Tough route unveiled for Women's CiCLE Classic

The route was confirmed earlier this week, promising all of the Belgian Classics character of its international men’s big brother.

While the men ride a tortuous 180km course, the women face a condensed 95km version, starting and finishing in Melton, but with all of the off-road sectors covered in the men’s race, including two passages of Somerberg. 

Race director Colin Clews, from Wymondham, said: “Ninety-five kilometres of racing may seem little to many of the country’s accomplished women road racers, but the course chosen is completely different from anything ever ridden by them in Britain previously.”

The Classic is set to take place on Sunday, July 17, just one week after the end of the British Cycling National Women’s Road Race Series and offers a £1,000 first prize.

The race will use the same finishing circuit as the men in Melton town centre, and has been endorsed by Melton Business Improvement District.

Also associated with the women’s race will be the Dare2bMelton CiCLE Challenge, an all-comers sporting or leisure ride over varying distances. It will cover parts of the official course including the finish gantry in Sherrard Street.

Entry for the sportif event opened earlier this week online at the British Cycling website www.britishcycling.org.uk under ‘Events’.

While private backing guarantees the women’s race for 2016, organisers are hoping to find commercial sponsors to secure its future.

n Anyone wishing to sponsor the race, at any level, should call Colin on 07979 856262 or email [email protected]