Helen Briggs, Chief Executive of Rutland County Council uses public money to Save Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic

Inspector Toby Day  and  Colin Clews 

Each year we read  in the Rutlland Times about the possible cancellation of this event.

Each year the event is billed by organisers as a big international event.

Each year the list of Major Sponsors decline.

Race director Colin Clews has announced he has sponsors for the race to go ahead this year.

They are Giant store at Rutland Water and Schwalbe Tyres. Rutland County Council and Rutland Together, a partnership made up of partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors, have also declared their increased support, both financially and in help staging the event.

Rutland County Council chief executive Helen Briggs told the Rutland Times  : “The CiCLE Classic is an event many look forward to each year. It’s a great spectacle and it also makes a significant contribution to the local economy and delights visitors new and old.

“Rutland County Council and Rutland Together are delighted to support the event and look forward to dry weather and an exciting event.”

I am told  Mrs Briggs and here husband are members  of The Rutland Cycling Club and both own bikes
envied by most other members.

So it is good to see public money is being used by her council and is helping to finance her hobby.

As for supporting the local economy I would question that as most places are closed Sunday Morning
here in Oakham.

And the  over priced  continental market, takes money out of the country. This is described as overpriced
on other sites not just mine.

There are plenty  of shops open in Melton where the race concludes and attracts most spectators,
All that happens in Oakham is the start which is all over very quickly. Almost no one hangs around
for the race to pass through Oakham on its way to  Melton

Oakham  stopped hosting the junior races which used to fill that long gap.

The TV helicopter no longer hovers over the town.

I think if it was as big as Mrs Briggs Imagines, Tesco would not have pulled out.

So I wonder  why the County Council feels the need to support an event that appears to be more of a financial benefit to a Leicestershire town? Melton Mowbray Council don't sponsor it. Although they
send along their civic digs to enjoy the afternoon.