International cycle race returns to county

Cyclists from across the world will return to Rutland this weekend for an international road race.

More than 170 riders will tackle the 177km (109m) Rutland International CiCLE Classic on Sunday.

The event, which was cancelled last year due to severe flooding, will start and finish in Oakham town centre for the first time in the competition's 20-year history.

Traffic disruption is expected, with the centre of Oakham from the level crossing through to Burley Road, Burley Parkway Island and the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial being closed between 15:00 and 16:00 BST.

Teams from the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Italy will take part, as well as a Great Britain team comprising current Olympic and World champions.

Approximate timings of where to watch the race are as follows:

Start in Oakham - 11:00

Wymondham - 11:00 – 12:15

Ashwell - 12:20

Oakham - 12:30

Cold Overton - 12:45

Somerby/Owston/Burrough - 12:50-14:30

Stapleford - 14:45

Wymondham - 15:00

Market Overton - 15:05

Cottesmore - 15:10

Ashwell - 15:20

Burley on the Hill - 15:25

Ends in Oakham - 15:35

Race director Colin Clews said: "This year the race enters uncharted territory with the finish in Oakham, but a challenge which we feel will be very much worth the effort with Rutland County Council offering strong moral support to the event.

"There will inevitably be significant traffic disruption in and around Oakham, particularly between 15:00 and 16:00 when the race finishes.

"However, we would ask for anyone who may be potentially inconvenienced by the race to plan their routes and timing of their travel accordingly."

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