Improvements to Road Racing in Ireland for 2025


Cycling Ireland is pleased to announce upcoming changes and improvements to the Cycling Ireland events and racing structure for 2025.  


These changes primarily impact road racing and are aimed at increasing event participation numbers.  


The changes have come from recommendations made by the Road Working Group. This expert group completed an extensive review of all road racing in Ireland.  


Over the last two weeks, there were four provincial Event Organising Training Sessions, which outlined how these changes will impact event organisers. Thank you to all the organisers who attended the sessions, it was a brilliant opportunity to talk to you directly and get your feedback, all of which we very much value.  

 

The Road Working Group recommended a 10-point plan:  

1. Migrate Full Licence Racing Categories from four to three and Modify Limited Competition Licence 

2. Create a Tiered Race Categorisation Structure 

3. Changes to the grading points in line with Race Categorisation

4. Continued work towards a more balanced calendar based on Race Categorisation 

5. Encourage promotion of a Women's Calendar Annually 

6. Create Opportunities for Masters Racing 

7. Create ‘Road Cycling Cup' at each Category replacing the National Series. 

8. Centralised Interactive Cycling Ireland System for Race Promotion in one place. 

9. Modernisation of Road Racing 

10. Set out minimum standards of Medical Cover & Race Facilities for National Events 


We have explained some of these points in greater detail below, so you are well informed of the changes.  

 

Tiered Race Classification System 

There will be three new tiers of racing.  

All races which carry grading points will count towards season-long competition. The aim of this new classification system is to allow for greater racing opportunities at National and Regional level.  

 

National Grade:  

  • Direct replacement for current Road National Series 
  • Races will not clash with other major events 
  • Limited number of permitted events per week, generally it will be one event permitted per week 
  • Separate C1, C2, C3 races 
  • Minimum distances of 90km for C1, 80km for C2 and 70km for C3 races 
  • Running a women's-only race will be optional 
  • The use of timing chips will be mandatory  

 

Regional Grade:  

  • Limited Competition entry will be permitted in C3 races 
  • Event organisers will have freedom over race format  
  • Allow for the promotion of Masters-only races  
  • Three tiers to regional races 
  • More than 80km  
  • Less than 80km 
  • Midweek Open  

 

Local:  

  • Mid-week club leagues 
  • Any other non-ranking event 

 

Change to Grading System 

A new grading system will come into effect from January 2025 with riders being categorised as C1, C2 or C3.  


All riders will be notified of which category they will be in for 2025 directly this Wednesday, 23rd of October.


The redistribution of categories for 2025 will be determined by current and historic ranking points.  


There will be additional changes and improvements implemented in early 2025. These changes will include the likes of improved access to results, additional supports for event organisers and much more.  


We have a further breakdown of the changes here.


We are committed to bringing in changes which will improve the sport for riders and event organisers, as well as helping to bring the sport to a wider audience. These upcoming changes will be reviewed throughout the 2025 season and will be used as a foundation for future changes going forward.