Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic 2016: Where to watch

Here is a guide to some of the best, complete with approximate times of arrival.

After the riders roll out of Oakham for the 11am start, they head out for two laps of Rutland Water before returning to the market town for the first of the day’s hot spot sprints (12.05pm).

The remainder of the race then takes place in and around the A606 road between Oakham and Melton, mostly to the south of this road.

It is possible to see the start in Oakham; see the riders complete their first lap of Rutland Water and then to make your way to Owston (arrives 1pm) to enjoy the race at its best.

The course offers a number of natural spectator points. Recommended points are Owston Village, which has six race passages, or Burrough-on-the-Hill (four passages).

At Owston the village hall committee has once again organised off-road parking, on-route barbecues and toilets and are pleased to welcome race followers as their guests.

The village is very compact and it is possible to see the riders more than once on most passages with a short walk.

By leaving Owston after the race’s fifth and penultimate passage of the village, it’s possible to see the riders at Sawgate and still reach Melton well in time to see the finish.

At Burrough,(arrives 12.48pm), Grants public house (Sponsor of a hill prime) offers itself as a welcome on-route hostelry, but please ensure all cars are parked off the race route.

Here the riders will make three ascents of Burrough Berg which will go a long way to deciding the King of the Hills winner.

The two passages of special sector Somerberg (arrives 1.49pm and 2.21pm) is always popular with spectators, if not the riders.

Locally known as Bruce’s Lane, it is probably the worst maintained public road in Britain.

The passages, once in either direction, of this enigmatic road epitomises the rugged character of the CiCLE Classic.

Riders then head for Melton, arriving at the finish line for the first time (3.10pm) before heading out on the finishing circuit.

Sawgate Lane (3.15pm), just outside Melton off the A606, is a great chance to see the riders one last time on the rough roads before they make their way back to the big finale in Sherrard Street (3.35pm).

For full route, visit www.cicleclassic.co.uk

* On the minor roads around Owston and Burrough, in particular, vehicle access is strictly controlled, so please follow any instructions given by marshals, and park well off the race route.