Although still a relatively new event, the Maldon Dengie Tour is part of the Premier Calendar series for the first time this season. Indeed, it is the opening event of the series, taking place on 1st April
Known as the “Hell of the East�, the Maldon Dengie Tour is reminiscent in many ways of the classic Paris–Roubaix event, known throughout the cycling world as the “Hell of the North�.
The opening round of the Premier Calendar always produces some of the fiercest racing of the season as the teams battle to make an early impact and impress their sponsors, spectators and rivals alike. And, as Rapha Condor Sharp demonstrated last year as they helped Zakiri Dempster to victory, how the race is won will be all about team-work.
Although flat, the course is extremely exposed and prone to the cutting East winds which characterise the weather in this area in early Spring. Wind presents unique challenges, requiring quick thinking and selfless riding as teams protect their top riders and try to get them to the finish fresh and able to react to late breaks.
The road surfaces, or lack of them, similarly put unique demands on the riders and their support staff. Punctures require rapid bike changes as re-establishing contact with the front of the race after mechanical troubles can be nigh-on impossible in the closing miles.