2023 Road National Championships Route Details
Action from the senior women's road race at the 2022 Road National Championships
Cycling Ireland are pleased to confirm the route details for the 2023 Road National Championships, taking place from June 22nd to 25th in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.
Hosted by Island Wheelers, the National Championships time trial takes place on Thursday, June 22nd, while the senior and junior men and women’s road races take place on Saturday and Sunday June 24th and 25th.
An exciting route has now been confirmed for both the time trial and road races that will ensure a stern test for riders in their bid to be crowned national champion.
More information on the 2023 Road National Championships is available here.
Route details are as follows:
Time Trial
Distance: 31.2km
Elevation: 337m
Island Wheelers said:
“As a Club, we are involved in promoting one of the most successful Time Trial leagues in Ireland, and just last year we hosted the 1st Round of the National TT League. Our course starts on a predominantly downhill flowing B-Road before joining the A4 Dual Carriageway heading for Dungannon.”
“The initial section of the A4 is a tough uphill drag, but from there on the road is very fast and rolling. Riders will then take a left at Killyliss Road for a technical 5km section before finishing with a tough 1km drag to the finish line.”
The course profile can be found here.
Road Races
The format for all road races is quite similar as riders take on an opening loop of the course before joining a shorter circuit, with the number of laps raced set to differ between some road races.
The junior women’s race distance is provisional and is subject to entry numbers, the race is currently scheduled to take place on the race circuit without an opening lap.
The first 3km of the senior women’s race will be neutralised to ensure that the distance of the race is in line with UCI regulations.
The road race routes will favour riders who pack a punch. A technical run in coupled with some short and steep climbs as well as a flat finish mean both the fast men as well as the strong climbers will fancy their chances.
Island Wheelers said:
“The route is punchy and features no massive climbs, but there will be plenty of occasions where riders will be forced to scrub speed before attacking a short and sharp hill. We also have a fast section on the course that will give an opportunity for people to chase on, before hitting the technical and punchy final 5km.”
See below for the breakdown of the opening loop, race circuit and finish.
Opening Loop
Distance: 35.4km
Elevation: 336m
A 35.4km opening loop will see riders leave the outskirts of Dungannon and pass through Ballygawley as well as Aughnacloy.
With most of this loop taking the bunch through wide and flowing roads, riders will hope to settle into the race before entering the more technical race circuit.
The opening loop profile can be found here.
Race Circuit
Distance: 21.8km
Elevation: 281m
The race circuit is where most of the action will take place and where the race will be won or lost.
With 281m of climbing inside 21.8km laps, the punchy circuit offers plenty of opportunities for attacks while technical sections will make for exciting racing.
There are plenty of short climbs, including the ‘7 Hills of Carnteel’ section, which organisers are planning to be a spectator zone for fans to watch the racing.
The race circuit profile can be found here.
Finish
The most important part of the race is the final 5km of the race circuit which will decide the 2023 Irish road national champions.
The final 5km is the most technical of the course and features multiple left and right turns as well as some short but sharp climbs.
And if the riders battling for the win cannot be separated in the run-in, a flat final 500m across a wide road waits for a last sprint or a victory runway if a rider comes to the line alone.
A spectator zone, which will include an M.C, is planned at the finish area. Information on spectator parking and zones will be published in the race manual in due course.
2023 Road National Championships Road Races
Senior Men
Distance: 166.2km
Elevation: 2024m
Route: Opening loop and six laps
Senior Women
Distance: 122.6km (Including 3km neutral start)
Elevation: 1461m
Route: Opening loop and four laps
Junior Men
Distance: 122.6km
Elevation: 1461m
Route: Opening loop and four laps
Junior Women
Distance: 65.4km
Elevation: 843m
Route: No opening loop and three laps (Provisional)
More information on the 2023 Road National Championships is available here.