Tomorrow's men's race at the National Road Championships goes ahead as planned despite today's tragic events in the area. Above, action from last year's race in Carlingford (Photo: www.blackumbrella.ie)
By Brian Canty
The organisers of the National Championships have said they will run the vets' and women's events once a date is decided and ratified by Cycling Ireland. But tomorrow's elite and U23 combined men's race goes ahead as planned.
Following the decision to call off today's events because of the tragic road collision that claimed four lives this morning just off the Westmeath course, the promoting club said they were left with no alternative but to cancel the races.
"It was not in our control," said a spokesperson speaking on behalf of all the team at Mullingar Lakeside Wheelers.
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"We've spoken to the Gardai at a high level and while they've tried to be accommodating as much as they could, the scene of the accident could not be cleared.
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“Initially they told us they'd have it cleared by 4pm and we were confident that that could happen but that has not been the case as it’s taken longer than expected.
"I know it's very hard for people who travelled long distances and have been hanging around all day. For our club, we've put in a huge amount of work in. We managed to close the roads, which is something that doesn't happen too often.
“Racing will go ahead tomorrow as planned but we will be in consultation with Cycling Ireland about when the cancelled races can be rescheduled and our club will stand up and ensure they are run and we will run a very good championships.
“I hope you can all understand where we're coming from, it's very hard for us all to come to this decision," he added.
In extremely difficult circumstances, the club have done an incredible job today, and kept the huge crowds up to date on matters throughout the afternoon via social media and announcements at the start area.
The team behind the championships, with the help of Grange Motors Toyota Garage in Mullingar, left no stone unturned in trying to make the event a success and must be commended for their work.
The village of Multyfarnham, where the race headquarters is situated, looked great today with numerous food and drink stalls and local retailers really coming out to support the event.
The club even laid on food for the race officials and riders while they awaited news and will no doubt be devastated that such a sad turn of events scuppered their plans.
The club called for a minute's silence prior to making the announcement confirming today's races were off and must be commended for dealing with the matter in a very professional and timely manner.
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