A small field has entered the National Criterium Championships, but irrespective of turnout Paidi O'Brien will be the man to beat (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Páidí O'Brien is the man to beat in tomorrow night's National Criterium Championships decider in Claremorris, Co Mayo.
The champion from two years ago is part of a small field of 30 riders and over the tight 1.1-kilometre circuit he must be seen as the hottest of favourites.
Of course, he won't have it all his own way against a strong Connacht contingent that includes Castlebar's David Brennan, Christ Troy and former national junior road race champion Liam Corcoran.
Of the others, Cathal Moynihan of Aquablue should challenge, as should Daire Feeley (iTap) and Neill Delahaye (Team ASEA).
Dion McCarthy (Zanatta-Lotto) took third in the crit at the Suir Valley Three-Day last Sunday night and he's an outside bet to cause an upset.
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Indeed, first-year junior McCarthy and first-year U23 rider Feeley are both capable of taking a big result.
Sign on will be open from 7.30pm at the Dalton Inn the Square Claremorris after which riders can familiarise themselves with the course from 8.30pm.
There's a support race for A4 and A3 riders starting at 8.40pm and this will last 25 minutes and 3 laps.
The course for the main event will open at 9.10pm and the race will start at 9.15pm, lasting 50 minutes and three laps.
The medal presentation will follow on stage at 10.10pm and the prize presentation will bring the championships to a conclusion at 10.30pm at the Dalton Inn.
National Criterium Championships
Fri, Aug 7th: Claremorris, Co Mayo
Official Start List
Sean Moore JR (A3) JUNIOR A3 Barrow Wheelers
David Brennan A1 SENIOR Castlebar Cycling Club
Liam Corcoran A2 SENIOR Castlebar Cycling Club
Chris Troy A1 M40 Castlebar Cycling Club
Aaron Parks A3 SENIOR CCT
Timothy O'Regan A1 SENIOR Dunboyne Cycling Club
Aaron Buggle A1 SENIOR Fixx Rouleurs
Kazik Jankowsky A3 M40 Henry J Lyons & Partners
Derek Finnegan A1 SENIOR Keevan CC
Patrick Clarke A1 SENIOR Liquidworx Fitscience
Ronan McNamara A3 SENIOR Northwest MTB
Greg Monahan A3 M40 Seven Springs CC
Justin Mcgee A3 M40 South Dublin CC
Dave Reilly A1 SENIOR South Dublin CC
Alan Edwards JR (A3) JUNIOR A3 South Tipperary Cycling Club
Aidan Crowley A1 M40 STRATA3/VeloRevolution Racing Team
Alan Clogher A2 SENIOR TC Racing
Cathal Moynihan A1 SENIOR Team Aquablue
Neill Delahaye A1 SENIOR Team Asea
Daire Feeley A1 SENIOR Team iTAP
David Brody A2 SENIOR Team iTAP
Darragh Bailey A1 SENIOR Team iTAP
Michael Crowley A1 SENIOR Team Osborne Meats/McCarthy Cycles
Paidi O'Brien A1 SENIOR Team Osborne Meats/McCarthy Cycles
Con Collis A1 SENIOR UCD Cycling Club
Darragh Long A2 SENIOR UCD Cycling Club
Seán O'Malley A1 SENIOR Western Lakes CC
Dion Mc Carthy JR (A3) JUNIOR A3 Zannata – Lotto Cycling Team Menen
Declan Egan SENIOR
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