The Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic will be contested by a team from both Spain and Canada for the first time in its seven-year history.
The UCI 1.2 race – dubbed Great Britain’s Paris-Roubaix because of its tough off-road sections – was saved last month after Tesco stepped in with a five-figure sponsorship deal.
And, with the 2011 CiCLE Classic set to take place on Sunday April 17, Spanish Continental team KTM-Murcia and Canada’s under-23 squad have been confirmed as two of the 35 teams on the start line.
This year’s race will cover the same 105-mile course as 2010, which, for the first time, featured a second ascent of Cold Overton Berg immediately prior to the first passage of the notorious Somerberg sector.
The CiCLE Classic has also been handed a further cash injection by signing up another new sponsor, Team Sky and British Cycling nutrition provider CNP Professional Sports Nutrition.
“The following that the CiCLE Classic now enjoys both locally, nationally and internationally provides an ideal opportunity for a company wishing to push their products to the forefront of the sport,” said race director Colin Clews.
“And we are delighted that CNP, market leaders in their own area of business have chosen the foremost British road race to be their partner in their expansion.
“Obviously the addition of a further significant sponsor alongside Tesco will hopefully assist in the securing of the race in its current international format for many years to come.”
CNP business development manager Michael Coughlan added: “The response from Team Sky, British Cycling and cycling enthusiasts in general about our products has been overwhelming.
“We feel that being associated with this event will further increase our brand awareness within the market but also we are delighted that we will have a small part in ensuring this successful, internationally acclaimed race continues to be held this year and many years to come.”
