Top of the League – CiCLE Classic Team Effort Lifts Us to No. 1
Staying the Course on Gravel & Grit
The Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic lived up to its billing as the toughest one‑day race on the British calendar. Just 57 riders finished from 150+ starters, yet all six JAKROO Handsling Racing riders reached the line – a testament to the team’s preparation, teamwork, and equipment. The race featured strong competition from 31 teams, including 3 UCI teams (Azérion–Villa Valkenburg, Atom6 Bikes–Decca, Universe CT). 12 off‑road sectors and narrow lanes produced a fast and punchy spectacle over the bergs around Oakham.
The race is renowned for causing mechanical mayhem, and we relied on Continental GP 5000 TRS 30mm tubeless tyres and air liners to float over gravel sectors and stay puncture‑free. Our riders were active all race, positioning well into the main choke points along the parcours, first of which was the Mataberg 26kms in. Whilst the race was won from a breakaway formed some 50kms from the line, our own Rowan Baker, Harrison Dainty, Will Truelove, Conor White and Alex Franks kept the pressure on from within the quickly dwindling chasing group. Oliver Dawson managed to escape from the chase to win his sprint vs Sam Waltham for fourth place, his best senior result yet.
JAKROO Handsling Riders Alex Franks and Harrison Dainty on the gravel sectors at Cicle. Photography Credit: Josh Tipper
Upward Trajectory in the Rankings
CiCLE Classic points catapulted us to the top of the British Continental National Road Race Rankings.
Individual: Oliver Dawson now leads the standings with 219 points, just ahead of Otto Van Zanden and Tom Armstrong. Alex Franks (156 pts) is also in the top 10, with Rowan Baker (152 pts) and Harrison Dainty (129 pts) rounding out our entries in the top 20.
Team: JAKROO Handsling Racing sits first with 704 points, edging Ride Revolution Coaching (630 pts) and DAS Richardsons (556 pts). This result underscores the strength and depth of our Elite Development Team in a league that also includes the largest domestic cycling teams such as Wheelbase CabTech Castelli (fourth) and Conti team Atom 6–Cycleur de Luxe (fifth).
Thank You to Our Supporters
Going top of the league wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our riders and support staff – DS Phill Maddocks, sports scientist Si Dearden, mechanic Oscar Vera (Roubaix London), family members, soigneurs and volunteers – plus the backing of our partners: JAKROO, Handsling, Alta Via, OTE, Ekoï, Roubaix London, Myatts of Mockbeggar and Trupart Automotive. Their top-of-the-range products and belief in our mission keep us rolling on towards becoming a UCI Continental team.
There’s still time to enter the team raffle before the 10 May deadline. Every ticket supports grassroots racing, helps replenish bikes and wheels, and offers the chance to win premium kit – use the button below to get involved.
Alex Franks and Harrison Dainty display their effort after racing Cicle. Photography Credit: Josh Tipper
Stay tuned as we carry this momentum into the next races and continue building a pathway from domestic racing to the UCI Continental level.
