Smiles all round as Finney is first to finish in Women's CiCLE Classic

A huge round of applause greeted Jessica Finney on Sunday afternoon as she crossed the finish line of the Women's CiCLE Classic in a shock win for the professional cyclist.

The Anexo Cams 7th Womens CiCLE Classic took place which saw the racers take on a thrilling and demanding 105 kms course passing through Pickwell, Somerby and

Burrough, on a number of differing circuits in and around Owston.

The riders on their first pass of Melton approaching Thorpe End with winner Jessica in third place. Photo: NEMM

The winner took home the highly coveted £1000 first prize and Dame Laura Kenny trophy which was presented to Jessica by the Olympian herself.

The Top trio on Sunday's podium. Photo: NEMM

Dame Kenny was joined on stage by CAMS brand ambassador, former multi-World and Olympic champion Ed Clancy.

Women's Classic 2023 Winner Jessica Finney celebrates her win. Photo: NEMM

Jessica, who races for team AWOL O'Shea, fought a tough race and managed to claim the top podium spot and prizes with a respectful time of 2:51:43. She was joined on the podium by Monica Greenwood DAS - Handsling Bikes who took home second place and third place Flora Perkins (U23) from Fenix-Deceuninck Development Team.

Jessica crosses the finish line on Sunday. Photo: NEMM

Race Director Colin Clews told NEMM: "Overall very, very pleased at the outcome and the way the races went. Difficult conditions for many riders with the cold wet conditions but they all rode brilliantly and put on the 'show' yet again that our course seems to bring out the best in riders! Surprise winners in both cases, but clearly both the best on the day."

Dame Laura Kenny hands over the prizes during the presentations on Sunday. Photo: NEMM

Colin added: Credit particularly to all of the race helpers and marshals, the medical team and the Leicestershire police who guided the safety of the race so marvellously, and to hardworking Leics & Rutland 4 x 4 Response Group who proved their compassion for any rider that found themselves in difficulty.

Now on to the International race in 4 weeks!!"

Race winner Jessica Finney. Photo: NEMM

Earlier on Sunday morning the junior race took place which followed the same gruelling course as the Women's race.

BCC Race Team cyclist Ben Marshall crossed the finish line in first place with a time of 2:40:34, closely followed by MAS Design - Fensham Howes Jacob Bush and RTD JsCycleShack's Sebastian Grindley.

Ed Clancy hands over the winner's jersey on Sunday. Photo: NEMM

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.