Rutland Residents Face Renewed Flooding and Classic Cycle Race Cancelled

Rutland Residents Face Renewed Flooding and Classic Cycle Race Cancelled

Rutland residents awoke to a disheartening sight this morning – rising floodwaters once again inundating parts of the county. After a night of heavy rain, several villages found themselves underwater, continuing the recent trend of flooding that has plagued the area.

This latest deluge has caused significant disruption, with reports of flooded roads and properties. 

Adding to the disappointment, the iconic Rutland CiCLE Classic, a much-anticipated cycling race held annually for the past 18 years, has been forced to cancel due to the unsafe course conditions. This marks the first time in the event's history that it has been unable to run.

The Oakham Canal, thanks in no small part to the dedication of its volunteer crew, is no longer just a fair-weather destination.

The Oakham Canal, thanks in no small part to the dedication of its volunteer crew, is no longer just a fair-weather destination. Once hampered by muddy paths during wetter periods, the canal is now much more accessible year-round thanks to the hard work of these local heroes.

The Melton and Oakham Waterways Society, the driving force behind the canal's restoration, has actively recruited volunteers for path maintenance and improvement projects.  These volunteers have put in the hours to ensure the canal-side paths are well-maintained and less susceptible to the wet weather. This means that walkers, cyclists, and anyone else who enjoys spending time by the water can now experience the Oakham Canal even when the skies aren't cooperating.

It's a testament to the community spirit and the commitment of the volunteers that the canal can now be enjoyed throughout the year. So, next time you're in Oakham, take a moment to appreciate the Oakham Canal and the tireless work of the volunteers who have made it a more accessible amenity.

Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic Washed Out Due to Flooding 2024

Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic Washed Out Due to Flooding

The much-anticipated 18th edition of the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, Britain's only UCI international one-day race for men, was sadly cancelled today due to severe flooding in Rutland and Leicestershire villages.

The race, scheduled for today, April 28th, 2024, was set to see over 170 riders tackle the challenging 185km route across the picturesque countryside. With cyclists like Joe Blackmore, who has dominated the continental scene this year, registered to compete, the event promised to be an exciting display of athleticism.

However, heavy rains in recent days caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding villages along the planned course. Race organisers, prioritizing the safety of riders and spectators alike, made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

“We are incredibly disappointed to have to call off the race,” said Race Director Colin Clews. “We understand this is frustrating news for riders, spectators, and everyone involved in the event. However, the safety of everyone is our top concern, and the current conditions simply wouldn't allow for a safe race.”

Organisers are currently exploring options for rescheduling the race later in the season. They will provide updates on their website and social media channels.

https://cicleclassic.co.uk/

The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, a prestigious international cycling race scheduled to start this morning, has been delayed due to severe flooding in the Rutland and Leicestershire areas.

 

CiCLE Classic Start Delayed Due to Flooding, Organisers Plan New Route

The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, a prestigious international cycling race scheduled to start this morning, has been delayed due to severe flooding in the Rutland and Leicestershire areas. Areas originally planned for the route are currently under water, making the race unsafe and impossible to proceed as planned.

According to race officials, the start time has been pushed back to 12:30 pm to allow for a revised route to be finalised. Organisers are currently meeting to determine a new, shorter course that maintains the start and finish locations in Oakham and Melton Mowbray, respectively.

The extreme weather conditions have caused significant disruption, and the revised route will likely avoid the flooded sections. This may lead to a shorter race distance, with further details expected to be announced shortly.

Cyclists and spectators are advised to monitor the CiCLE Classic website and social media channels for the latest updates on the revised route and start time.