Races being cancelled added to the later start to the season resulted in a double whammy for the road scene this year. So Drogheda Wheelers have stepped in with a new event for next weekend. It hasn't all been bad news in 2018; the Foyle Three Day, for example, was a fantastic race and shows what can be done late in the campaign (Photo: Sean Rowe)
New road race action for Leinster to offset cancellations
A new road race has been put in place for next weekend to help offset the number of cancelled events in recent months.
The Leinster Autumn Classic is to be held on Saturday, when the Wexford Two Day should have been underway.
Unfortunately the low number of advance sign-ons for Wexford suggested the race would not be commercially viable this year.
And so a decision was made, with heavy hearts among the organisers, to cancel it in advance. Only around 60 riders had entered, though the races had pulled in well over 200 in the past.
Advertisement
It had been a great event in recent years, with separate races for different categories.
With a race for A1-A2 as well as another for A3-Juniors and a third event for A4s; its cancellation was a big blow.
And its absence this weekend coming follows Rás Dhun na nGall also not being run this year.
The VisitNenagh Classic, which has been an excellent race, also went the same way this season as did other smaller races.
Related News
Conn McDunphy, now an U23 international, wins the opening stage of the A3 Wexford Two Day in 2015. Because there were three separate races in one promotion, its absence is really felt so late in the season.
Cycling Ireland had this year changed the season to a later start date. Events were not set to begin until the first weekend in March rather than mid February.
But when snowy conditions set in as the season was due to start, many early races had to be cancelled.
It meant the season got underway three weeks later than normal; only to be followed by cancellations.
But Drogheda Wheelers have now stepped in to give the calendar a boost with their new Leinster Autumn Classic on Saturday.
Cycling stalwart Ger Campbell confirmed news of the race, which has just been organised in the past week, with a statement today.
“Due to a string of recent cancellations, including the Wexford stage race event next weekend, Drogheda Wheelers have decided to promote a new open race,” it said.
“It will allow the racing season to continue and offer Irish domestic riders a chance to race this late into the season.
“The Leinster Autumn Classic will be held this Saturday, August 18th, in Bellewstown, Co Meath.”
Sign on will open at 9am in Bellewstown Race Course, with racing commencing at 10:30am.
It will be run on a 12.5km course, with four laps for A4s, making a total race distance of 62.5km.
The combined A1-A2-A3 race will be over seven laps; or 87.5km in total.
You can check the route on Strava by following this link. Any further information can be obtained by contacting the Drogheda Wheelers Facebook page.
Topics
