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Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 3:10:13 PM |
It is an action packed weekend of cycling! The Four Masters CC in Donegal roll out the proceedings tomorrow evening with a restricted field for three days of action. The first major track event of the year promoted by the Ravens CC hits the tarmac on Saturday. Whilst in Blarney the local club gear themselves up for a number of events over the weekend for all categories. On Sunday you have the McNally Joinery/Swords CC promoting the Swords Grand Prix in Ballyboughal with the anticipated turnout of a number from the recent An Post Ras.
RAS DHUN NA NGALL 3- DAY
Donegal tops the cycling notice board this weekend with the now customary three-day cycling event. The county was also to the forefront last week with the An Post Ras in the area for a number of days. Ras Dhun na nGall will take to the roads around Ardara over the bank holiday weekend. Sponsored by the Nesbitt Arms Hotel, the Ardara Town Traders, and The Dealer “free- ads” paper, this exciting and colorful event will see 130 of the country's best young riders take on some of Ireland's most difficult cycling terrain.
Over the years this race has been important stepping stone for riders with ambitions of going to the highest levels of the sport, and several of our previous competitors have gone on to win big races all over Ireland, Britain and Europe.
Tomorrow evening the race departs Ardara, heading through Kilraine, Frosses, Dunkineely and Bruckless and returning to Ardara via the Five Points. This stage will be short and fast with the finish as the Melting Pot Festival begins.
Saturday morning sees the riders in Maghera for a time- trial, which while short, will see the maximum effort from each rider as time lost or gained here may prove to be critical to the overall result of the race. Each rider will ride flat out uphill for just under two miles, and the fastest riders will cover the distance in around six and a half minutes.
After a short recovery period, the riders leave Ardara again in the afternoon on a 51-mile stage that takes them through Maas and Glenties before turning at Fintown for Doochary and Lettermacaward and through Glenties to finish at the school in Ardara.
The final stage, at lunchtime on Sunday, is by far the most difficult as the riders race from Ardara through Bruckless, Dunkineely, Glenties, Clooney and Ardara again before finishing on the famous Glengesh Pass.
Glengesh is known throughout Irish cycling circles as being one of the most difficult climbs in the country, friendly for spectators but much less so for the cyclists themselves at the end of three hard days of racing. The competition should be hard and fast for the entire weekend.
Approximate time schedules:
- Friday 1st June: Stage 1 Depart Ardara: 7.30pm .Arrive Ardara 9.00pm
- Saturday 2nd June: Stage 2 First rider starts Maghera: 9.01am Last rider finishes: 11.20am. Stage 3: Depart Ardara: 2.30pm Finish Ardara: 4.48pm.
- Sunday 3rd June: Stage 4 Depart Ardara: 12.00noon. Finish Glengesh: 2.44pm.
Sign on for the event is in The Nesbitt Arms Hotel 5.45 -7.15pm. Meetings Organisation 5.00pm. Commissaires 5.30pm. Managers 6.30pm. Marshals briefing 7.00pm.
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DUANE DELANEY TRACK GRAND PRIX
Hosted by Ravens CRT. Saturday 2nd June 2012 Eamonn Ceannt Stadium, Sundrive Road.
This year events will once again be run as a Omnium. Riders will be split by ability similar to the Sundrive League and we hope to run with three separate categories in a similar fashion to our Track League. The event is open to all accrediteded Track riders from U16 up and bike hire will be available.
As a point of interest, we are re introducing racing over the Mile distance. This will make it interesting as unlike the Kilo you cant go full on. Also the very impressive Harry Reynold Memorial Trophy which is now presented for a road race was once the Trophy for the Mile Championship of Ireland. *Note also we will be running a catering service on the day for teas/snacks/sandwiches
The proposed events will be a follows
* Flying 200m Time Trial
* Scratch Race
* Mile Dash (max 8 riders per heat - Seeded by results thus far )
* Standing Start 500m TT
For the Time Trials riders will be marked against only those in their own category so in theory the Overall winner could come from any of the three categories as is the spirit in which event has always been run. This event is unique in this respect.
Categories will be loosely based as per our League at Sundrive with A category with Vets and Juniors who are National Medal Standard joining our elite Seniors. The C category will be reserved for Senior Vets, U16s, Ladies (non National squad) and in particular to those who are new to track racing. B Category - Vets, Non Elite Seniors, new to track etc. We will try to get a good balance so as to give meaningful competition to all levels. We will attempt to balance out the categories and reserve the right to move riders after the Flying 200 if it is indicated that rider may be in the wrong category.
The mile dash with be run in batches of a maximum of 8 per heat and the seeding will be based on results of the first two events with 1v4v7 etc , 2v5v8. Rolling start. 1 Mile = 1609.344m - 3 laps & 230m
Pedals on hire bikes are Look Delta and no change of pedals or gearing allowed on track bikes.
Sign on at Clubhouse 1030 to 1100 (Entrance via rear) 11.00-11.30 - Open Track. Racing Starts at 11.30. Entry Fee €10
On behalf of the Track Commission, Hugh Byrne 086-3488708
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BLARNEY CC GO ALL OUT
Whilst down in Cork, the Blarney CC will be on full alert this weekend and furthermore they will be out the following weekend. In their own vernacular, they will not the cart before the horse!
On Saturday evening they are staging the Osborne Butchers Criterium which give a real buzz to the area, particularly if the visitors take an interest in the proceedings. Fact is at least they'll be able to see them close up as they dash in and out of corners. More than likely Aidan Crowley of DID/Dunboyne CC who revels in this type of event will take a weekend at home with his parents and siblings in his native Midleton and take time out to sharpen his speed for the upcoming 'Criterium Championships' which are being stage by Lakeside/Mullingar CC for the second year in succession. Sign On @ Blarney GAA Club 6-7pm. Race Start @ 7.30pm, 50 minutes plus 5 laps (1.5km lap). No one day licences for this event. Primes sponsored by Paddy Buckley Solicitors.
Then on Sunday the Blarney CC are putting on a triple decker! Yes? Three events for A4;A1-2-3 plus underage racing. The schedule start for the A4's and the underage is mid-day when hopefully the sun will be at its highest point in the sky (where else would it be!).
Cycling as we all know rely on the up and coming participants and none than Blarney CC are aware of this. Under the patronage of Aidan Forrest, the youngsters will compete on the Blackstone Bridge Circuit. It would be foolhardy of me, not to say, that I think many of the prizes on offer will stay in Munster this Sunday.
For the A4's they will be action in the Kay Stratton Memorial. The late Kay not only was a great supporter of the Blarney CC and all it stood for, but she was also involved at National level. Those who came into contact with the lady who always had good words to say. The event to keep her memory in her minds will also have a mid-day start for over 40kms and to pick a winner? I feel I would have a better chance of winning the 'lotto.' But I am sure that the trophy will be donning a mantle piece belonging to a Blarney CC competitor.
SUNDAY JUNE 3rd Road Races
KAY STRATTON MEMORIAL A4 RACE: Sign-On @ Blarney GAA Club 10.00-11.30am. Race starts @ 12.00 noon. 4 Laps (10km Lap) Blackstone Bridge Circuit
At one o'clock the Donal Crowley Memorial will roar into action. It must be of immense satisfaction to the families, that both Kay and Donal have events that remind the cycling fraternity the esteem that both were held in. Kay in administration and the exploits of Donal on the racing scene.
No doubt the Munster clubs will be out in force on Sunday. Obviously many of the An Post Ras participants will keen to get back into action after their exploits in the top half of the country.
Donal Crowley Memorial Race: Cat 1, 2 & 3: Race starts @ 1.00pm. 8 Laps (10km Lap) Blackstone Bridge Circuit
Handicapped dependent on the number of A1 & A2 that will turn up.
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SWORDS GRAND PRIX
The McNally Joinery Swords CC are well and truly organised for the Swords Grand Prix this Sunday. Ballyboughal will be the nerve point for the competitors who will tackle a sports friendly course with everything from fast roads to a bit of climbing which will suit many of the hopefuls. Unfortunately the defending champion Neil Delahaye maybe an absentee. He has been out of action since the Kerry Group Ras Mumhan back at Easter.
A course and distance winner in the shape of Adam Armstrong of Eurocycles has indicated that he'll be present on the day. Adam will be hoping to equal his win in the Ben McKenna Memorial earlier in the season where the finish line was the Nagg's Head. Sign on from 10-11.30 at Ballyboughal GAA club with race start at 12noon. The circuit is the Corduff circuit which is a 19.3km circuit starting outside the GAA club and finishing at the top of the Naggs Head climb. The organisers are anticipating good weather for the promotion. It is anticipated that many who took part in the recent An Post Ras will line up for this prestigious event.
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See our online calendar for a full list leisure and sportive events
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UPCOMING - EVENTS
ENFIELD GRAND PRIX
Clonard Road Club are holding the Enfield Grand Prix on Tuesday 5th June. The race was very successful last year, with some of the top riders from the An Post Ras taking part, and is a great 'warm-up' for the National Criterium Championships coming up next month.
There will be a handicap for the A4's and A3's. Fast circuit - 51km race (8 laps of a 6.4km circuit). The race will start at 8 p.m with sign on from 6:30 p.m at Na Fianna GAA pitch in Enfield.
There will be post race refreshments and further details on the event can be obtained by contacting Alan on 087 9923409, Prizes: 1st 8 overall
CORKAGH PARK RACE
South Dublin CC are back again for a promotion in the Corkagh Park also on Tuesday. The event is restricted to 100 competitors. The location has proved positive for the competitors as the area is free of traffic.
KATHLEEN O'SULLIVAN MEMORIAL
Keeping faith with Ballyboughal and the GAA, the club will be back this coming Wednesday. The Kathleen O 'Sullivan Memorial promoted by McNally Joinery /Swords CC will be held next Wednesday (6th)on the same circuit as the Swords GP. Sign on will be from 6pm with race starting at 7pm at Ballyboughal GAA.
BLARNEY HOSTS UNIQUE EVENT
Next Saturday, the 9th of June, Blarney Cycling Club will be hosting a unique event. They are running a time trial for hand cyclists, visually impaired cyclists and paracyclists. This will include some of the athletes that will be representing Ireland, in the upcoming Paralympics in London. Current U.C.I world champion hand cyclist Mark Rohan is due to participate in the event.
Also supporting the event are the famous Rebel Wheelers, a multi sports club for kids with physical disabilities from the ages of 5-18. The club was set up in 2008 by a group of parents and the Irish Wheelchair Association. The club encourages children to participate in a wide range of sports and activities including hand cycling.
The event will be a time trial of up to 20km on the old Mallow Road, there will also be shorter distances for the kids. Sign on and start/finish line will be at Rathpeacon National School. Sign-on starts at 11 a.m with the first rider departing at 12 p.m. The event will also be open to all challengers, anyone wishing to give hand cycling a try is more than welcome.
Mark Rohan will also go on a cycle with the kids on the day .The Rebel Wheelers parents are making cakes and local businesses are donating treats for the kids and the big kids too. Frank O'Leary from Cycling Ireland and Michael Crowley Cork Sports Partnership are also supporting the event We hope a good day will be had by all so let’s get out there!
For more information contact Terry O’Neill, Blarney Cycling Club and Rebel Wheelers at 0878234376.
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Paddy Flanagan 2 Day Memorial Cycling Event - Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2012
FLANAGAN+THACKABERRY CUP Saturday 16th Stage 1 Road Stage 120kms ( One Loop) Start time 1.30 pm
Sunday 17th Stage 2 Time Trial start 9am (1st rider off on race order number )
Sunday 17th Stage 3 Criterium Start 2.pm x 1hr+5laps ( New Crit Circuit 2.4km ) ///
Ned Flanagan Events - Saurday 16th June Road Stage 80kms Start Time 1.00pm (one Loop) Sunday 17th June Criterium 2.4kms Race 45mins+ 5laps Start Time 12.45pm
Note: This is a Pre- Entry for the 3 Stage Flanagan+Thackaberry Cup €30.00
Ned Flanagan Races Sign On Each Day €10 per Event
Youth races U12s –U14s – U-16s Criterium Circuit
Start Time 11.45
All Events: Sign-on ARAS-BRIDE KILDARE TOWN
Entries Posted to John Malone 5 Lynden Court Portlaoise Co Laois. Entry Fee €30 payable to Newbridge Cycling Club Entries: Close on Friday 15th June @ 5pm For further Information Contact John on 087-2453403
Link to download entry form http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/uploads/2012_paddy_flanagan_entry.pdf
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