Road National Grade Competitions Culminate at the Bobby Crilly Classic this weekend

Road National Grade Competitions Culminate at the Bobby Crilly Classic this weekend

This week sees the final National Grade Road Event of 2025, as Phoenix Cycling Club host the Bobby Crilly Classic in Co. Antrim. 

HQ for this weekend’s race is St. Enda’s GAA club in Glengormley.

This week’s event will see trophies awarded to the overall points winners across C1, C2 and C3 categories.

The 2025 season has seen some huge changes to the road racing calendar, including the revamped grading system. 

Niall Doggett from the Road Working Group reflected: "2025 has been a season of many changes in the road racing scene. Thankfully there are signs of improvement in many aspects. 
One clear highlight is the provision of separate category races for C1, C2, C3 on a regular basis via the National Grade Events. The additional of chip-timing and higher grading points on-offer made these races the backbone of many riders season."

Cathal Dillane, also of the Road Working Group, added: "One of the aims of the season long competitions was to support racing participation in the second half of the season. It’s great to see such strong race entries and the cups being competitive right up to the end. Having a competition for each category was crucial in recognising the value of every competitor, not just the top-tier”

Racing this weekend gets underway at 11am with the C1 race, while C2 and C3 races get underway at two-minute intervals thereafter.

Last year’s top ranked rider on the road Daire Feeley will look to defend his title this Sunday. Gareth O’ Neill from Athlete Nutrition Coach HD trails in second place in the C1 standings, with Team Caldwell Cycles Odhran Doogan in third.

O’Leary Stone Kanturk rider Barry Meade sits top of the C2 standings, with Dungarvan’s Marcus Flavin in second and Junior rider Curtis McKee in third.

Martin O’Loughlin from Panduit Carrick Wheelers leads the C3 standings, trailed by Sliabh Luachra’s Denis Lynch in second and Gavin Stapleton from Team BikeWorx Cellbridge.

The Women’s standings are currently topped by Junior National Champion Aliyah Rafferty, riding with Toffauti Everyone Active. Westport Covey Wheeler’s Abi Conway sits second, with another Junior in Aoife O’Donovan from Dungarvan sitting third.

While this weekend sees the end of the points Cup Competitions, points are still available for category upgrades at events throughout the rest of the year.

Full up to date Cup rankings are available here.