2024 Criterium National Championships Preview
The 2024 Criterium National Championships are set to provide an evening of thrilling racing as Banbridge Cycling Club play host this Friday.
The first senior Road National Championships event of the season, Ireland’s in-form riders come to Co. Down to fight for the coveted national champion’s jersey in the fast and furious racing discipline.
With Banbridge Cycling Club enjoying a stellar history of criterium racing over the past 30 years, the club once again return as National Championships hosts after hosting the championships in 2016. The Ulster Criterium Championships will also be incorporated into the event.
Raced over a technical 1km long circuit, fans will be treated to full throttle racing from the start as riders do battle for 50 minutes before a three-lap finale.
And with an exciting field in both the open and women’s races bringing together a host of top names, all eyes will be on Banbridge this Friday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Criterium National Championships:
Date and Location
The event takes place on Friday, May 10th.
Race HQ is located in Banbridge Town Centre – 78 Newry Street, BT32 3HA.
Race Schedule
Road Closure – 5 pm
Rider Practice on Course – 6:30-6:50 pm
Women’s Race – 7 pm
Open Race – 8 pm
Podium Presentations – 9 pm
Road Re-opening – 9:30 pm
Course Preview
A technical 1km lap will see riders take on five sharp corners. With the first 400 meters downhill, riders face a slight uphill section for roughly 100 meters before a reasonably flat final 400 meters to the line.
Lap Distance – 1km (approx)
Women’s Race – 50 minutes + 3 laps
Open Race – 50 minutes + 3 laps
Prime Sprints – Both races will feature 15 and 30 minute Prime Sprints.
Riders To Watch
John Buller
The 2023 Open National Champion, local rider Buller is targeting his third title in a row and is sure to be in the thick of the action. He’s part of a four-strong Banbridge Cycling Club team who will hope to use their experience and knowledge of the circuit to their advantage.
Lara Gillespie
Gillespie was part of the Women’s Team Pursuit unit that this year sealed their place in the 2024 Olympic Games, and after making a seamless return to road racing in Europe over recent weeks, the 2023 Road national champion is the rider to beat in the women’s race.
Dean Harvey
The Cyclo-cross national champion and regular U23 Irish national team rider on the road is sure to be right at home in Banbridge. A promising talent and great bike handler, Harvey has all the tools to be among the top contenders in the open race.
Annalise Murphy
The in-form rider in the women’s bunch in Ireland this season, the Olympian sailor turned cyclist has picked up wins in the opening two rounds of the Road National Series. A powerful rider that has excelled across multiple disciplines, Murphy will undoubtedly have a part to play in the winning of the women’s race.
Conn McDunphy
A consistent contender at the top level on road and track in Ireland over recent seasons, McDunphy stands out as one to watch on Friday in a race featuring several big names including Mark Downey, Mark Dowling, Daire Feeley, Darnell Moore and Liam Crowley among others.
Eve McCrystal
The Bellurgan Wheelers rider, returning after the Para-cycling World Cup with the Irish Para-cycling squad, is another contender not to be ignored on Friday. A veteran powerhouse with multiple world and Paralympic titles, when the racing gets tough, expect McCrystal to be at the front of affairs. Another top contender will be fellow Para-cycling National Team pilot Linda Kelly.
Junior Riders
Several junior riders will take to the line as they bid to fight for the top prize among senior riders. Aliyah Rafferty, Phillip O’Connor, Aine Doherty and Luca Holmes are among those to keep an eye on.