The time trial course at the elite and U23 National Road Championships in Omagh in June has been given a new twist in an effort to make it less predictable. Above, Ryan Mullen on his way to the U23 crown last year. He was fastest on the night but was not eligible for the elite crown (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Course details for the time trial (TT) at this year’s National Road Championships have been unveiled, with host club Omagh Wheelers opting for a hilly 37-kilometre course.
It features 304 metres of climbing (1,000 feet) and unlike the route for last year’s event in Co Westmeath, it’s a looped track instead of the more traditional ‘out and back’.
“The course is a Worlds-style course and it will certainly remove the predictability of flat out and back courses,” said race director Stevie McKenna.
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“It throws a bit of everything at the rider but the first half will be the decisive element with a lot of hilly tough terrain.
“Whilst the second half of the course is flat and more downhill, the road back to Omagh is on really exposed countryside, which can offer some really tough wind conditions.
Track specialist Caroline Ryan on her way to victory in the road title event last year (Photo: Sean Rowe)
“I expect riders won’t forget this course in a hurry,” he added.
Ryan Mullen (An Post-Chainreaction) is the reigning U23 champion and though he had the fastest time of last year's championships, he wasn't crowned winner of the elite race. That went to Michael Hutchinson (InGear).
Mullen will be the undisputed favourite again this year, assuming he's fit and injury-free.
But the likes of defending champion Hutchinson, Martyn Irvine (Madison Genesis), Colm Cassidy (Aquablue), Bryan McCrystal (Team ASEA) or any of the U23 and elite track men such as Thomas Fallon, Javan Nulty, Dylan Foley or Cormac Clarke could spring a surprise.
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In the women's race, Caroline Ryan (Garda CC-Richies Bikes) will be favourite to defend her crown although she was pushed very close last year by Lauren Creamer (Pearl Izumi Sport).
Michael Hutchinson claimed the elite title last year. It will be interesting to see how he does on a hillier looped course rather than the traditional out and back (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Omagh Wheelers has also announced details of an open test event which takes place on Sunday May 31st.
The idea is to give riders the chance to ride the course less than a month prior to the event.
The trial event is open to all categories and pre-registration is now available via the Cycling Ireland website and event booking system.
Pre-registration closes on May 20th, after which the cost of entries will increase on the day of the event.
The courses for the respective time-trials are available here and for the paracyclists here.
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