seasoned Kiwi pro, brings extensive experience from high-level races known for rough conditions. His notable results include podium finishes at the New Zealand Nationals and top-10 performances in challenging Belgian and Dutch races. The 28-year-old showcased his ongoing strength with a fifth-place finish at last year’s Beaumont Trophy. His tactical awareness and experience make him a genuine contender for victory if he reaches the closing kilometres in contention.
International teams
Ben Granger (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambiente)An aggressive all-rounder who splits his season between Italy and the UK, Granger is fast becoming a star. The 24-year-old Brit opened 2025 with a gritty sprint victory at Firenze-Empoli, Italy’s prestigious season opener, showing he can win in cold, wet conditions against quality opposition. That win was no one-off – it’s his third major Italian triumph after the Giro del Montalbano (2024) and Giro del Valdarno (2023). And he’s just as potent on home roads: last summer he unleashed a late attack to win the Lancaster Grand Prix, underlining a ‘controlled aggression’ racing style that catches rivals off-guard. Teammate Matthew Kingston is another rider with Italian experience, notably finishing third on a stage of Olympia’s Tour and consistently performing well in European one-day races. Kingston’s versatility makes him an ideal support rider who could step up if the opportunity arises.
One of the international raiders in the field,
Luke Verburg (Park Hotel Valkenburg) is a young Dutch rider who appears tailor-made for the CiCLE Classic. The 23-year-old has been racking up results on the European circuit this spring for Parkhotel. In March, he nabbed an impressive 3rd place at the Dorpenomloop Rucphen (UCI 1.2) in the Netherlands, showcasing a fast finish after a hard day – exactly the skillset needed for CiCLE. He followed that up with 10th in the gravel-strewn Omloop van de Braakman, another Dutch race notorious for its off-road sections.His teammate Niek Voogt is another Dutchman looking to spoil the British party. Last season, he achieved the biggest result of his career with a stage win at the Tour of Poyang Lake in China – a daring uphill attack that he called the highlight of his year. He also carried strong form through Europe, finishing 8th overall at the Flèche du Sud stage race in Luxembourg and 7th in the Carpathian Couriers U23 race. Now 24, Voogt combines punchy climbing with raw power on the flats.18-year-old Willem O’Connor (Velo Performance Development Team) recently impressed at Rás Mumhan, finishing 3rd overall against seasoned competitors. A first-year U23 rider from Cork with climbing ability and a punchy sprint, O’Connor thrives on challenging terrain. While relatively unknown internationally, his fearless style could see him involved in key moves, making him a rider to watch closely.
Wild cards
Cameron Mason (Team Scotland) – A three-time British cyclo-cross champion, Mason excels in tough conditions and technical terrain. His cyclo-cross and mountain biking background, including a second place at the 2023 European CX Championships, equip him perfectly for CiCLE’s gravel sections. Mason’s versatility and resilience make him an intriguing competitor.Max Greensill (Great Britain) – At just 20, Greensill is a four-time national mountain biking champion transitioning to road racing. His exceptional bike-handling and punchy power, gained from XC racing, will serve him well on CiCLE’s challenging terrain. Limited experience at this level adds uncertainty, but his raw talent and off-road pedigree make him an exciting wildcard.Charlie Tanfield (Great Britain) – Known for his Olympic track success and powerhouse time-trial abilities, Tanfield brings significant horsepower to the CiCLE Classic. The 26-year-old Olympic medallist’s immense engine and extensive road experience make him capable of animating the race, especially if he senses an opportunity for a decisive move.
Timings
Official start: 11.00. Expected finish: 15.45 – 16.15 (depending on race speed)
Weather
The weather looks excellent on the day, and a dry run-up to the race should mean there is no repeat of last year’s flood-related cancellation or the mud-splattered edition of 2023.
How to follow
We will be at the roadside on Sunday. You can follow along with the action on our live ticker, which will go live here on Sunday.
Share this:
Discover more from The British Continental
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.