Rutland Cicle Classic Sunday 21st - who's going

I've previously posted about this event, so this is a reminder that the Rutland Cicle Classic is on next Sunday (21st). All the top UK teams will be represented and there will also be a further 12 UCI continental teams - it is a big race and the best chance to see top riders outside of the ToB. It's also a very tough course and being on a circuit, a good race to watch.

So what's happening?

The plan is to watch at Owston in Rutland. The race does several circuits around the village, and includes an off-road section on gravel tracks. There is usually a good crowd there, BBQ at the village hall and Hugh Porter commentating.

If the weather is decent, I and a few others will ride there and back - it's 49 miles each way from St Neots to Owston, and it is fairly lumpy (but heading home will be more downhill). The Route: gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_2994551.html

A couple of other guys (Mark C) are planning to drive up, and I think they'll be happy to take stuff for those riding.

The race is expected in Owston from around midday, I suggest we aim to get there for about 11.30am. Those riding from St Neots should leave around 8am. If we're good for time we can stop off at Oundle or Uppingham for a coffee.

So who's in? Good riding miles in great country, plus watching a bit of world class racing.

Finally this was last year's experience... velorichard.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/rut...the-spectators-dnfd/

I am interested in going up to Rutland, but i think i will be driving

rob

Think i'll be driving too, even if i was up to the ride, GF isn't and she wants to come too!

Morning all, thought I'd try and save Richard a job and give this a nudge back up to the top. Anyone else thinking of riding up to this (as nuts as that may sound)?

Weather still looking to be sunny intervals, not sure on wind direction/speed at this stage though (hopefully slightly less blustery than Wednesday night!)

I haven't decided if I'm going yet, but I'll ride if I do. The BBC is reporting kinder winds for the weekend at the moment.

-- Andy Mc

Mark C, my wife and I are driving up and have offered to carry anything for those planning to ride. We'll also have a bike rack just in case! We are watching at Owston. Andy H

Andy, any chance of dropping some warm(er) clothes with you just in case? Also would tonight or tomorrow be better?

Also nosing through the entry list Madison-Genesis are competing who are a team solely using steel frame bikes I believe and pedant that I am have spotted a typo as it's Rapha-Condor-JLT now not Sharp ...

No probs. Anytime today or tomorrow. Do you have the address?

I don't Andy, if you want to message me on here, Twitter (direct message) or text me I'll also discuss a time to drop by. Thanks!

Tomorrow will probably best for me as I'll have a better idea of how I fared in the morning out on the road!

Right tomorrows plan for riding to the race...

Meet at the Market Square at 8am and leave soon after. If people from the western villages / Buckden prefer, then be at the Tavern, Great Staugton for 8.20am and we'll pick you up on the way out. (I may wait there rather than ride into St Neots!)

We should have time to stop for coffee/brunch at Oundle, or could try Uppingham, lets see how we feel!

We should arrive at Owston around 11.30 to watch the race.

As has already been said, several people will be driving up, so can take any spare gear / food you want.

If you decide you don't want to ride back, Mark C will be taking his bike rack. My wife, Annis, will also be driving up and will have room for one bike/person too (although you may have to listen to Abba or kids music).

If you are planning to ride, might be an idea to PM mobile numbers.

cheers

Richard

Thank you Richard for organising, both you and Adrian B for towing me along (massive kudos to Adrian for riding back as well) and also to Andy H for the lift back.

If the sun had stayed out and the wind not picked up then I might have considered the ride back. That and I have to drive to Manchester tomorrow morning (at least that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

was a good day out (even if I took the easy option of the car)

after the third last pass in Owston (and Jimmy Mach nearly lost it and sprayed my shoes with gravel)


, we headed into Melton Mowbray to catch the finish.

brisk breeze coming down the finish straight kept it quite chilly, and the crowd could have been a bit livelier!!