Gravel Awaits: The Galway Classic Returns on 16th March
Following a thrilling start to the 2025 domestic road racing season, attention now turns to the Galway Classic, taking place on Saturday, March 16th. Hosted by Galway Bay CC, the event is the third round of Cycling Ireland’s National Grade calendar and promises a truly unique test, blending fast racing with technical off-road sectors in the rugged West of Ireland landscape.
Momentum Builds After a Big Weekend in Knocknagree
Last weekend’s Sliabh Luachra Clasaici delivered another high-octane day of racing, with strong performances across all categories. Daire Feeley powered to victory in the C1 race, with Barry Meade taking top honours in C2. John O’Mahony was first across the line in C3, while Abi Conway claimed the Women’s race title in fine style. With the National Grade Series gaining momentum, the Galway Classic is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the early season.
Set in the scenic surrounds of Ryehill Demesne, near Monivea, Co. Galway (H65 AX79), the Galway Classic is unlike any other on the calendar. Riders will face a tough course made up of a mix of gravel, estate lanes, and quiet back roads. The route is deliberately flat, but the challenge comes from the surface — with grit, bog roads, boreens, and fast off-road sections testing both bike handling and race strategy.
• C1 – 125km | 8 off-road/gravel sectors
• C2 – 95km | 6 off-road/gravel sectors
• C3 – 63km | 4 off-road/gravel sectors
Up next in the National Grade Series is the Des Hanlon Memorial, taking place on March 30th, hosted by Carlow RCC — one of Ireland’s most prestigious and long-standing road races.
For more information on the changes to road racing for 2025, and improvements made to the structure of racing for this year, you can read more here.
Results for all events from 2025 will be available here, while National Grade race results will also be displayed here.
A Classic in Name and Nature
Each race will feature chip timing, with results for every rider posted online on the Cycling Ireland website shortly after the finish. As a National Grade Band 2 event, points will be awarded to the top 20 finishers in each of the C1, C2, and C3 races, with a maximum of 30 points on offer for the winner in each category.
All races are scheduled to start at 12:00 PM, or shortly after, from Ryehill Demesne.
Registration and Sign-On
Registration is open now and closes at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 15th. There will be no entries on the day. All riders must sign on at the event HQ (H65 AX79) between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, where they will also collect their timing chip. Please ensure the chip is securely fastened to the lower front fork of your bike. Chips must be returned immediately after finishing your race.
Entries are available here: Galway Classic Entry
Good luck to all riders — we’ll see you on the start line in Galway!
Next on the National Grade Calendar
Up next in the National Grade Series is the Des Hanlon Memorial, taking place on March 30th, hosted by Carlow RCC - one of Ireland's most prestigious and long standing road races.
You can enter now at the following link: Des Hanlon Entry