For those who do not know it, the newly named Tesco Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic is the UK's only UCI-ranked one day 'road' race and has been saved from cancellation by the timely sponsorship intervention of a charitable trust.
The race could be variously described as the UK's RvV or Tour of Battenkill for our cousins over the pond. Raced over a combination of back country roads and grave in the English counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, for many of us UK riders it is the highlight of the domestic season. Racing up the short climb into Owston with packed crowds in the village with the smell of dogs and frites in the air and the cat 2/3/4 riders on their third or fourth Duvel screaming encouragement there's a real feel of Flanders to this race.
So, a massive congratulations to Colin Clews for his efforts in securing this race for 2011. It would be a travesty if the hard work of the organisers is not rewarded with further funding because this truly is a great UK race.
I for one am over the moon to hear today's news.
The race could be variously described as the UK's RvV or Tour of Battenkill for our cousins over the pond. Raced over a combination of back country roads and grave in the English counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, for many of us UK riders it is the highlight of the domestic season. Racing up the short climb into Owston with packed crowds in the village with the smell of dogs and frites in the air and the cat 2/3/4 riders on their third or fourth Duvel screaming encouragement there's a real feel of Flanders to this race.
So, a massive congratulations to Colin Clews for his efforts in securing this race for 2011. It would be a travesty if the hard work of the organisers is not rewarded with further funding because this truly is a great UK race.
I for one am over the moon to hear today's news.
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