Road National Series Round Four Preview
Round Three of the Road National Series (Image: Inpho)
The Road National Series is back with a bang on Sunday, June 3rd, after over a month since the third round.
Round Four of the series brings riders to Navan, Co. Meath, for one of the most prestigious races on the domestic calendar in the Sean Nolan Meath Grand Prix.
Hosted by Navan Road Club, an extended course is sure to challenge riders, some of whom have already been pushed to their limits during the 2023 Rás Tailteann.
With overall rankings beginning to take shape following three competitive rounds of racing, riders will be hoping for a place on the winning podium in their bid for overall honours later this year.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Round Four of the Road National Series:
The Route
The Sean Nolan Meath Grand Prix routes offers the usual punch of previous years, but this year will include a challenging new section around Grangegeath which is sure to test even the strongest riders.
You can view the men’s route profile and map here.
You can view the women’s route profile and map here.
Race HQ And Start Time
The Race HQ is at Navan Racecourse, Proudstown Road, Navan, County Meath
Sign on from am and races are scheduled to get underway from 11am (Women’s race) and 11.35am (Men’s race).
Quotes Corner
Navan Road Club said:
“Navan Road Club would like to welcome Ireland’s top riders to the Royal County for the 2023 Sean Nolan Meath Grand Prix. It has long been one of the premier road races on the calendar, and this year promises to be no different. With many riders coming off the back of a very tough Rás Tailteann, we hope our race will provide the opportunity to reignite those battles.”
“For 2023, we have extended the course to include a challenging new section around Grangegeath, which will provide the perfect setting for some great racing action. Spectators and riders will be treated to some beautiful scenery on the course – If they have a moment to look! The finish takes place in Wilkinstown, with ample parking and a newly opened greenway direct to Navan closeby. A perfect day out for cycling enthusiasts.”
Round Three Recap
Caoimhe O'Brien took her second Road National Series victory in a row as Conor Halvey proved strongest from a large breakaway group in the third round of the Road National Series.
And fans were treated to some exciting racing from the outset in both the men's and women's races as the men took on five laps (142km) of a punchy circuit and the women raced four laps (114km) finishing just outside Cong Village.
In the men's race, an early breakaway of ten riders proved the winning ticket after breaking off from the main group in the opening ten kilometers, with Halvey proving strongest in a hard fought race.
In the women's race, a main group of seven riders stayed together through a long 114km course as O'Brien proved strongest in the finish.
The seven worked well together and pushed a high pace throughout, with O'Brien finishing ahead of Jennifer Neenan and Ella Doherty in the sprint.
Current Standings
Men's ranking
1st - Daire Feeley (All Human/VeloRevolution)
2nd - Conn McDunphy (Lucan CRC)
3rd - Luke Smith (Moynalty CC)
Women's ranking
1st - Aoife O'Brien (Spellman-Dublin Port)
2nd – Caoimhe O’Brien (Unattached Leinster)
3nd - Jemma Speers (North Down CC)
Junior men's ranking
1st - Killian O’Brien (Orwell Wheelers)
2nd - Willem O’Connor (JEGG-DJR Academy)
3rd – Liam O’Brien (Fermoy CC)
Junior women's ranking
1st - Shauna Finn (Arcane CT)
2nd - Hannah Hayes (TC Racing)
3rd – Aine Doherty (VC Glendale)
Full rankings are available here.
Find out more about the 2023 Road National Series here.
Entries are open here.