National TT Championships suits big gear riders
Nicolas Roche on his way to victory on last year's National TT Championships course. Next week's TT course suits big gear testers like the BMC Racing man (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
The National TT Championships course in Wexford looks perfect for riders who can push the really big gears.
There’s little in the way of hills and a steady downhill for long sections.
Ryan Mullen and Nicolas Roche are the two overwhelming favourites for the elite men’s event next Thursday.
Mullen will be looking to exact revenge after a below-par ride last year.
However, it is the defending champion Roche who has by far the biggest pedigree. He is, without question, the man to beat.
Twelve months ago the battle was seen as one between the two men.
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But Eddie Dunbar split them and has since been in flying form against the watch; taking U23 Worlds and Europeans TT top 10s.
Dunbar has won the U23 Tour of Flanders since last year’s championships and has looked to be on a whole new level this year.
He will be going into these championships with one thing on his mind; road and TT gold.
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Anna Turvey, the defending women's champion, will be a clear favourite to take that crown, followed by Eileen Burns and Eve McCrystal.
The course will take the riders from Johnstown to Kilmore on a 34-kilometre out-and-back route.
And though those in action won’t be stopping for pictures along the way, those who come to watch will be rewarded with some stunning scenery.
In total, the course only climbs for 136 metres with the maximum elevation being 70 metres.
It is pan-flat for 13 kilometres with a gentle rise from kilometres 22 to 31.
Riders will need to be very careful with managing the effort over the course as going off too hard is a common mistake, especially at the nationals.
There is likely to be a headwind on the outward section, and this could prove decisive.
Gear selection is another key consideration and strong testers will have the luxury of being able to push 55-tooth chainrings on this kind of a course.
It is shorter than previous years so the margins will be tighter accordingly.
The course for the paracyclists is shorter at 28 kilometres and features ‘just’ 114 metres of elevation.
It’s largely on the same course as the elite-U23 men and women, but just shortened on the Kilmore side.
The tandem races and paracycling events are open to those who are at least junior age.
The registration for the time-trial closes tomorrow, June 15th.
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