The elite women at the start of last year's National Road Championships; today's race and the vet's title event are cancelled after a tragic crash in Westmeath meant racing on the course was impossible (Photo: www.blackumbrella.ie)
Having been initially forced to delay the start of the vets’ and women’s races at the National Road Race Championships, and then having announced plans for the racing to start later today – at 4pm and 4.30pm respectively – the organisers have now taken the decision to call off the events.
A statement from promoting club Lakeside Wheelers said it deeply regretted the decision but had simply been left with no choice.
“Due to circumstances outside our control, it is with regret that we have to announce that today's Women's and Veterans' National Championships Road Races have been cancelled,” the statement said.
Advertisement
“It had been hoped that the races could have gone ahead later this afternoon but we have been advised by the authorities that this is not now possible. The races will now take place at a later date, to be announced.
“We apologise for the inconvenience to all concerned but we trust that people will appreciate the reason for the decision.”
The vets' race had been scheduled to start at 11am followed by the women’s decider at 2pm.
However, a fatal road traffic accident unconnected with the racing occurred just off the course at 7.30am.
Related News
Three women and a 10-year-old child tragically lost their lives, forcing significant road closures. The diverted traffic was rerouted onto the race route, initially forcing the postponed of the events.
It was announced this afternoon that the women’s race would start at the delayed time of 4pm with the vet’s getting underway at 4.30pm.
Both events were to be shortened from six laps to five; or 114km to 95km.
However, just a few hours after announcing the changed time table, the host club has been forced to concede the events will not go ahead today.
It is unclear when the races will proceed but with the men’s event scheduled for tomorrow, it appears there is no chance the titles will be settled this weekend.
The accident happened near Port na Shangan, just north of Mullingar on the main N4 Dublin to Sligo road.
Gardaí say a collision took place between a car and a jeep on a straight stretch of road just after 7.30am.
It is understood the three women and child, all travelling in the car, were killed instantly in the crash.
The driver of the jeep has been taken to hospital with injuries that are said not to be life-threatening.
Gardaí and the emergency services are at the scene and the road has been closed while a major investigation has been set up.
Topics
