Tour of Ulster 2007 – Route Preview
The first stage of this year’s tour from Omagh to Omagh is a difficult stage. With the stage length in excess of almost 90 miles and also two major climbs to get over. The stage starts from Omagh Leisure Centre and the first of these climbs come within the first 12 miles of racing at Fintona (Sionfin) and is a Category 1 climb, the race then passes through Fivemiletown on route to Augher, Aughnacloy, Dungannon, Cookstown and Gortin before the final climb of the day at Gortin Glen just 8 miles from the finish at Omagh Primary School.
The second stage from Omagh to Gortin is a very hilly stage. The stage starts from Omagh Leisure Centre and with the stage length at almost 60 miles, and four climbs on the route, all within the final the final 30 miles and finishing with a hill top finish at Gortin, will prove to be to be a very difficult day The races passes through Drumquin, Castlederg on route to the first climb of the day at Tullywisker at 29 miles, the races then passes through Strabane, Artigarvian and Donamana for the second climb of the day at 44 mile. Plumbridge is the next town with the third hill just outside the town at 53 miles and onto Gortin with the finish just outside the town on a tough climb.
Stage three is a 2.5 miles Individual Time Trial on the Dromore Road with an out and back course. The stage will be for the time trial specialist, on a flat course.
The final stage from Omagh to Omagh is relatively flat stage with only two climbs and at 65 miles will be a very fast stage. The race starts from the Omagh Leisure Centre and passes through Drumquin and Castlederg to the first climb of the day at 16 miles then through Killen to the last climb of the race at 22 miles, then onto Ederney, Kesh, Ballinmallard and Dromore,, with the finish just outside Omagh on the Dromore Road.
Entries are now closed with the field complete. Twenty Two teams have entered, along with individual entries. Last years winner Ray Clarke from the Dan Morrissey/Carrick Wheelers squad is back to defend his title. Former Ras winner Andrew Roche is also riding for the Isle of Man, Roche finished third last Sunday at the Shay Elliott. Also Murphy & Gunn/Newlyn Group professional Stephen Gallagher from Richill who is recovering from a broken wrist sustained from a crash at Grand Prix Lillers in France is riding for Orchard Wheelers and will be in contention for overall victory.
Note to all riders, bike frame numbers will be supplied.
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Top Cyclists for Tour of Ulster (Apr 20)
With almost two weeks remaining before the start of the 2007 cycling Tour of Ulster, the entry list is already virtually complete, with around 100 of the top Irish cyclists already entered.
The Tour of Ulster runs over the weekend, 5th till 7th May, and this year will be largely based in counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry.
The 2006 winner, Ray Clarke from Clonmel will be back to wear the number 1 jersey, again supported by the Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers who have dominated in many of this years early season races in Munster. The powerful Murphy & Gunn team which took the team award in 2006 are also entered, this time with a younger squad, some of them already making their presence felt on one day events around the country.
The Irish News sponsored "Young Rider" competition could well go to one of the Murphy/Gunn outfit, but Ulster’s young hopefuls, such as Simon Williams (Orchard Wheelers),or Martyn Irvine (Ards CC) have been showing great form in Northern events lately, and will be well enough able for the southern invaders. Williams in particular has rarely been out of the top ten in local races since the season kicked off in March, and he will have the benefit of experienced professional Stephen Gallagher with him on the Orchard Wheelers squad. Gallagher who normally rides with the Sean Kelly team in Europe, had been sidelined for the past month or so with a wrist injury, but if his pre accident form is anything to go by, he could be a possible overall winner.
Tour of Ulster regulars, the Stamullen/M.Donnelly Road Club will be missing this year, having instead opted for the "Presidential Tour of Turkey", an international race which takes place over the same weekend.
One competitor sure to attract major interest is the sole lady entrant, in a race that has for the last 50 years been the exclusive preserve of the men. Siobhan Dervlan, the current Irish ladies champion, and a member of the Europe Continental team,"Lotto/ Bodysol", is a likely starter. Last weekend in the Netherlands Siobhan placed twenty first from a field of 164 ladies, in the "Rondevan Drenthe", and she is a full time bike rider.