International CiCLE Classic 2023

Having recently moved out of London to the doorstep of Britain’s “Paris-Roubaix”, the Rutland-Melton Cicle Classic (think gravel and potholes rather than war-torn cobbles), I have very much been looking forward to this race.

I rode the Parcours shortly after moving here. My front fork clogged up with so much mud that my wheel wouldn’t go around, and I had to scrape it out with a stick… That is, in essence, the Cicle.

Here is a photo journal of my day as a “spectathlete” at Britain’s longest-running international (UCI) single-day bike race.

Never without coffee. Kash raced the women’s edition in March, but today, she volunteered to support her friends at Foran CC as the coolest water carrier in town.

Dan, possibly the only person laughing at the start line… Great to see my friends from “back home” in West London.

Good choice, Foran CC @Veloforte

My good friend, Alex Duffill, chaperoned. He managed to hide the fact it was his birthday until after the finish.

My first mirror selfie — minutes before the peloton rode through this puddle and drenched me.

Akira,Team Spectra, the highlight of every race.

Bumped into an old friend on the “Somerberg”, Nick Walling, former mechanic at Team GB and Wiggins.

The riders were still relatively clean at this point….

Irish Champion, Rory Townsend.

We headed to Owston for a few laps of the village.

Former pro, Matt Brammeier, cheering on the roadside.

The Sigma Sports crew.

In great company @Alice

Icon.

Final laps of Melton.

The winner, 2x USA criterium champ Luke Lamperti of Trinity Racing.

Best bikes in the bunch

Come and race in Britain, they said… It will be fun, they said…

Cam Jeffers, loves it…

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Thanks for reading.

(Spectathleting resumes at Lincoln GP,14th May)

G