Great scenery but tough roads; the Ballinrobe Two-Day is fought out this weekend
By Brian Canty
It is one of Ireland’s few handicapped stage races and with a winners’ list that includes Rás stage-winners Sam Bennett and Brian Kenneally it’s hardly surprising the Ballinrobe Two-Day enjoys the reputation as one of the country’s best loved events.
The host club, Western Lakes CC are this weekend expecting a large field to descend on the Mayo town for the 2012 edition.
All are catered for in the event, while there is a separate A4 race.
In total, the race covers in excess of 170 kilometres over the two days, with a time trial punctuating two 80+ kilometre road stages on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Stage one on Saturday is an 87 kilometre trek, starting in Ballinrobe and finishing just outside the town on the Clonbur road. The Martin Monroe Memorial trophy is up for grabs for the stage win but those with designs on capturing it will have to conquer five KOH’s, some sharp hills and steep descents.
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Indeed, the Maam Trasna KOH earned a reputation for being something of a leg-breaker during this year’s An Post Rás and should see the race split; if it hasn’t done so already as it is the third climb of the day.
Stage 2A is the time trial of just over seven kilometres on Sunday morning. The course is pan-flat, starting in Kilmaine and going back the Tuam road (N84) to Ballinrobe. Riders will start from 9am with the yellow jersey off last.
The final stage, 2B, takes place on Sunday afternoon with the winner to be presented with the Garhill Cup. Though not as hilly as the opening stage, it is still quite difficult and negotiates four laps of a 20 kilometre route. Starting in Ballinrobe, the race heads south for The Neale before turning east in the direction of Kilmaine and back to Ballinrobe.
The winner overall will receive the Eileen Marrey Memorial Trophy, while the race is also generous enough to award the top eight overall a prize. First six over the line on both stages get among the prizes, while prizes for top five in TT.
There are also prizes for the first unplaced A2, A3, junior and woman while there will also be a separate jersey for the KOH as well as points.
More details on the race as well as how to enter can be got on the race’s own Facebook page.
On their website or alternatively, by contacting race organiser Padraig Marrey by email on [email protected]
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