Not content with putting on an event that has rapidly become one of the most coveted race wins - and one of the most challenging sportives - on the home scene, Galway Bay CC has made changes to the Galway Classic this year. The races will now be longer and harder; with a gravel sector at the start and also an off-road finish.
And just 24 hours after the racing cyclists do their thing on the gravel roads and farm tracks of east and north Galway, it will be the turn of the sportive riders. They will face a choice of routes - of 85km or 120km - and will also negotiate the same gravel sectors during their events.
The 85km "Puncheur" sportive route involves eight gravel sectors, totaling 16km, while the 120km "Rouleur" sportive includes 10 sectors, totaling 21km. The sportives take place on Sunday, April 16th, starting at 10am from Ryehill Demesne, Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway.
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Galway Bay CC describes the sportive routes as 75 per cent regular roads with about 15 per cent bog roads, five per cent gravel tracks and five per cent farm tracks. There are food stops along the way and a BBQ after the events.
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The Galway Classic races will unfold on Saturday, April 15th, and will also start at Ryehill Demesne. The main men's race will be 157km in length, with 14 off-road sectors through bog roads, farm tracks and gravel roads. The women's Galway Classic Mná will be 84km long with eight sectors. The third race of the day will be the separate A3-Junior event, also 84km long with eight off-road sectors.
"Changes for the 2023 Galway Classic version include the addition of a new 1.5km bog road sector after only 7km of racing - it's sure to spark aggressive racing from the start," said Galway Bay CC. "At the business end of the race, Stonehall, the longest sector at 4.4km will be tackled by the riders very near the end at the 151km mark, setting up a dramatic finale.
"And for the first time in its history, the Galway Classic will have a spectacularly dramatic ending, finishing on on off-road sector, sector 14, the short 400m dusty gritty driveway up into Ryehill Demesne. This will be the most unique finish to a race ever seen anywhere in Ireland."
Detailed route information for all races is available at www.ridetheclassic.com
