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CiCle Classic Road Race

Location: Melton, Rutland.

17th April 2011

The CiCle Classic Road race also known as the Rutland is an event similar to the Tour of Dengie Marshes which includes off road sectors across farm fields to make a unique event. This was is the only UCI (1.2) classified road race in the UK so attracted a full 200 rider international field and the only way I could get an entry was by guest riding for Primal Wear Europe which was very kind of them.

After signing on the day before and making sure my bike was in good working order and checking that all bolts are tight it was a nice and relaxed morning before the race. The weather was good so that meant that the race should be safer with less crashes on the off road sectors. The race started quite casually and I was trying to move up toward the front of the race but this was harder than it sounds as every one was fighting to be up there. The first part of the race was on wide open roads and was the easiest part of the race.

As soon as I got in to a good position towards the front of the peleton a rider decided to fall off in front of me leaving no other option apart from riding over him. I went down with a few other riders but with no damage to my body. My bike on the other hand had a damaged front wheel and a punctured tub…a few service cars went flying past and I was thinking this is race over. The James Smith the manager of the team I was guesting for kindly gave me his wheel and said you’re the stronger rider get going.

I chased my way to the back of the race convoy and started using the cars to move my way up to the back of the peleton…I was remaining calm and jumping one car at a time and recovering behind it so that I did waste all my energy getting there as quick as possible. As I approached the back of the peleton there was a surge which put me back behind the first car. I sat here until the race calmed down and rejoined the race.

I was now back in the race but the only problem was we were in the narrow rough lanes and there was a big group of riders up the road. I remained in this group for the rest of the race as many riders including Magnus Backstead and local rider and friend Dale Appleby just cruising around to finish. I finished in 87th place out of the 200 riders that started so was an achievement to finish the race but had higher expectations but that was hindered with some bad luck. There is always next year I guess…I really enjoyed the atmosphere and terrain of the race…this will be on my racing calendar for 2012 that’s for sure.

Ben

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