With a week still to go to the closing date, over 250 riders have indicated their wish to be included in the 160 man field to be accepted for the East Midlands International CiCLE Classic on Sunday 29th April. Some of the most recent entries to be received coming from the two previous winners of the Classic, the East Midlands own Scott Gamble (Ashfield Road Club) (2005) and last years winner Robin Sharman, who leads a full six man squad from his new team KFS Special Vehicles-Sunday.
The East Midlands will on this occasion be represented by a six man team sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), bringing together experienced CiCLE Classic riders with several young hopefuls for the future. Leading the team will be a re-invigorated Dan Booth from Coalville, 7th in last years Classic and with a solid Winter season of cyclo-cross behind him in which he once again showed his full potential. He will be supported by top mountain bike rider Ryan Henry from Oakham, and seasoned all rounder Geoff Beetham of Loughborough.
They will be joined by former Junior World Championship cyclo-cross riders Tom Last of Matlock, and Paul Cox and Adam Gascoigne, who both come from Melton Mowbray. The CiCLE Classic will offer a very tough test for all the above, with the potential of over 50 continental based riders taking the start from Oakhams High street where a Sports Fayre will be held in conjunction with the race start.
“The CiCLE Classic provides possibly the stiffest challenge of their cycling careers for the three local youngsters”, said Race Director Colin Clews, “but they have all shown by their performances to date what potential they have, and the support from emda and the example set for them by the experience and professionalism of riding alongside people like Dan Booth can hopefully help them develop further and faster than they might otherwise have done”.
Jeff Moore, emda’s Chief Executive said: “It is important to encourage our talented sports stars from the East Midlands to fulfil their potential, so we are pleased to be supporting this event. We hope it not only inspires other young people to get involved in sporting activities, but also helps raise our international profile in the run up to the 2012 Games.”