PREVIEW: Melton to host two huge cycle challenges this weekend - all you need to know

The first two big cycle challenges of the year are taking place tomorrow (26th March) with some exciting competition guaranteed.

With a field of 119 and 121 riders respectively, Sunday’s 7th ANEXO /CAMS Women’s and 9th Junior CiCLE Classics look certain to live up to their classic titles as the first National showdowns of 2023 for their respective cycling categories.

With the absence of any of the illustrious names of World and Olympic champions who have won the Women’s CiCLE Classic race in the past, everyone can look forward to scintillating racing as new names will look to take home the coveted, £1000 first prize and Dame Laura Kenny trophy that awaits the winner.

The Women's and Juniors CiCLE Classics return on 26th March. Photo: NEMM

Similarly with just a two year age band for the Junior Men, a new name first across the finish line in Melton is guaranteed for the Junior Men’s race.

Race Director Colin Clews said, “ Since the Women’s Classic was first held in 2016 the race has consistently been won by World and Olympic Champions such as Katie Archibald and Neah Evans, with Josie Nelson following in her sister Emily’s wheel marks when winning the race last year. The junior race can also look to some notable names taking part such as Tom Pidcock, who although never a CiCLE Classic winner has now progressed to the World cycling stage at the renowned INEOS Team alongside 2017 Junior CiCLE Winner Josh Tarling. With a

winner able to come from any quarter in either race will make for exciting racing with both events being the first major British race in 2023 for both categories. Every rider will therefore be wishing to impress!”

Both races once again form part of the season long British Cycling Road Race series for their categories, on this occasion the first round of each competition.

Dame Laura Kenny (pictured with 2022 winner Josie Nelson) will be handing out the winners trophies again this year. Photo: NEMM

Whoever does come out on top will be greeted and presented with the winner’s trophy bearing her name by Dame Laura Kenny who will also be accompanied on the Presentation podium by CAMS brand ambassador, former multi World and Olympic champion Ed Clancy.

Dame Laura Kenny pictured in 2022 with Dickinson & Morris Brand Ambassador Stephen Hallam. Photo: NEMM

The junior Men’s race will commence at 9.00 am from Sherrard Street and return for its first passage of the town around 11.00 before finishing close to the Market Place approximately 20 minutes later.

The Women’s CiCLE Classic then starts at 14.00 and returns to Sherrard Street for its first passage around 16.00 and then finish around 16.20.

Both events will follow the same arduous and demanding 105 kms course passing through Pickwell, Somerby and Burrough, on a number of differing circuits in and around Owston where most of the off roads sectors can be found.

Both events are sponsored overall by ANEXO and CAMS, with support from Melton BID, GSG Clothing, Kwaremont Beer, Dickinson & Morris, (‘Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe’) Tim Norton Motors of Oakham and Pearces Jewellers.

For the safety of competitors and other road users, both races will operate a formal rolling road closure throughout most of the course. The road being closed shortly before the race approaches each key point, and reopened within 10 -15 minutes later on average.

The exception to this this will be Sherrard Street , Melton which will be closed from 7.00 am to 18.00 hrs, and Saxby Road. The latter will be closed for the entirety of the riders completing the finishing circuit on their approach to Melton. Saxby Road will therefore be closed to non- race vehicles for approximately 40 minutes between 10.45 and 11.45, and again in the afternoon between 15.45 and 16.45. These closures will be kept to a minimum period on each occasion.

In just a few weeks a fully international field of Elite professional male cyclists will also take to the local roads, but over an even more daunting 180 kms course between Oakham and Melton, when on 23rd April the 17th edition of the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic will take to local roads sponsored by Sigma Sports and Schwalbe UK.

In 2023 the opportunities to view the two races are numerous. For the enthusiastic spectator the race is possibly the most spectator friendly races to ever watch. it is possible to see the race in over 7-8 places during its circuitous route from Melton back to Melton.

A map of the route for Sunday's races.

Suggestions:

1. The START in Melton town centre with the start of the Junior Men at 09.30 and the Elite Women at 14.00.

2. In Somerby for the first passage of the race there.

3. Owston or Burrough on the Hill for the races 5/6 passages through those villages. At Owston enjoy the party atmosphere of the day, or enjoy a more relaxed view of the race from The ‘Stag & Hounds’ Public House at Burrough over Sunday lunch and or a welcome drink.

4. The top of Cold Overton hill for the second Queen/King of the Hills climb.

5. Or onto ‘Somerberg’ (Bruce’s Lane) for the ultimate CiCLE Classic experience .

6. The entry or exit of the penultimate rough sector of the race at Sawgate Lane just on the edge of Melton.

7. In Melton town centre for the first passage and then spectacular finish of the junior Men’s race, and the first passage of the town by the riders in the Women’s race who will contest a sprint for the ‘Pork Pie’ sprint award donated by Dickenson & Morris before commencing their finishing circuit via Burton Lazers and Stapleford.

8. At the FINISH in Sherrard Street around 12.00 noon for the Junior Men, and 16.30 for the Women.

Hot & cold drinks and snacks will be available at various locations on and around the course.

Please allow plenty of time to get from one point to another and be prepared to encounter the road closures which will apply as soon as the race approaches and will apply until the last of the ‘effective’ race passes.

Also please remember to park your cars well off the road especially if parking on any of the many narrow roads that the race uses particularly around Owston and Burrough on the Hill.

If viewing at Owston please use the identified car parks and always obey any instructions from race marshals.