Cyclo-cross National Championships Preview
With the final round of the Cyclo-cross National Series in the books, all attention now turns to the first National Championship of 2025.
The cold conditions that beset the final round of the National Series at McCrystal’s Track in Co. Louth last weekend are set to continue through the week and ensure a frosty reception for riders heading to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway in search of their National Champs jersey.
Having spent the last 12 months in the National Champion colours, Dean Harvey will look to retain his Elite title on Sunday. Harvey put in an impressive performance in the final round of the National Series, pulling away from Tadhg Killeen half way through the race and not looking back. Harvey said afterwards:
“It was cold and wet, and the competition was tough, but it has me set for National Champs next weekend now."
Last year’s National Champion Aliyah Rafferty’ attendance is in doubt due to international commitments this weekend. Recent National Series champion Stephanie Roche, however, will look to add to National Championship to her National Series win. After collecting her trophy in Louth last weekend, Roche said:
‘The National Series this year has set it up for a really interesting final day of racing at the Nationals next week.’
Ballinasloe CC members have been working hard to put together the 2.8km course and have put together a comprehensive technical guide available here.
Directions to the venue, situated at Fair Green, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, are available here.
There will a full slate of racing on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s racing will include Youth races as well as M50 and M60. Sunday will start with the M40 race at 10am, followed by the Junior Men, Women and finishing with Senior Men.
Full Schedule
Saturday 11 January 2025
09:30 Registration opens
09:30 Course open for practice
10:20 Under 6s fun race
10:30 Under 8s race
10:45 Under 10s race
11:05 Under 12s race
11:30 Prize giving for Under 8s, 10s and 12s
11:30 Main course open for practice
11:50 Under16, Under 14 girls called up to start grid
11:55 Gridding of riders begins
12:00 Under 16 girls start
12:00 Under 14 girls start
12:40 Prize giving for Under 14s and Under 16s
12:40 Main course open for practice
13:00 Under 16, Under 14 boys called up to start grid
13:05 Gridding of riders begins
13:10 Under 16 boys start
13:11 Under 14 boys start
13:50 Prize giving for Under 14s and Under 16s
14:00 Main course open for practice
14:20 M50, M60 riders called to start line
14:25 Gridding of riders begins
14:35 M50 start
14:37 M60 start
15:30 Prize giving for M50, M60
15:30 Main course open for practice
Sunday 12 January 2025
09:00 Registration opens
09:00 Course open for practice
09:50 Riders called up to start grid
09:53 Gridding of riders begins
10:00 M40 start time
11:00 Prize giving for M40
11:00 Course open for practice
11:20 Riders called up to start grid
11:23 Gridding of riders begins
11:30 Junior men’s start time
12:20 Prize giving for Junior men
12:20 Course open for practice
12:40 Riders called up to start grid
12:43 Gridding of riders begins
12:50 Women’s start time
12:51 Masters women start time
13:45 Prize giving for Women
13:45 Course open for practice
14:05 Riders called up to start grid
14:08 Gridding of riders begins
14:15 Senior start time
15:25 Prize giving for Senior