Damien Shaw on his way to victory 12 months ago ahead of Mark Dowling, above, while Lakeside man David Casserly took a fantastic win in the A3 event (Photo: www.jimmymcelroy.com – follow Jimmy on Facebook and Twitter)
The scene of many great criterium races in recent years, the event planned for Mullingar this evening, Wednesday, has been called off.
With parts of Dublin having experienced flashing flooding in the last 24 hours, heavy rain is forecast for this afternoon and evening in the Westmeath area raising safety concerns for the organisers of the criterium.
However, with very small numbers having entered online in advance for the two planned races, promoting club Lakeside Wheelers said it would not be viable to put in place road closures and expect several state agencies to work at the event with such a low turn out.
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The race - and the €500 first prize - was won last year by local favourite Damien Shaw, then riding for Team ASEA but having since moved up to An Post-Chainreaction.
Local man David Casserly of promoting club Lakeside Wheelers shows his delight at winning the A3 race last year (Photo: www.jimmymcelroy.com – follow Jimmy on Facebook and Twitter)
“It is with great regret that the Lakeside Wheelers promoted ‘National Bike Week Criterium’, scheduled to take place in Mullingar town centre tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 15th, has been cancelled,” the club said in a statement last night.
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“The organisers of this event were left with no option but to cancel their plans due to the combination of an insufficient number of riders signed on and poor weather forecast for tomorrow afternoon and evening.
“On-line entry has been open for the last four weeks but to date there are only 25 riders signed on for the two races.
“Reluctantly, the club committee made the decision this afternoon and we hope our decision does not inconvenience those who had entered.
“An event of this nature involves the cooperation of several local agencies such as the Gardai, Civil Defence, business people, Co. Council and club members and with such a poor entry implementing a road closure and detour plan was simply not viable.
“There was also a safety concern for riders as the inclement weather which is forecast would make a criterium race very risky.”
Tuesday night's Tweet
Mullingar Criterium due to be held tomorrow evening CANCELLED due to forecasted rain. Riders who have registered & paid will be refunded.
— Kevin Monaghan (@whmono) June 14, 2016
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