Find out where you can watch the CiCLE Classic this Sunday and where there will be road closures in place as a part of the annual event.

The Rutland – Melton International CiCLE Classic is known for its unique and challenging course that takes riders through the picturesque countryside of Rutland and Leicestershire. 

The 18th edition of the event is set to take place this Sunday, 28 April 2024.  

While the the official race start will take place at approximately 11am at Oakham Enterprise Park, with the ceremonial start once again taking place on Oakham High Street - which will be cordoned off for parking along with Oakham Market Place from 10pm on Saturday 27 April until Sunday 28 April at 1pm.

The race will pass through Langham, Barleythorpe, Cold Overton, Burton Lazars and other local villages, finishing in Melton Mowbray. 

Follow the route this weekend. Image credit: CiCLE Classic website screenshot.

Road closures will take place across the route throughout the day, but will only be in place for approximately 15 minutes while the riders pass through.

Road closures include:

• Total closure of Oakham High Street between Burley Road mini roundabout and Church Street junctions from 8am on Sunday 28 April until 1pm on the same day
• No waiting and parking vehicles in Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray to be effective from 10pm on Saturday 27 April until Sunday 28 April at 6pm
• Total closure of Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray between Burton Street and Sage Cross Street junctions from 8am on Sunday 28 April until 6pm on the same day
• Total closure of Sage Cross Street, Melton Mowbray between 3 and 4pm on Sunday 28 April
• Total closure of Main Street, Melton Road, Butt Lane, The Mere, part Coston Lane, unclassified road, and Sewstern Road, Wymondham, between 11.15am and 12.05pm on Sunday 28 April 
• Total closure of the B676, Saxby Road between its junction with Thorpe Road/Thorpe End /Norman Way, Melton Mowbray and Stapleford Lane between 3 and 4pm on Sunday 28 April

This year, over 170 riders have entered the race, which is dubbed 'Britain's Belgian Classic' and is the country's only international one day event for men.

Last year's winner was Luke Lamperti for Trinty Racing.

Cyclists competing in the 2023 event heading through Owston, where there was a BBQ and drinks tent and activities. Image credit: Nub News.

The organisers have shared a list of suggestions where spectators will get the best view:

1. The START in Oakham Town Centre - team presentations and interviews with the Race favourites from 10am until the 11am start, with many outlets open and serving coffee to help keep all refreshed as well as entertained.
2. For those wishing to see the race start proper this will take place close to the entrance to Rutland Enterprise Park entrance on Ashwell Road. After a 4.3 km neutralised ride out from the Market Place.
3. Once again, It will be quick, with five viewings in around 35 minutes, but Wymondham village will play host to the race on its new opening section. Where better to watch that at the Berkeley Arms in Main Street or the Windmill where two Hot Spot sprints take place on the climb.
4. This year the new 'Mataberg' sector, adds an extra attraction to this early part of the race. Whist this sector is NOT open to spectators the final steep and narrow climb back to Glebe Road just a short distance from the village centre is well worth a viewing.
5. You will need to leave Oakham in advance of the race start to make it to Wymondham by just after 11 o'clock when the village will be closed down, but refreshments and entertainment will be there, and it is totally practical that having seen the race there, leaving via Stapleford and Leesthorpe, to get to Owston before the race arrives there for the first time.
6. Back then to Oakham Town Centre to see the Oakham Wines sprint be contested.
7. The 'Barleyberg' climb, newly resurfaced will be reinstated into the route and gives extensive views across Rutlanbd Water as the riders crest this ascent or if that preferred to the high speed sprint in Oakham for the 'Oakham Wines' sprint.
8. That leads directly to the top of Cold Overton hill for the first King of the Hills climb.
9. Or alternatively await the first passage of 'Somerberg' which this year occurs before the race reaches Owston for its first passage of the village.
10. Owston or Burrough on the Hill for the races many passages through those villages. At Owston enjoy the party atmosphere of the day, the village BBQ, and the opportunity of taking in the pleasure of a 'Kwaremont' Belgian beer to accentuate the real character of the race. ,Or enjoy a more relaxed view of the race from Grant's Free House at Burrough over Sunday lunch and/ or a welcome drink.
11. Or back to Cold Overton Hill for the fourth King of the Hills climb, or onto 'Somerberg' (Bruces Lane) for the ultimate CiCLE Classic experience.
12. Stapleford Park to see the race traverse the two passages of the new off road sectors dissecting the beautiful parkland area.
13. Melton town centre where following the local annual St Georges day parade the race will pass through the town and riders contest a sprint for the 'Pork Pie' sprint award donated by Dickenson & Morris, before commencing their finishing circuit via Burton Lazers and Stapleford Park.
14. At the FINISH in Sherrard Street at approximately 3.45pm.

Hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available at various locations on and around the course, not the least at the start and finish areas in Oakham and Melton town centres, and Owston, which holds an annual BBQ and more.

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.

Enjoy the race, and keep yourselves and your cars off the road and out of the way of the cyclists.

Find out more about the annual event here.