Uncertainty over whether Melton Mowbray finish to major cycling event will ever return

The international event, which has generated an estimated £250,000 each time for the local economy of the Rutland town, used to start in Oakham and finish in Melton, with thrilling sprint finishes drawing big crowds to Sherrard Street.

But flooding caused the 2024 event to be cancelled and then construction work on the North East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (MMDR) prompted organisers to move the climax to Oakham in 2025 and again this year, with hundreds cheering on the riders as they crossed the line in High Street last month.

With the MMDR set to open this month and all building infrastructure being removed by the time of the next CiCLE Classic it appeared that the race might revive its Melton Mowbray finish.

But race director, Colin Clews, says no decision has been made and the potential for Melton to be used again was ‘very much up for debate and negotiation’.

He said a number of advantages and benefits had been identified from having an Oakham finale.

Mr Clews told the Melton Times: “Yes, in recent years the MMDR project has presented a number of logistical issues for the race which, with the insertion of two traffic islands and increased traffic management requirements to our traditional finishing circuit in Melton, still remain a little unclear.

"Additionally, it has to be said that the finish in Oakham over the last two years has proved very popular and well supported, above levels experienced previously in Melton for the same race.

"Logistically the single set up arrangements for the start and finish, rather than the transferred infrastructure for the race, has also meant an easier task for many of our supporting services and personnel.

"That said, with a number of our sponsors having interests in both Oakham and Melton I am currently consulting with a number to ascertain their thoughts and views upon the best fit for all concerned.

"Following this, a final decision can hopefully be made in the interests of the widest groups involved.”

A field of 176 riders from 15 countries took part in this year’s Sigma Sport/ Schwalbe UK Rutland International CiCLE Classic, the 20th edition of the event.

Despite the recent loss of the Melton finish, many neighbouring villages continue to commercially benefit from the field passing through their communities several times on the 185km route, including Wymondham, Owston, Stapleford Park and Burrough-on-the-Hill.

And Mr Clews confirmed that the other two cycling events which currently finish in Melton every March – the Women’s and Junior Men’s CiCLE Classics – will continue as they are.

Mr Clews added: “Certainly the format for the women's and junior men’s races is solid and they will continue to be held as in previous years with a start and finish in Melton town centre.

“The international race is, however, very much up for debate and negotiation.”