The Ulster road racing season gets started this Saturday, February 28th, with the Annaclone GP hosted by Banbridge CC in Co Down. It is one of only two races in the opening day of the new 2026 domestic season, which should help ensure it is well supported.
Two races will be hosted by Banbridge CC on the day, one of C+, C1 and C2 riders combined a second, shorter, race for C3 riders.
The main feature race will follow tradition and offer riders a handicap over six laps of the rolling Co Down circuit for a total race distance of 80km. The winner will be presented with the Eddie Sands Memorial Cup.
The C3 race will cover four laps of the same course giving a total distance of approximately 51 km. The winner of the support race will be awarded the Travers Cup.
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The event is classified as 'Regional B' grade under the revised Cycling Ireland event grading structure, offering points for the top eight riders in both races.
The usual circuit starting from the Hawthorn Inn will be used, taking in Richies Bridge before a sharp left through Annaclone Village, May's Corner and Katesbridge before returning to the Hawthorn Inn via the Ardbrin Rd.
- You can enter by following this link
- Check out the route by following this link
The event is strictly pre-entry only, with entries closing at 9pm on Thursday, February 26th.
In the C1-C2 race last year, Mitchel McLaughlin of the UK based Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli team claimed victory. In the C3 race, junior Curtis McKee took a dominant debut win.
