Preview – Rutland – Melton CiCLE Classic

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Very tasty line up for 10th anniversary of the Rutland – Melton CiCLE Classic on April 27 as local heros take on foreign invaders

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Preview – Rutland – Melton CiCLE Classic

With just a week to go until the 10th Edition of the Giant (Rutland Water) and Schwalbe sponsored Rutland – Melton CiCLE Classic, it is now confirmed that the 2014 race will be the most international and open race for many years.

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Above: Ian Wilkinson, a double winner of the race, wears number 1 for Team Raleigh.

The race, over a distance of 179 kms. (112 miles) on Sunday 27th h April (11.00) will see the strongest riders from British teams (not Sky) clash with many teams from overseas including the famed team of Sean Kelly, AnPost.

Last year, 17 nations were represented amongst 32 competing teams, but in 2014 those figures are dwarfed with riders from 21 nations spread over 34 teams being ready to take to the start in Oakham High Street at 11am on Sunday 27th April.

With 180 riders named, the race will contain all of Britain’s domestic professional teams and English and Scottish teams in the Commonwealth Games year. In addition, there are ten top foreign squads containing World Champions and regular winners of top European races over the past twelve months.

Last year’s winner Ian Wilkinson returns in Raleigh colours alongside a rider who has been consistently in the top 10 in the race, last years British number 1, Yanto Barker and another former winner in Alex Blain from France.

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Evan Oliphant (above) is on the entry list, winner in 2013 of the Tour of Reservoir and stage winner in 2014.

Stage winner in the Tour of Reservoir Evan Oliphant rides as does one of the classiest riders in the team, Mattieu Boulo and the Isle of Man’s Mark Christian.

The rest of the British UCI teams that dominated the Tour of Reservoir also have strong squads with all of the riders capable of a win. Velosure Giordana return from a French stage race with Marcin Bialoblocki (4th at Reservoir), Steve Lampier, James Moss, Nathan Edmondson, Matt Cronshaw and Rob Partridge.

Perhaps the teams many will look at for the win is Madison Genesis. A 1-2 at Reservoir showed they have strength in depth. They’ve entered Tom Scully for his first race in Britain along with fellow Kiwi Mike Northey, Peter Hawkins (2nd at Reservoir) and surprise, no Alex Peters, winner at Reservoir. Instead, a podium finisher at CiCLE, Ian Bibby is on the start sheet, as is Tobyn Horton and Tom Stewart.

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Madison Genesis showed at Reservoir they mean business in 2014 with a 1-2

Rapha Condor JLT also have a tough line up to beat with Kristian House, Richard Handley, Ed Laverack, Luke Grivell-Mellor and two riders in great form, Graham Briggs and Tom Moses. And speaking of form, NFTO Pro Cycling, the final of the UCI teams from Britain, have a line up capable of winning as well with Russell Downing, Adam Blythe, James McCallum (podiumed before), Jon Mould, James Lowlsey-Williams and a great ‘find’ at Reservoir, Sam Williams.

There really isn’t a lot between the teams, and those line ups will no doubt be slightly different on the day but they can’t afford to watch each other as the visiting teams also have some firepower.

Of the foreign teams, a name that stood out was Kai Reus (below), a stage winner in the Tour of Britain who’s had an up and down career but if on the form we have seen on British roads before, will be a right handful.

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AN Post have entered Owain Doull who’s been in great form in Europe and he’s backed up by Mark McNally, world class ‘trackies’ Kiwi Shane Archibold & Aussie Glen O’Shea as well as Robert McCarthy. GB also have an Academy team in the race with Jon Dibben, Chris Latham, Oli Wood, Germain Burton, Jacob Ragan and Chris Lawless.

Another interesting team is one from Scotland with off roaders Grant Ferguson and Kenta Gallagher who could also provide the roadies with a big challenge if they have the endurance for a four hour race.

The Route
Whilst the route for this year’s 10th anniversary race is slightly shorter than 2013 at 179 kms, the course to be used is probably the toughest ever faced by a CiCLE Classic field with the inclusion of two new climbs close to the Melton finish line.

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This involves the riders tackling Cuckoo Hill just 20 km before the Melton finish and the deceptively long climb of Burton Road after the race’s first passage of the Sherrard Street finishing line.

With the riders entering Melton from Saxby Road, spectators at the new finish line located close to the Market Place will be treated to a grandstand view of the riders’ approach and the opportunity to see the action unfold over the final 400m dash to the line.

“Over the past nine years we have endeavoured to make the already spectator-friendly race even more attractive, particularly to those congregated in Melton to watch the finish. Last year we went some way to achieving a longer period for spectators to see the race in the town, but with the new finish, we have increased this even further.” Said Race Director, Colin Clews.

He continued: “We are confidently predicting that the 10th anniversary edition on Sunday 27th April will be the biggest and best yet.” The action kicks off at 9.00am with the Junior Men’s race, an exciting addition to the day’s events for the country’s aspiring riders (17/18 year olds).

The Junior CiCLE Classic starts in Oakham town centre prior to the Classic and then finishes at the same point while the international race circumnavigates Rutland Water.

This British National Junior Road Race series race will cover a course that takes in five laps and 79 kms of Market Overton, Thistleton and Edmondthorpe with detours through Barrow on two occasions to maintain the character of the international race by including off road sections in its course.

The route of the main race involves a 179 kms course, the challenging climb of Cuckoo Hill approximately 25 kms before the finish, just before the race enters Melton for its first passage of the finish line, a circuit of 15kms before returning to finish properly in Sherrard Street.

After nine years of the race, the finishing circuit introduced for the first time last year, has been reversed with the riders now entering Melton via Saxby Road and ascending Burton Road before traversing the Sawgate Lane final ‘special’ rough road sector of the race.

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Icon or legend .. which ever word you want to use, having Fabian Cancellera endorse the race is a big deal!

‘The CiCLE Classic has gained a reputation for being one of the toughest one day races on the European international calendar, and the changes introduced for our special anniversary year are intended to raise this reputation even higher’, said Race Director Colin Clews.

‘With the addition of the extra climbs of Cuckoo Hill and Burton Road, the new routing also enables a much longer straight within Sherrard Street for the finishing sprint providing a more equal final sprint for the riders left in contention at that stage.

Teams confirmed include Cult Energy- Vital Water (Denmark), Reitumu-Delfin (Latvia), CK Banska (Slovakia), and Start-Trigon (Paraguay).

All are strong teams with Cult Energy (previously Glud & Marstrand) providing 2010 race winner Michael Berling and in 2013 he won two stages and held the race leaders jersey for a similar period at the Tour of Denmark against some of the world’s top teams.

In fact Dane Michael Berling recently expressed his passion for the race and commented: “I love the warm and great atmosphere all around the event from the organisation to all the spectators along the parcours.”

The Latvian team Reitumu fielded Tom Skeynes to a top 20 place in the Classic in 2013 before he went on to take 5th place in the World Championships Road Race for Under 23 riders, and Start who provided the 2013 King of the Hills winner in US rider Manuel Calixto.

Clews explained, “Since the CiCLE Classic established itself as Britain’s only single day international race, we have always emphasised that our intention is to encourage other British races to follow us to that level. Finally, in 2014 at least one race in the North East is taking that ‘plunge’ and we are delighted to see that.”

“Now however, we wish to set new targets for others by showing that we should also be providing high quality races for our up and coming riders, so once again we are setting down markers for others to follow. For now though, our intention is clear, we want to help “create Britain’s future champions, Today!”

The day prior to the Classic the ever popular Rutland CiCLE Tour all comers rides will once again be staged, starting and finishing at Normanton alongside Rutland Water. This year sponsored by Dare2b the rides expect to see well over 1200 taking part.

Hugh Porter, who won four world titles whilst cycling and achieved an MBE for his services to cycle racing and is CiCLE Classic Race Commentator said: “The CiCLE Classic, because of its own unique course and superb organisation sits right at the top of the pile of races I’ve commentated on”

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Where to see the race?
After the Start in Oakham, Rutland, the riders take in two laps of Rutland Water before returning through Oakham (hot spot). The remainder of the race then takes place in and around the A606 road between Oakham and Melton Mowbray.

Mostly to the south of this road and then shortly before the finish reverts to the north side to take in the ‘lung busting’ ascent of the final King of the Hills climb at ‘Cuckoo Hill’.

The race then embarks upon its new finishing circuit, past Stapleford hall and park, onto Saxby Road to enter Melton’s Sherrard Street in the reverse direction from all previous years, before crossing the finish line for the first time, and ascending Burton Road to reach the final rough road special sector of ‘Sawgate Lane’ near Burton Lazars and retracing past Stapleford Park to its conclusion in Melton.

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While the finish in Melton provides two viewings of the race nearing its end, there are many other vantage points for spectators along the route. Even the start in Oakham provides more action this year as shortly after the CiCLE Classic leaves town for its two laps of Rutland Water, the newly introduced Junior CiCLE Classic finishes in Oakham’s High Street at around 11.35, before the International race riders return through the town at full speed just after 12.00 noon.

From there, then make your way to Owston to ’really’ enjoy the race at its best. By leaving Owston after the races penultimate passage of the village, it is possible to reach Melton well in time to see the finish. In and around Owston are a number of special sectors which have to be seen to be believed.

Ask any of the marshals for guidance on how to find ‘Green Lane’ and ‘The Farmyard’ in particular.

At both the start and finish, full supporting events are being organised to ensure that spectators are kept properly entertained. In addition to the natural attraction of seeing the race at these points in the main town centres, the course offers a number of natural spectator points.

Recommended spectator points are Owston Village (6 race passages) or Burrough on the Hill (4 race passages.)

If new to the race, make sure however that you witness the truly awe inspiring passage of ‘Somerberg’ special sector. The race takes this in twice. Whereas the second passage may present problems of getting to the Melton finish line, after the second passage of Owston it is possible to get to this sector although entry is only from the Somerby side.

At Burrough on the Hill ‘Grants’ public house offers itself as a welcome on route hostelry, but please ensure ALL cars are parked off the race route.

At Owston, the village hall committee is again organising provision of official off road parking, on route barbeques and toilet facilities. The village is very compact and it is possible to see the riders more than once on most passages by walking just a short distance. They are pleased to welcome race followers as their guests for the day.

At Cold Overton, climb the long and gruelling climb from the A606 twice, the first time at around 12.20 and then again at around 13.35 before tackling their first passage of ‘Somerberg’ special sector.

Please be aware that on the minor roads around Owston and Burrough in particular vehicle access will be strictly controlled, so please follow any instructions given by marshals, and ensure that you park well off the roads being used for the race. Thank you.

Provisional Start List – Some teams will change riders due to illness, injury etc

Team Raleigh (GBR)
1 WILKINSON Ian
2 BLAIN Alexandre
3 BARKER Yanto
4 BOULO Matthieu
5 OLIPHANT Evan
6 CHRISTIAN Mark

Replacements:
KNEISKY Morgan
ATKINS George
STONES Liam

Team Vorarlberg (AUT)
7 HRINKOW Dominik
8 HOFER Andreas
9 JANORSCHKE Grischa
10 JAGER Patrick
11 SCHNAIDT Fabian
12 BALDO Nicholas

Replacements:
SPRINGER Christoph
WAUCH Tobias
WAUCH Dennis

Velosure – Giordana Racing (GBR)
13 BIALOBLCKI Marcin
14 EDMONDSON Nathan
15 CRONSHAW Matt
16 LAMPIER Steven
17 PARTRIDGE Rob
18 MOSS James

Replacements:
HARPER George
BUSTARD Tom
HEPWORTH Richard

Madison- Genesis (GBR)
19 SCULLY Thomas
20 NORTHEY Mike
21 HAWKINS Peter
22 STEWART Thomas
23 BIBBY Ian
24 HORTON Tobyn

Replacements:
TENNANT Andrew
HOLOHAN Liam
JELFS Dominic

Rapha-Condor-Sharp (GBR)
25 HOUSE Kristian
26 BRIGGS Graham
27 MOSES Thomas
28 HANDLEY Richard
29 LAVERACK Edward
30 GRIVELL-MELLOR Luke

Replacements:
CLANCY Edward
PORTER Elliott

Starley Primal Pro Cycling (GBR)
31 NICHOLSON Michael
32 CALDWELL Jamie
33 LINES David
34 FOX Will
35 PYM George
36 PULLAR Jack

Replacements:
BOWATER Perry
FOX Joe

Haribo -Beacon Cycling Team (GBR)
37 WILLIAMS Pete
38 BURKE Steven
39 SAMPSON James
40 SCOTT Jake
41 WOMERSLEY Jake
42 KING James

Cult Energy – Vital Water (DEN)
43 MORTENSEN Martin
44 STEROBO Rasmus Brandstrup
45 CHRISTENSEN Mads
46 PEDERSEN Mads
47 VINJEBO Emil
48 STEENSEN Andre

Replacements:
REIHS Michael
VINTHER Troels Ronning

Keith -Model – Tarazin (ESP)
49 CHACON Javier
50 MARCOS Juraco
51 PLAZA Estaban
52 SOLA Manuel
53 VIGIL Andres
54 KEUSER Andreas

Replacements:
RAMIREZ Juan Carlos

Metaltek Kuoto (GBR)
55 BJERGFELT Will
56 FLEEMAN Dan
57 McGOWAN Dave
58 GARDIAS Dexter
59 BARTLETT Chris
60 STOCKDALE Ben

Replacements:
MARTIN Adam
ADAMS Stephen
MAY Zac

Park Hotel Continental Team (NED)
61 BOSMAN Gert Jan
62 JUDD James
63 BROERS Remco
64 NOLTEN Bram
65 OCKELOEN Jasper
66 REUS Kai

Replacements:
BLOKKER Joris
SCHELLEVIS Rutger

BH – Solidor – WAMyouthT (GBR)
67 SMITH Martin
68 NOBLE Nick
69 STOCKDALE Tom
70 JAMES Owen
71 RYAN Conor
72 HUMPHREYS Bevan

Replacements
YEATMAN Rob

NFTO Pro Cycling (GBR)
73 DOWNING, Russ
74 LOWSLEY-WILLIAMS James
75 McCALLUM James
76 BLYTHE Adam
77 MOULD Jon
78 WILLIAMS Sam

Replacements:
HUNT Josh
WILSON Hugh

Koga Cycling Team (NED)
79 Van HAAREN Bart
80 CASTELIJNS Twan
81 De CREEF Robbert
82 TIMMERMANS Tristan
83 BOSKAMP Melvin
84 ATZORI Umberto

Replacements:
SCHIPPER Jesper
De JONG Martyjn
HAAN Wouter

85
86
87
88
89
90

An Post – Chain Reaction (IRL)
91 DOULL Owain
92 McCARTHY Robert Jon
93 McNALLY Mark
94 DUNNE Conor
95 O’SHEA Glenn
96 ARCHBOLD Shane

Replacements:
GATE Aaron
FREND Keiren
DOWNEY Sean
CHRISTIE Marcus
WILSON Jack

Deschuytter-Westkerk (BEL)
97 DHIEDT Bram
98 POLLIE Dimitri
99 SONNEVILLE Jarno
100 RYELANDT Bryan
101 MASARU Nakazoto
102 NAGOYA Yoshioka

Replacements:
BOORA Jules
TATSUKI Amagoi
TOORTELBOOM Frederik

Wheelbase-Altura-MGD (GBR)
103 BARRAS Tom
104 MURRAY Tom
105 MOSES Joe
106 WILSON Simon
107 DUGGLEBY Adam
108 COUPE Andy

KTM Road & Trail(GBR)
109 CLARKE David
110 GILHAM Kit
111 HAWDON Andrew
112 KELLY Joe
113 ADAMS Jack
114 TANFIELD Harry

CK Banska Bystrica (SLV) (SVK)
115 FRANO Martin
116 PALCAK Jozef
117 DEBNAR Miroslav
118 BATORA Lukas
119 HARING Martin
120 ZRELICA Roman

Replacements:
BADURA Karol
RUSINA Rudolf
VIGLASKY Ivan

100% Me – England (GB under 23 Academy.)
121 DIBBEN John
122 LATHAM Christopher
123 WOOD Oliver
124 BURTON Germain
125 RAGEN Jacob
126 LAWLESS Christopher

Start -Trigon Team (PAR)
127 MINO Gustavo
128 FRAZER Mauricio
129 WACKER Eugen
130 Van EERD David
131 IPARRAGIRRE Unal
132 PRIA Lars

Replacements:
BUSK Elias
SARMIENTO Johnatan
SOTO Ulises

Cycling Team 2020 (BEL)
133 DENOLF Richie
134 DULT Jasper
135 VAN CAUWENB’GH Yentl
136 VAN DEN BROEK Seppe
137 VOASSAERT Arne
138 EVRAERT Niels

Substitutes
MICHIELS Killian
NEEMELA Kristian
WILLIAMS Noah

Catford CC-Equipe Banks (GBR)
139 CARPENTER Lawrence
140 LATIMER Henry
141 ASHLEY Dennis
142 FRANKLIN Harry
143 YATES Liam
144 WALSBY James

Replacements
CAVEY Stephen

Team Corley Cycles (GBR)
145 SMITH Michael
146 GEE Matthew
147 SHUSTER Jonny
148 GOULBOURNE William
149 NEALE Tom
150 JONES Matthew

Scotland CWG Team (GBR)
151 FERGUSON, Grant
152 GALLAGHER Kenta
153 STEWART Mark
154 TRODDEN Philip
155 MONTGOMERY Gareth
156 PATON Iain

FELT -Colbornes -Hargroves (GBR)
157 HOLT Simon
158 HARGROVES Andrew
159 HOY Justin
160 HIGGINS Matthew
161 MARDLE Richard

East Midlands Region (GBR)
162 PARTRIDGE Marcus
163 FLETCHER David
164 PERRY Mark
165 BOOTH Dan
166 COX, Paul

Neon Velo Cycling Team (GBR)
167 ROBINSON Hugo
168 MINTING Alex
169 WOOLF Kristian
170 WOOD George
171 JOBBER James

Substitutes:
GREEN Josh
STEVENS Dan

Spirit Bikes Race Team (GBR)
172 BAINES Mark
173 CLEMENS Ed
174 DREDGE Chris
175 WALLER Jack

Repalcements
MARRIOTT Andy

Audlem Cycling Club (GBR)
176 WILKINSON Richard
177 HARRISON Mike
178 HOTCHKISS Todd
179 JONES Alex

180 TBC
181 TBC
182 TBC
183 TBC

Central Region (GBR)
184 SCOTT Jamie
185 HAMPTON Russell
186 HALES Jake
187 HOWELLS Rhys

Replacements
SYBRANDY Wouter

Achieve Skinnergate Racing
188 REES Jack
189 TIMOTHY Tom
190 HETHERINGTON Ben
191 BROWN Will

Replacements
HUMPHREY Collin

Champion System – Club Roost (GBR)
192 BYRNE Dillon
193 KELLET Ben
194 HARDGRAVES Jordan
195 BAYLIS Seb

Replacements:
SMITH Stephen

Clay Cross Road Team (GBR)
196 WILSON Nathan
197 SHACKLLETON, Dave
198 HAYNES William
199 COWLEY Blake


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