News: Sturgess for CiCLE Classic

Colin Sturgess to race in the East Midlands team for the 2019 Edition of the Rutland – Melton International CiCLE Classic on Sunday 28th April alongside Russell Downing

News: Sturgess for CiCLE Classic

Never slow on emulating anything that the continental classic races can contemplate, the 15th edition of the Rutland – Melton International CiCLE Classic on Sunday 28th April is to provide its own Andrea Tafi moment.

Colin (Left) back in the saddle at the CiCLE Classic

Just a few months ago the former top Italian rider, and former winner of ‘Paris-Roubaix’ announced his wish at the age of 53 to once again ride in that race. Whilst his wish fell on ‘deaf ears’ from major continental teams, this year’s Rutland – Melton CiCLE Classic will see former World Professional Pursuit and British Road Race champion Colin Sturgess take on today’s best riders at the age of 51 years.

Sturgess, who in recent year’s is better known as a Team Manager, has an awesome pedigree in that role, ‘steering’ Dan Fleeman from the small Melton based Metaltek-Kuota squad to a popular local victory in the 2017 edition of the CiCLE Classic, and more recently Connor Swift to victory on behalf of Madison – Genesis at the 2018 National Road race championships. He is no stranger to getting the best out of others, and in his younger years, himself.

Sturgess will line up in the Pearce Jewellers-RDA sponsored East Midlands team alongside locals Rob Orr and Tom Dussek together with guest rider Russell Downing, himself a former British National Road champion and member of Team Sky.

Speaking this week, Race Director Colin Clews spoke warmly of Sturgess’s interest in riding the race,“ Colin has shown throughout his cycling career total commitment to whatever he embarks upon. Anyone who remembers his achievements in the late eighties and early nineties will give testament to this. Since returning to the sport he has shown the same dedication and sacrifice to helping the riders he managed achieve their goals and ride above themselves. If Colin is in a race, then he will be there to contribute, not just to watch others. Age is no barrier to commitment, as Malcolm Elliott proved in winning the CiCLE Classic in 2007 at the ag of 47 years. No one will expect Colin to do so at his first attempt at the race, but it will certainly not stop him trying!!’