Bryan McCrystal won the National Road Series last year. The dates and prize money for this year’s series have just been announced (Photo - www.jimmymcelroy.com)
Having been won by well-known strongman Bryan McCrystal (ASEA-Wheelworx) last year, the National Road Series is back for 2016.
Cycling Ireland has launched a 12-race series running from Rás Luimni on March 13th to the North Down GP on August 21st.
There are prizes for the top 10 overall with a total prize fund of €3,000, as well as the prizes awarded at each round of the series.
Like last year’s inaugural promotion, no new races have been created for the classic league-style series. Instead it is compromised of events that have long been on the Irish calendar.
Cycling Ireland has said a rider’s placings in their five best events will count towards their final points tally, while three of those races must be in different provinces.
Advertisement
The rules mean a rider can skip going to any races in the province furthest from them without impacting their ability to score the highest possible points tally.
“The unique structure of the series offers an exciting element to the race scene, encouraging riders to compete consistently throughout the season, and thus pushing up the standard of racing for all riders,” Cycling Ireland said in a statement.
“Where in previous national leagues all events counted towards the overall, this series sees each province hosting three counting rounds, with a rider’s best five scores counting.
Related News
“The rider must compete across three provinces. All riders will receive 10 points for participating, with increased points offered to the top 20 riders.
Series champion Bryan McCrystal said he was looking forward to getting stuck in again in a bid to retain his crown.
“It’s great to have a league like this to keep more people focused for the entire season,” he said.
“The key is to keep consistent in the races. It was a great honour to win the inaugural series and I’m looking forward to defending my title in 2016.”
National Road Series 2016
Schedule of events
13th March Munster Ras Luimni
19st March Ulster Wallace Caldwell
20th March Leinster Des Hanlon
3rd April Connacht Davis Cup
10th April Leinster Stamullen GP
17th April Munster Visit Nenagh Classic
15th May Leinster Shay Elliott Memorial
12th June Connacht Donamon GP
10th July Munster Tralee Manor West GP
24th July Connacht Brian McNamara Memorial
13th August Ulster John Beggs Memorial
21st August Ulster North Down GP
Prize Money, 2016
1st €670
2nd €470
3rd €300
4th €250
5th €210
6th €180
7th €160
8th €140
9th €120
10th €100
Unplaced Provincial rider €100 x 4
Total €3000
Topics
