Rutland's one day classic an international sell-out

Britain’s only one day international classic style road race, the Tesco-sponsored Rutland - Melton International CiCLE Classic continues to grow in popularity.

In fact this year, its seventh, the race has proved such a draw that organisers have had to decline some teams’ entries.

Race director Colin Clews told the Rutland Times: “This year demand for places at the CiCLE Classic from teams, both foreign and British, has been greatly increased. Over the past three weeks ten additional foreign teams have had to be turned away, which demonstrates the reputation that the event now has in continental circles.

“However, the ten foreign squads that will ride the event present the biggest and most intense continental challenge to our home riders.”

The 2011 event will still feature a total of 33 teams from across Europe including riders from Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Belgium, France and Spain.
Three previous winners will be among them: 2006 champion Robin Sharman, 2007 winner Malcolm Elliott and current title holder Michael Berling of Denmark.

The race takes place on Sunday, April 17 starting at 11am  from the Market Place in Oakham town centre and finishing on Sherrard Street, Melton Mowbray at around 3 pm.