Road National Series Round Three Preview
Matthew Devins celebrates winning the men's race in Round Two (Picture: Inpho)
The Road National Series is back after a short three-week break as the best riders in Ireland head West and to County Mayo for Round Three on Sunday, April 23rd.
The Brian O’Loughlin Memorial, hosted by Cunga Cycling Club, is sure to bring yet another exciting day of racing as the series heats up ahead of the summer months.
And with the 2023 Rás Tailteann just weeks away, the challenging circuit along the roads of Co. Galway and Mayo around Cong serve as perfect preparation for Ireland’s biggest stage race.
Daire Feeley and Aoife O’Brien retained their lead of the overall men and women’s category in Round Two in Carlow on April 2nd.
However, Matthew Devins and Caoimhe O’Brien picked up the wins at the Des Hanlon Memorial – Ensuring there’s plenty to race for this weekend with little between the leaders in all categories.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Round Three of the Road National Series:
The Route
Starting and finishing just outside the village of Cong, Co Mayo, riders will take on a challenging circuit which crosses into North Galway on a few occasions.
Both men’s and women’s races follow the exact same route, with the men completing five laps on a 142km long course, while the women will complete four laps for a total distance of 114km.
Riders will pass through the village of Clonbur before hitting the open countryside, going through Cloughbrack before making the descent into Cornamona village. Riders will then hug the coast of Lough Corrib as they head back towards Cong.
You can view the route profile and map here.
Excitement is building as the Road National Series heads out West (Picture: Inpho)
Race HQ And Start Time
The Race HQ is at The Crossroads Community Centre, Cong, Co Mayo F31 PY97
Sign on from 10.30am and races are scheduled to get underway at 11.30am.
Quotes Corner
Cunga Cycling Club said:
"We at Cunga Cycling Club would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to Cong again this year for the Brian O Loughlin Memorial, which is Round 3 of The Road National Series. Brian was a very prominent member in our club, and this is a very fitting way to honour his memory. After the success of last year’s event, we are looking forward to another great day's racing.”
"We are proud to once again be the only club in Connacht hosting a round in the series. Last year, Tom Regan (Seven Springs) won the men’s race, while Gabriele Glodenyte (UCD) won the women’s race. Sam Bolger (Killarney) and Aoife O Brien (formerly Torelli) won the junior races.”
“For anyone preparing for Rás Tailteann next month, this is a great warm up event. It is a route with spectacular scenery and will be exciting for both riders and spectators. In addition to the National Series Races, we will also host an A4 race on May 12th. To all our members, sponsors and supporters of the club, again a special thank you for your continued support – without this, we simply could not hold such a prestigious event such as a National Series event."
Round Two Recap
Action from the women's race in Round Two (Picture: Inpho)
In the men’s race, a select breakaway of National Series leader Feeley, Conn McDunphy and Dean Harvey came over the day’s final climb at the front, but they were soon caught by Devins and Lindsay Watson.
Devins finished well clear in the sprint, with Feeley retaining his leader’s jersey with a third-place finish. Killian O’Brien was the strongest of the junior riders and took the leader’s jersey in that category.
In the women’s race, Caoimhe O’Brien put her stamp on the race with several attacks throughout but was unable to find a gap as a group of over a dozen riders came to the line. She won the sprint however, with Aoife O’Brien retaining the leader’s jersey. Hannah Hayes retained the overall lead in the junior classification.
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 - Jemma Speers (North Down CC)
3rd - Erin Creighton (McConvey Cycles)
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 - Hannah Hayes (TC Racing)
2nd - Shauna Finn (Arcane CT)
3rd – Aine Doherty (VC Glendale)
Full rankings are available here.
Find out more about the 2023 Road National Series here.
Entries are open here.