Ireland's best racing cyclists begin their pursuit of the Road National Series this weekend in Carlow
IRELAND’S BEST RACING cyclists will click into pedals this weekend as the Road National Series begins it’s 2022 calendar.
The island’s premier cycling league that rewards the most consistent performer will begin in County Carlow and what a race to start - the famous Des Hanlon Memorial, one of the country’s toughest one day classics.
The course awards the rider who endures the difficulties of the Killeshin Hills and it never fails to produce a winner worthy of the title and it will be no different this year. The event, promoted by Carlow RCC, is a traditional spectacular raced across the rolling terrain of the Dolmen County.
The day’s events will begin at midday and will see A1/A2 riders face a 133km route, junior men will race over 100km while the women will take on a 67km route.
Last year’s event was won by Chris McGlinchey with an impressive strong man’s ride while the talented Caoimhe O’Brien took the women’s victory in a blistering sprint. This year’s event will play host to the opening leg of the National Road Series.
The five-event racing programme, for A1/A2 men, Women and Juniors will make its journey across Ireland beginning on the rolling hills of Carlow this weekend.
By April 9 it will be in South Limerick as Newcastlewest CC plays host to round two, on May 22 it will take to the roads of the midlands for the Navan Road Club Meath Grand Prix. On May 25 it will make its way to the West as Cunga CC host the Brian O’Loughlin Memorial and it ill all conclude in County Down on the famous circuit of the John Beggs Memorial hosted by Banbridge CC.
Road National Series organiser Garry Nugent said with the turmoil of Covid-19 behind us it will see a fresh start for big events in Ireland.
“The last two years have been very difficult for sport in Ireland but Cycling Ireland was very lucky to be able to host the National Road Series last year. We would like to thank all of the clubs who will host the event in 2022 and we are all looking forward to seeing the country’s best cyclists competing across the five rounds. Last year’s victories of Daire Feeley and Fiona Mangan were classic wins of consistency throughout the year and that’s the only advice I have for the competitors this year – keep riding, keep scoring points and you could be the one to take the jersey home. We all look forward to the beginning of our journey across the island and I hope to see cycling fans on the roads to witness this great spectacle,” he said.
Sunday’s event race headquarters will be at Leinster Co-Op Marts on the Killeshin Road, Carlow.
A1/A2 race: 12 midday – 133km long.
Junior Men's race: 12.05pm - 100km.
Women's race: 12.15pm - 67km
There will also be a races involving the country’s A4s and A3s - that will depart for a 67km at 12.10pm as will the A3 for a 100km race at 12.05.