New to the domestic calendar, the Fitscience GP is set for the scenic but brutal roads of Co Mayo on Sunday, when the organisers say only the very strong will prevail (Photo: Pawel Sadowski – Shutterstills.com)
The inaugural Fitscience GP takes place in Ballina this Sunday and the organisers have promised a gruelling race on some of the toughest, most exposed roads in the west of Ireland.
The main event is the combined A1-A2-A3 race which takes the riders on a 120-kilometre loop, starting and finishing in Ballina, Co Mayo.
It’s a race that will suit an all-rounder; someone who can climb and also ride strongly in crosswinds.
Race director is Paddy Clarke, a man well used to the roads in the west, and he’s predicting a very difficult afternoon.
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“It’s going to be a cracking race, a really classic-style event; not for the feint-hearted,” he said.
“The strongest man is going to win, it’s as simple as that”.
Paddy Clarke, in the yellow of Kerry Group Rás Mumhan last year, is organising this Sunday's race and believes it can become a major fixture in the years ahead (Photo: George Doyle)
The racing scene in Connacht has really blossomed in recent years with the number of active participants now at an all-time high.
“We wanted a race that started and finished in Ballina and a route that took in some of the most beautiful scenery in the north-west," said Clarke, who won the West Coast Wheelers Open Race last Sunday in Co Galway.
He will not be riding this Sunday, opting to focus on putting on the best race possible instead.
However, he believes the event can grow into a major early season showdown in the years ahead.
“We’re confident we’ve picked a good route, and one thing’s for sure; it will not be a bunch sprint.
“I see the race breaking up badly and a small group coming to the line.
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Two very good young riders from the region who should be to the fore this Sunday; Cale Coen leads Daire Feeley up the road last year (Photo: Pawel Sadowski – Shutterstills.com)
“The standard is very good up here and with the National Crit Champs coming to Mayo later in the year, as well as a few stage finishes of the An Post Rás in May, the sport is really on a high."
Clarke outlined the race route and where he thinks it will be won and lost.
“The climbing starts straight after we go through Crossmolina and reaches 100metres after 20 kilometres," he explained.
“That doesn’t sound like much but on these roads, trust me, it’ll be difficult.
“A break could well go on that drag because for the next 40 kilometres it’s mainly flat and if a group is gone they could make some good time here.
“The race reaches its highest point (120metres) around the 80 kilometre mark and that’s up around the coast on a very exposed stretch.
Launched last year as Liquidworx-Fitscience, the Ballina-based team has been rebranded this year as 'Fitscience' and organises its first race this Sunday.
"At that point you nearly always see a blistering cross wind this time of year; good bike-handling skills and awareness will be needed here," added Clarke.
“We then turn back inland, south towards Ballina where there are two drags.
“If the front group fragments here there could be a regrouping.
"But at this stage, it’ll be all about who has anything left in the legs – as would be the case after a race with 1,000 metres of climbing.”
The A4s will have a separate race on a shorter 70-kilometre route which features 384 metres of climbing.
For more information click here, or contact Simon or Patrick at Fitscience on 096 24782 or email [email protected]
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