Hilly course unveiled for elite, U23, vets' National Champs

The course for this year’s National road race championships (June 28th) has been announced and it looks perfect for a rider like Philip Deignan. The Donegal man has never won the elite title and with the race based not too far from his home in Donegal he won’t lack motivation.

By Brian Canty

Details of the course for this year’s National Road Race Championships - on June 27th & 28th - have just been announced with the host club, Omagh Wheelers, opting for a hilly route with barely a flat metre.

Upwards of 400 riders are expected to descend on the Tyrone town in seven weeks and those doing the road races will battle it out over a 25 kilometre (15 mile) course.

The exact distance of each race has yet to be officially ratified by Cycling Ireland but it’s likely the elite and U23 men will do seven laps, the vets will do five while the women will do at least four.

At the race’s official launch, race director Stevie McKenna said he wanted a course that was fast but tough and technical.

“The course will come through Omagh town centre each lap and will provide lots of excitement for spectators, but will also offer riders the thrill of racing through a packed town,” he said.

“There are a number of short, sharp hills on the course and dead stops such as ‘Sallys Corner’ will lend itself to an attacking race and no doubt plenty of line-outs.

“There’s also going to be spectator sections on the course to create an atmosphere on the exciting parts of the road,” he added.

Each lap features 163 metres of climbing with the highest point being at 134 metres after approximately 15 kilometres.

The lumpy parcours should make it a very selective race with the strongest men likely to come to the fore as the kilometres tick down.

Last year’s race in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, saw the break go very early on and stay out front to contest the finish.

Those who missed the move included four-time winner Matt Brammeier and 2008 champion Dan Martin and they’ll be keen to regain the title.

For pure quality on the start-line, this year’s event could trump anything that has gone before if all Irish pros commit to riding.

Nicolas Roche and Philip Deignan of Team Sky both missed the event last year and with the event close to the latter’s home in Donegal he’ll need no extra motivation to win what would be his first elite national title.

Sam Bennett will be riding his debut Tour de France this year and how the Bora-Argon 18 man would love to do it with the distinct jersey worn by the Irish national champion on his back.