Ryan Mullen was a fantastic winner of last year's elite men's title at the National Road Championships, and now Omagh Wheelers have revealed an impressive hand ahead of this year's events (Photo: George Doyle)
Omagh Wheelers has officially launched the National Road Race Championships by unveiling a host of sponsors whose support looks set to deliver a first class racing and entertainment schedule in the last week in June.
The event, where the elite men’s and women’s road and time trial titles will be down for decision along with the veterans’ road crown, will all be based around Omagh in Co Tyrone, with the road races to pass through the town each lap.
The format should create a great atmosphere, and with the club focussed on running a full schedule of activities to compliment the racing on the roads it seems already half way to creating a carnival atmosphere around the serious business of crowning our champions.
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At the launch of the championships last night, race director Stevie McKenna said when the club went looking for the support of and financial backing from the local community it was delighted with the response.
Paul McCarter leads the bunch in Westmeath in the 2014 title race. The Omagh riders would dearly love to take a medal away on home turf this time around (Photo: George Doyle)
“We approached a number of local businesses looking for assistance to stage this event; their responses have been overwhelming and will allow Omagh Wheelers stage an incredible event,” he said.
Cycling Ireland chief executive Geoff Liffey said while the racing was still a couple of months away, the build up already suggested a feast of racing was in store.
“The National Road and Time Trial Championships are one of the premier events on the cycling calendar, and is a unique opportunity for the Irish-based riders to compete against the professional riders.
“Omagh Wheelers have shown incredible energy, drive and innovation since coming on board as the host club for what is guaranteed to be an exciting 2015 National Championships”.
Caroline Ryan on her way to the TT crown in June of last year. Fiona Meade won the road race, which was postponed to September (Photo: Sean Rowe)
And Marian Lamb of Cycling Ulster said her association was delighted to be among the groups now throwing its weight behind what she believed would be an excellent project.
“Omagh Wheelers are a super club,” she said.
“And will do a fantastic job in hosting the National Championships, Cycling Ulster are delighted to be a part of it.”
While the sponsorship side of the championships will not only deliver fantastic racing by itself, it strengthens the hand of McKenna and those from his club towards realising their clearly ambitious plans for the racing.
Local man Angus Fyffe could definitely challenge for a medal in the U23 road race (Photo: David McVeigh - The Belgian Project)
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Newly formed Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are key partners of the event.
They have offered financial support and are also assisting in the delivery of the supporting activities.
The local Omagh Leisure Centre will be race headquarters for race weekend and the newly developed Oasis Plaza in the town centre will become the “Nationals Cycling Village”.
David Prentice Motors in Portadown is providing vehicle support for the event.
A fleet of BMW’s and Mini’s will be at the hub of the racing, providing vehicle for key race officials.
Stevie McKenna and his team have plenty of time to get their plans right, but in winning so much support have given themselves a great chance of pulling off a brilliant weekend (Photo: Marian Lamb – Cycling Ulster)
Sallys of Omagh – long time sponsors of the club - have been confirmed as the official hospitality partner of the event.
Sallys are putting together a weekend of activities in their local hostelry and also at the hub of the cycling village.
Omagh-based engineering firm JMG are another of the key sponsors. And, like Sallys, they come on board having already generously backed the host club’s Tour of Omagh.
An Post's Sean Downey, leading, came very close last year when he took home a silver medal. Could 2015 be his year? (Photo: George Doyle)
Enniskillen based Lakeland Bikes, already active in supporting cycling in the North West region, are also supporting the championships.
The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh has come on board as the official accommodation partner for visiting cyclists and officials.
Alan Duncan from the hotel said the events provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the town to visitors from all over Ireland.
We’ll have lots more on the championships in the build up, so stay tuned to stickybottle.
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