Find out where you can watch the CiCLE Classic this weekend, Sunday 23 April 2023.

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 17th edition of the event is set to take place this Sunday.  

While the the official race start will take place at 11am at Oakham Enterprise Park, those wanting to catch the pre-race interviews and team presentations can do so from 10:15am in Oakham Town Centre. 

The race will kick-off at 11am, passing 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.

Marking the event, there will also be a pop up market taking place on Oakham's Mill Street from 9am until 1pm. 

Read on to find out the best places to catch the race from the official CiCLE Classic team:

• For those wishing to see the actual race start then Rutland Enterprise Park on Ashwell Road will be the place to be.
• You will need to leave Oakham in advance of the race start to make it to Wymondham by just after 11am, when the village will be closed down, but refreshments and entertainment will be there.
• The race will leave via Stapleford and Leesthorpe, to get to Owston before the race arrives there for the first time.
• Back then to Oakham Town Centre to see the Oakham Wines sprint be contested.
• Owing to the absence of 'Berleyberg' sector on this occasion it will not be possible to both view the Oakham sprint and the exit from the former sector, but instead a position on Cold Overton Road on the hill as the race leaves Oakham could be a must to see the riders at a slower pace.
• The top of Cold Overton hill for the first King of the Hills climb.
• In Somerby for the first passage of the race there.
• Owston or Burrough on the Hill for the races many passages through those villages. At Owston enjoy the party atmosphere of the day, or enjoy a more relaxed view of the race from Grant's Free House at Burrough over Sunday lunch and or a welcome drink.
• Alternatively, head back to Cold Overton Hill for the fourth King of the Hills climb, or onto 'Somerberg' (Bruces Lane) for the ultimate CiCLE Classic experience.
• Go to Stapleford Park to see the race traverse the two passages of the new off road sectors dissecting the beautiful parkland area.
• Alternatively, catch the entry or exit of the penultimate rough sector of the race at Sawgate Lane, just on the edge of Melton.
• Next, the race will go to 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 Lazars and Stapleford Park.
• The finish will take place in Melton's Sherrard Street.

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 'al fresco' BBQ style at Owston where a party atmosphere is always guaranteed, and where there will be a commentary point for much of the race.

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.