Traditionally for the last number of years, the Noel Hammond and the Kieran Hammond events have been twinned together to make competition for all grades.
And, in doing so, the Hammond family make sure with the co-operation of the Orwell Wheelers/Dundrum Town Centre to make the races of star quality.
Fronting the operation is Aidan Hammond who will bring all his expertise to making the day a very successful.
It is great to see that the defending champion Adam Armstrong of the Pezula Racing Team will be in Balbriggan for the event. Naturally, he'll welcome the support of Martyn Irvine and Ryan Connor who are equally capable of landing the spoils for the most successful team to date in Irish Cycling this season. Since the beginning of the season they have as a unit added flair in conjunction with all the other participants to the cycling season to date.
Obviously the danger to the trio will come from David McCann who was a late entrant as he was to the Tour of the North back at Easter.
Whereas at Easter he was laid low with a bug, but, last week at the Omagh Sports Forum Tour of Ulster he was back to what e likes doing best! WINNING.
Paul Griffin from the 'Kingdom' was an early leader in the four stage event over three days, but when David took the lead the tactics of the Giant Asia team mates was very much in evidence.
So, it was a good weekend for the Giant Asia duo who must now be odds on favourites to be part of the National team for the FBD Insurance Ras team which comes under starters orders in Navan on Sunday week.
Maybe this will afford the opportunity to the Pezula boys to show their mettle in the Noel Hammond Memorial what they are made of. They will also be out to prove that have the credentials to be part of the bigger picture for the 'Ras.' With so much strength and depth in that team a number of bodies will not be grinning from ear to ear. Or! Maybe they'll be out to prove a point?
The Usher Irish Road Club are beginning to peak at the right time as is the MyHome.ie/Cycleways/BDBC team. Tactics will play a big part!
The Liam Toolan course is back in vogue which should stoke up action for the Seniors who do 6 laps and the other categories four laps with the finish on the 'Hill."
According to Aidan "the finish for both races is the Nags Head. I just wanted to make it easy for the judges to place everybody" and there was not the slightest hint that he was joking! But on the serious side of the business, he told me that that the Dundrum Town Centre are the major sponsors.
What's more the forecast is looking good for Sunday so get there early and don't stand in the way of the judging panel on the climb.
Both races start at 11am from Balbriggan Community School in Balbriggan Village. Sign on opens at 10am. Directions for school; From South take the M1 and exit at Naul/Balbriggan go right and straight towards Balbriggan Village, school is on left. From North take M1 and Exit at Naul/Balbriggan and go left towards Balbriggan Village, school is on left.
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Noel Hammond Race is for A&B'S 120KM. 6 Laps of Ballyboughal, old N1, Nags head circuit. Finishing on top of the Nags head. Race will be neutralised from Balbriggan to top of Naul on 1st lap.
Kieran Hammond Race for J's, Vets, C's and ladies. 80km, 4 laps of same circuit.
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In the Crystal County(Waterford), the annual Dungarvan Credit Union Cycling Club have their open day next Sunday where they a full programme of racing lined up including underage.
The events are kindly sponsored by the Joe Kelly Pharmacy in Dungarvan.
Commitments abroad have ruled out Ciaran Power! So, in the absence of the defending champion, it looks as though Comeragh CC will play a major role in the Senior race. Which according to Damien Travers will not be a pushover. The course is undulating with a fairly nice climb which suit the men from the boys. The Dan Morrissey/Carrick Wheelers will be there in numbers hoping to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet. More than likely the team that will represent Tipperary in the Ras the following week will be there to fine tune their preparations under the watchful eye of their manager Paul Lonergan who is no dab hand when it comes to winning trophies.
Naturally he's hoping that he can win the 'County Award' in the Ras. Which in all essence gives the event a great buzz for the locals.
Sign-on from 10am onwards at Dungarvan Crystal Sports Centre, Kilrush.
All racing starts at 12pm sharp.
Under 12's: Prizes first 6. ( approx 6 miles)
Under 14's: Prizes first 6. (approx 14 miles)
Under 16's: Prizes first 6. (approx 20 miles)
Snr 3, Veterans and Juniors: Two Laps Prizes first 8 ( approx 40 miles)
Senior 1 & 2: Three laps . Prizes first 8, plus 2 unplaced B's. (approx. 60 miles).
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Dromara Coastal Tour
Dromara Cycling Club wish to invite all cyclists to its Annual Coastal Tour along the south Down coastline and the shores of Strangford Lough this Sunday, 11 May 2008.
Sign on at 8:45 am from Dromara Football Club with roll out at 9:30 am after a quick photo call. There are two distances to chose from (approx. 85k and 115k) and a scheduled food stop in Strangford to allow riders to refuel and chat before heading back onto the road again. Just outside Quoile riders can decide which route to take back. Either they can continue enjoying the coastal scenery and go the longer route or take the more direct route back to Dromara via Ballynahinch. Once back in Dromara there is another opportunity to eat and a chance to relax amongst friends.
The club has been running this "Coastal" for over 10 years and is looking for a great turn out this year again, not only to encourage more people to experience the pleasures of cycling in a group around this part of the countryside but also to help raise funds for the club's chosen charity, the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Home, Shimna Valley.
The fee for the event will be £10 for CTC or Cycling Ireland Members. For those who are not members (and therefore do not have insurance cover) the fee will be £12 for third party cover or £18 if you wish to take out a Cycling Ireland one day licence, which will give you personal accident cover.
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Shannonside CC had to change venue for this tour at the last moment.
The Tour is this Sunday May 11th. It is listed on the calendar as Clann na nGael GAA club but we were beaten to that venue by the local community games organisation.
We are now starting at Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Athlone town instead? (same time same date)
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The Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar GP which will take place on May 18th.
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Race 1: Senior B National Road Race Championship
Race 2: Ladies National League (Round 4)
Race 3: Juniors / Senior 3 / Vets
Start time: 2.00pm Sunday May 18th
Sign on:12.00pm (Mullingar Rugby Club - On the R394 (Castlepollard road). Just 400m from the N4 junction)
There will be 3 races on the day
For more information 087-4157324
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Ras Connachta Rings the Changes
Mayo Wheelers’ Ras Connachta has moved to a new date and a new venue. The event, which in recent years has been based at Cong, will be held at Westport, Co Mayo on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15, almost a month earlier than its traditional July date. The three-day format has been dropped in favour of a two-day, three-stage event.
Saturday morning will feature a road race, followed by a short time trial in the evening, and a hilly road race stage on the Sunday.
Ras Connachta dates back to the 1950s and has attracted many of the country’s top riders over the years. However, the 2007 event was cancelled due to lack of interest. It is hoped that a new venue and shorter duration will revitalise the event. One plus point is that Westport has a wide range of accommodation available.
The other major event on the Wheelers’ calendar this season are the Westport town centre criterium and Westport Grand Prix road race on August 24-25 respectively. For more information on all of these events contact club secretary Joe McGuire on 086-8702062, who will also deal with inquiries about accommodation.
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SORRENTO'S MICK BYRNE REMEMBERED
Mick Byrne was a founder of Sorrento Cycling Club. He named the club after one of the most beautiful areas in his native Dalkey. He introduced countless young people to the joys of many different aspects and disciplines in cycling.
Amongst the gifts he bestowed on those who rode with him was an appreciation of beautiful surroundings. Mick passed away in 2007 aged 81.
He had been cycling regularly up to a year before his death. We hope this event will be a fitting tribute to Mick.
Event Details:
Mick Byrne Randonee
Sunday May 25th
100km & 200km challenging routes
• Sign On Cuala GAA Centre, Dalkey
• Start Time 200km: 8.00am
• Start Time 100km: 10.00am
• Feed Stations, Route Sheets etc provided
• Entry: Senior €10, Junior/Underage €5.
Cycling Ireland or 1 day licence (€10) required
Ideal preparation for Wicklow 200
Organised by Sorrento Cycling Club Audax Ireland, Paul O'Donoghue on 087-7850890 or podluna@hotmail.com
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