The Shay Elliott Memorial races will be contested in Co Wicklow this Sunday with a new sponsorship deal in place from an international backer. Above, Damien Shaw, in blue, and then junior rider Eddie Dunbar on their way to 1st and 2nd twelve months ago (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Still one of the most coveted one-day races on the domestic scene and down for decision this weekend, the Shay Elliott Memorial has received a welcome boost with new financial backing.
The Spanish Club La Santa and Sports Tours International has come on board, with its logo to appear on the jerseys presented to the those riders who win the race, the sprints primes and climbers’ classification.
Chairman of promoting club Bray Wheelers, John Spain, said he was delighted to have such a prestigious sponsor come on board.
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He expects some tough racing on Sunday when the A1-A2 main event will be fought as well as the A3-Junior race.
Conor Murphy wins the main event two years ago from then team mate Thomas Martin (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
“We are delighted that Club La Santa and Sports Tours International are supporting our ambition to continually develop the race which now caters for the top A1 and A2 riders in the country and those coming up through the A3 and junior ranks,” said Spain.
“We introduced the A3 and junior race last year and it proved to be a massive success.
“It takes a tough rider to win either race and the undulating terrain and climb over Glenmalure, where both races pass the Shay Elliott Memorial and where the king of the mountains jersey will be contested, is guaranteed to be decisive.”
Chief executive of Club La Santa and Sports Tours International, Chris Bird said he looked forward to successful relationship with the Wicklow event.
Eventual runner-up Eddie Dunbar attacks early in last year's race before the field split to pieces (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
“Club La Santa and Sports Tours International are delighted to be associated with this event and the celebration of Shay Elliott’s life,” he said.
“Not only is our involvement a great opportunity to engage with the cycling community in Ireland but we are also proud to be recognising one of Ireland’s most talented and acclaimed cyclists.”
Over 200 riders are expected to sign on to fight out the races this weekend.
The main event was won by Aquablue's Damien Shaw last year who escaped with second-year junior Eddie Dunbar of Kanturk.
The race always attracts a big bunch with plenty of quality riders (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
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The 2014 runner-up has since gone on to the pro ranks with NFTO Pro Cycling in the UK.
“I’ll be back to try and get my name on the Shay Elliott Memorial for 2015,” said Shaw.
“As one of Ireland’s showpiece races it’s guaranteed a great amount of respect from the domestic peloton.
“Part of the prestige of the Shay Elliott is that over the years so many great riders, national and international, have graced the event. Hopefully this will continue for 2015 and beyond.”
Philip Lavery on his way to winning the race in great style in 2012; he then took the U2 National Road Race Championship later in the year and the bronze in the elite title race behind Matt Brammeier and Nicolas Roche (Photo courtesy of Bray Wheelers)
The 140km Shay Elliott race for A1 and A2 riders starts from the race headquarters at Bray Wheelers clubhouse at 11am this Sunday, May 10th.
The race for A3s and junior riders starts five minutes later, with the clubhouse open from 8.30am on the day.
The route for both races proceeds to Kilpeddar, where the prime for the green jersey will be contested after 12.8 kilometres, before heading for Ashford and Rathdrum.
The A1 and A2 riders will continue to Aughrim before tackling the climb of Glenmalure after 102 kilometres of racing.
The event's official poster for this Sunday's racing; just one small part of Bray Wheelers drive to relaunch the race in recent years.
The A3 and Junior riders will turn in Rathdrum for Greenane, meeting the climb of Glenmalure after 52 kilometres of racing.
Spectators planning to watch the race unfold at Glenmalure will need to allow time to take a viewing spot by 12.30pm for the A3 and junior race, with the riders in the A1 and A2 race scheduled to follow half an hour later.
Following the climb, both races will make their way to Laragh and to the finish at Newtownmountkennedy Industrial Park via Weston Gates and Killiskey.
The riders expected to finish between 1.30pm and 2.30pm respectively.
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