Rutland CiCLE Classic
Britain’s Belgium Classic
Summary
Rutland CiCLE is billed as ‘Britain’s Belgium Classic’. An elite men’s cycle race which is recognised all around the world. Sadly, I am not a professional. However, following the popularity of the Rutland race. Velo29 has created a super CiCLE Tour sportive that anybody can cycle. It mimics the elite professional route, including some of the same paved gravel sections. All routes follow along quiet farmland tracks, around the picturesque ‘Rutland water’, and through quaint villages. Wedged between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire, it is the smallest historic county in England but provided some superb cycling. I’d highly recommend putting the Rutland CiCLE sportive in your cycling diary!
The Ride
The ride began like any other Sportive I have entered, tired and slightly apprehensive. I was staying at the Teigh Old Rectory in Oakham the night before, which has featured in the 1995 BBC series of Pride and Prejudice. It offered a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm, in a fantastic location just 8 minutes away from the start of the sportive. I felt delighted with my stay, but I didn’t appreciate the windy conditions. I was hoping it was going to ease throughout the night, unfortunately it didn’t, which would make the ride extremely tough.
As I lined up on the start line, I started to regret my decision to commit to the long route. I doubted myself for a moment. There is always that fear of not being able to complete a ride. I was hoping it wasn’t going to happen today. It was extremely gusty too, which always makes it difficult.
The beginning had me riding along a few main roads before eventually following single-track country lanes. Hedges and trees sheltered the lanes, making the wind barely noticeable. There was a westerly wind that acted as a tailwind, making pedalling feel almost effortless. I could feel the exercise and fresh air rejuvenating me.
The route itself was a welcoming change to the Yorkshire terrain I was so used to it. Usually known for its ferocious gradients, often inclement weather, and wild scenery. It was extremely uplifting; I enjoyed every moment. Even the short gravel sections I found enjoyable, although technical in areas. It was a challenge and something I felt slightly out of my comfort zone doing. However, it’s experiences like these that teach you about yourself.
Not long into the ride, I soon arrived at the first feed station. A chance for me to quickly refill my water bottle, have a bite to eat, then jumped straight back on my bike. I continued along the narrow, windy lanes of Rutland. Passing through quiet villages, over horrendous gravel, and past vast areas of exposed farmlands. The scenery and terrain couldn’t be more varied. Whilst I continued, the wind direction changed. I was struggling to fight against an extremely strong headwind. It was like cycling through treacle. Every pedal stroke, every slight rise in the road, was depleting my energy reserves. It was awful! Despite that, I pushed on. Head down, fighting against the wind, and fighting against my mind and legs so that they wouldn’t give up on me. Like I said before, it’s experiences like these that teach you about yourself.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t until the last feeding station when that the wind direction began to change, despite suffering throughout the majority, it was the last 15 miles when I was blessed with a glorious tailwind back to the finish. I was practically pushed to the finish line. Where I guzzled a recovery drink down me, then collapsed into a big heap on a nearby seat.
Despite the tough conditions, I loved every minute.
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