Riders battled the heat in the streets of Limerick City yesterday, May 17th, as Greenmount Cycling Academy hosted the Criterium National Championships.
With temperatures of over 20 degrees from early in the day, a tight course with cobble sections, the day provided a tough challenge but produced fantastic racing throughout the day.
It was two Ulster riders came out on top – as Aine Doherty and Dean Harvey secured the national champion jerseys.
Doherty was in a break of four from the start of the women’s Elite race, which was quickly whittled down to two. The three riders fought hard but stuck together for the 35 minute plus five lap race. A sprint for the line saw Doherty edge out Westport Covey Wheelers’ Abi Conway, as host club rider Gabrielle Fox from Greenmount took third.
The Open race saw a blistering pace from the start, with a large field splintering into smaller groups. Coming into the final 5 laps, eight riders made up the leading group, which further splintered towards the end. A crash coming into the final turn saw Leo Doyle from Atom 6 Bikes – Decca Continental Team have his hopes dashed, as Dean Harvey powered up the final short incline to the line. The Martigues SC ride was followed by Jack B Murphy of Kilcullen in second, and Moynalty’s Luke Smith in third. JEGG-DJR Academy rider Max Fitzgerald was the highest place junior, taking 6th.
The non-championship Masters race saw Greenmount’s own Keith Walsh take top spot, followed by Spellman-Dublin Port rider Stephen Hanna in second and Burren CC’s Alan Brigdale in third.
Dan Morrissey Pissei Rider Tom Lane took an early lead in the U16 support race, and powered to the win ahead of Dungarvan’s Tony Kenneally and Fermoy’s Shane O’Brien in second and third respectively.
The large traveling contingent from Sliabh Luachra were delighted to see their own Ethan Real take the win in the U14 support race, as he beat out Cullen Murphy from O’Leary Stone Kanturk in second, and Breffni Wheelers’ Ava Baker in third. The trio worked hard together, putting in a strong performance to break from the next group of four riders – all from Sliabh Luachra.
Greenmount’s Nuadha Walsh took the win in the U12 support race, ahead of Sliabh Luachra’s George Cleverly in second, and Breffni Wheelers’ Nathan Baker in third.
Elite Open Championships
1. Dean HARVEY Martigues Sport Cyclisme C1 1:01:37
2. Jack Bernard MURPHY Kilcullen CC Murphy Geospacial C1 +4
3. Luke SMITH Moynalty Cycling Club C1 +11
4. Jack CONROY Bray Wheelers C1
5. John BULLER Banbridge CC C1 +16
Women's Championships
1. Aine DOHERTY Dan Morrissey Pissei Cycling Team SENIOR 42:36
2. Abi CONWAY Westport Covey Wheelers Cycling Club SENIOR
3. Gabrielle FOX Greenmount CA SENIOR +1
A full list of results is available on PopupRaces - click here
Criterium Champs takes place in Limerick City this weekend
By Cycling Ireland - 16th May
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Saturday the 17th of May will see cyclists from across Ireland descend on Limerick city centre for the 2025 Criterium National Championships.
Hosts Greenmount have been working tirelessly with Limerick City and County Council to provide a 1km closed-road course in Limerick’s King's Island, sure to provide exciting racing for riders and spectators alike. The event is free for spectators to attend. You can view the course, and best places to catch the action here.
Food will be served all day, and a big screen will show all the action as it unfolds around the course.
Along with Open and Women’s National Championship titles on the line, the day will feature a full slate of Masters and Youth support races.
The day will also feature an inclusive family fun cycle. This will give all the family an opportunity to ride the closed road course at their own pace, no matter their age or ability.
The full schedule is available below.
10.00am - Parking restrictions in place
12.00pm - Road closures and diversions in place
1.30pm - Cyclists start gathering safely depending on their race time
2.10pm - U8/10 Fun Race - 1 lap
2.20pm - Youth Races U12 1st lap neutralized - Moto lead bike
2.40pm - Youth Races U14
3.20pm - Youth Races U16
4.00pm - Masters Race
5.30pm - Bike Week Fun and Inclusion Cycle
6.30pm - Women’s Elite Race
7.30pm - Open Elite Race
8.45pm - Races End & Final presentation
9.00pm - Road Closures and diversions end
Race organiser Vinne Gleeson said “Our club Greenmount Cycling Academy was delighted to host the National Criterium Championships in both 2017 and 2021 at Limerick Racecourse. These Championships are returning to Munster in 2025 and our club has again been awarded the honour of hosting this event by Cycling Ireland. This time with the backing of Limerick City & County Council we are hosting the race in King's Island of Limerick City during Bike Week 2025. The 1km circuit should provide for exciting racing. The Elite Women's and Open Championship races will be proceeded by Youth and Masters races from 2pm with a fun cycle at 5.30pm. Race HQ will be Katie Dalys Heritage Pub & Kitchen which is on the circuit and looks across at Limericks most iconic landmark King John's Castle. We would like to thank our club supporters Reddy A+U, Hinchys Garage, Modulacc, UL Sports Arena, Shanahans Family Foods, JJ Kenneally Jewelers, The Hub, Limerick Racecourse, Limerick Sports Partnership and IrishCyclingNews.com.“
Along with tying in with Bike Week 2025, the Crit Championships also coincide with the PJ O’Riordan Memorial race weekend. The National Grade event, hosted by Newcastle West CC takes place on Sunday the 18th of May in Athea, Co. Limerick. Riders will have the chance to race on the course used for the 2024 Road National Championships, and can view the course here.