Mark Dowling leads the men's National Road Series going into the final round, the Laragh Classic. In that event all categories will race over the Wicklow Gap. It has been added to the course for the first time this year. The addition of the climb represents a significant step up for the race. Above, Dowling with Cycling Ireland president Ciaran McKenna and Tom Browne of sponsors Friends First.
Wicklow Gap added to Laragh Classic
The Laragh Classic has undergone significant route changes with the Wicklow Gap now included in the course.
As the final round of the National Road Series the race was always going to be a very hard fought one.
However, with the Wicklow Gap now included, the fixture looks to be one of the hardest one day races on the Irish calendar.
This year the event takes place on Saturday, September 2nd, and there are three races down for decision.
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The elite men’s and women’s events conclude the National Road Series for both categories. In addition there is also the Martin Vereker Memorial for A3s and junior riders.
Race organisers St Tiernan’s CC say they may combine the men’s main event with the undercard race. If so, one handicapped race for men would take place.
The addition of the Wicklow Gap looks set to bring the promotion to a new level in its fifth year.
Adding a women’s event to the promotion is also a new departure for the Laragh Classic and one that St Tiernan’s believe will boost its race.
The climb was last included in a bike race back in 2014 when the penultimate stage of the Rás included the Wicklow Gap.
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In the Laragh Classic the racing will take the riders from Laragh and over the Wicklow Gap and then back to Laragh from Hollywood.
“With Rás na mBan taking place the following week we are hoping to attract the best of Ireland’s female road riders,” said race director Brian Hayden.
“In addition, it should provide an incentive for international riders racing later that week to come early and take part.
“The course is challenging and with no difference between the men’s and ladies’ courses.
“We are also pleased to say there is no difference in the winner’s prize fund with both winners receiving €200.
“This is close to 100 kilometres of a superb circuit and will provide us with three deserved winners across the programme.
“The double National Series points on offer for both the men’s and women’s Laragh Classic races should provide an extra edge to proceedings. I have no doubt this will be an impressive event.’
Laragh Classic growing in stature
Chief executive of race sponsors Friends First; Tom Browne said the changes to the Laragh Classic reflected its growing stature.
“The race is growing year on year,” he said. “This year’s course reflects the ambition of St Tiernan’s.
“And it’s a fitting finale to what has so far been an exciting 2017 Cycling Ireland National Series.”
Going into the last round of the series, Mark Dowling (Strata 3-VeloRevolution) leads the men’s standings.
The women’s series Eve McCrystal, the Garda CC rider who has been racing in Belgium of late, leads the women’s series.
Race Information
- Race date: Saturday 2nd September 2017
- Friends First Laragh Classic: A1-A2* (97kms)
- Women’s Friends First Laragh Classic (97kms)
- Martin Vereker Memorial: A3-Junior* (97kms)
- Sign on location and event HQ: The Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh, Co Wicklow
- Opening of sign on at 8.30am.
- *Please note that the race organisers reserve the right to combine the A1/2 and A3/Junior races into one single handicapped race on the day if required.
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