The format has been changed and date brought forward for the Tour of Connacht, with some of the best A1, A2 and A3 riders set to do battle in Co Mayo this weekend. Ryan Sherlock (leading) won last year's event (Photo: Paweł Sadowski of www.shutterstills.com)
Entries are still being accepted for the Tour of Connacht two-day which takes place this weekend; Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th.
The race will once again feature two road stages of 100 kilometres and 60 kilometres on Saturday and Sunday respectively and there will also be a time-trial on Sunday evening to bring the action to its conclusion.
Last year the time-trial was the second stage but organisers have opted to change that format this time around, which will mean anyone with designs on winning the race outright will know exactly what needs to be done on the final test.
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As well as the format change, the race is given an earlier than usual place in the domestic calendar, having previously been run off in late July.
The defending champion is Ryan Sherlock who won courtesy of a stunning time-trial last year. He was pushed all the way by Charlie Prendergast when they were team mates on the now defunct Polygon Sweet Nice team.
The race is open to A1, A2 and A3 riders as well as juniors and again will take in some of the most stunning scenery in Connacht.
Based in Castlebar, adjacent to the county grounds at Elverys MacHale Park, Saturday’s opening stage is a difficult one.
From Castlebar, the race heads in the direction of Laherdaune and then Crossmolina, back towards Castlebar and Bofeenaun before finishing on the Newport road.
Sunday’s second road stage is another tester and though it’s short, at just over 60 kilometres, it’s a difficult one where crosswinds could really shake up the race.
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It’s also an early start, with the race rolling out at 9.40am to accommodate an early afternoon finish. The hilltop finish should also prove quite spectacular.
The time-trial is just over five miles, or 9km, and riders will start in reverse GC order; starting at Moran’s Garage on the Pontoon Road and coming back into Castlebar. The first rider is off at 2pm.
There promises to be a strong Connacht contingent, with teams from Castlebar CC, Western Lakes CC, Galway Bay CC, Eire Og CC, Liquidworx-Fitscience, Seven Springs and Donamon all keen to keep the yellow jersey in its home province.
The following weekend, April 5th and 6th, the promoting club will host a similar race for A4 riders only, with the format staying the same, though the opening Saturday stage is 20 kilometres shorter.
Route information, stage details, accommodation listings and entry forms are available here.
For further information please contact John Brennan at [email protected] or David Brennan at [email protected]
While those intending to ride are asked to pre-enter, riders will be permitted to enter at sign-on on Saturday.
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