Bermudian powerhouse Conor White produced a resilient display on the punishing gravel sectors of the East Midlands, finishing within touching distance of the leaders at the 2026 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic.
On a day where the 187km course lived up to its reputation as “Britain’s Belgian Classic,” the Jakroo Handsling Racing rider navigated the brutal farm tracks and steep gradients of Rutland to secure a hard-fought result against a stacked international field.
The race was blown apart in the final 40 kilometres after several breakaways were reeled in on the approach to the infamous Somerberg sector. Otto van Zanden proved the strongest of the elite escapees, timing his final move to perfection to claim a prestigious UCI 1.2 victory. He crossed the finish line in Oakham in 5:06:03, narrowly fending off a charging chasing pack.
Conor White stayed in the thick of the action as the peloton fractured over the rougher terrain. Utilizing his raw power, the Bermudian time-trial specialist maintained contact with the main chasing groups as the race reached its crescendo.
White eventually crossed the line in 5:07:27, finishing just 1 minute and 24 seconds behind Van Zanden. Given the high rate of attrition and mechanical failures that typically define this race, the result marks a significant step forward for White in the European spring classics.
Following a gritty top-35 finish at the East Cleveland Classic earlier this month, White is using the demanding UCI calendar to sharpen his form ahead of a major summer schedule. With his ability to handle technical terrain clearly on display, he remains a rider to watch as the road season intensifies.
