So please can you place a comment after this post if you intend racing it. Navan always put on a great race for the women, and if there is a separate race it is an ideal time to try out road racing with a group of women in an untimidating environment.

Sandra Fitzgerald

Ciara Mulholland

Lauren Gourley

Laura Banfield

Cait Elliot

Manager- Michelle Geoghegan

The Táin Team Tour is a unique team race in Ireland run by Cuchulainn CC. This year if they get 3 teams of women they will hold a seperate women’s prize.  Entry Form: Tain Team Tour

Dundalk based Cuchulainn CC will be running The Tain Team Tour for the second time in 2011. This unique cycle race is the only of its type in Ireland. A stage race based on points where teams are the victors and not the individuals. The race will be run over three stages with points awarded daily to teams through a combination of intermediate sprints and final finishing places. The race will comprise of a team time trial and two road stages finishing with one of the longest climbs in Ireland, a 500 metre ascent of the picturesque Clairmont Cairn in the Cooley mountains.

Riders will ride as part of county teams, the first team from each county will represent that county, and subsequent teams will represent towns. Teams will be comprised of 4 riders with the best 3 riders to count on each stage. The race is aimed primarily at A3 and A4 riders, although each team is allowed one A2 rider. Teams can be composite with riders from different clubs and counties. As this is a team event it will offer “ordinary club riders” a real chance to race for the coveted malliot jaune whilst having the honor of representing their county.

The race takes place on the August bank holiday weekend July 29th – 31st. Further information will follow or you can contact race director Kevin Dolan Telephone 086 0743711 | email kjd@trend.ie | http://www.tainteamtour.com

1-2 for Piner and Bates, photo courtesy Brendan Culleton

A full list of entries can be found below for the Women’s event in the Mullingar 2 Day.

We have a fantastic line-up for this weekends Ladies 2 day event in Mullingar. The team prize will be hotly contested by a very strong Orwell A team and equally strong Irish Development team with Lakeside Wheelers and Orwell B hoping they may also be in with a chance.

The peleton is divided into two groups an A (expereinced level riders) and B (newer riders) with a pink jersey awarded to the highest place finisher after race one on Saturday morning in both groups.. The B group mainly consists of newer riders and will start with a time handicap over the A group. Francine Meehan and Sandra Fitzgerald come to the race in super form and I’m sure will be keen to win the overall A, in the B’s local rider Muirna Walsh will be a favorite to be wearing pink by Sunday morning.

Any last minute entries please contact Sarah on 0870520847
Mulllingar Ladies 2 day Race event – Entries

Orwell A

1.Anne Dalton

2.Ciara Kinch

3.Sandra Telford

4.Aideen Collard

5. Catherine Devitt

Orwell B

6.Aina Krol

7.Caroline Martinez

8.Jeni O’Regan

9.Margaret Donnelly

10.Patricia Buckley

Irish Development

11.Charlotte MacDonald

12.Caroline Conway

13.Laura Banfield

14.Sandra Fitzgerald

15.Amy Brice

Lakeside Wheelers

16.Muirna Walsh

17.Paula Murray

18.Louise McCarra

19.Sarah Piner

Individual Riders

20.Francine Meehan ( Tullamore)

21. Roisin Kennedy (Lucan)

22.Orla McEvoy ( Bray)

23. Niamh Stevens (UCD)

24. Cliodhna Ruane (U/A)

25. Sinead McBreen (Orwell)

26. Aisling O’Dwyer (Orwell)

27. Fiona Cooke (Marble City Cycles)

Those in Red are in the A group

Those in Blue and in the B group

1. Caroline Conway(Usher)

2. Charlotte Mc Donald(Orwell)

3.Laura Banfield (Swords)

4.Amy Brice (Phoenix)

5.Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan)

TEAM MANAGER

Eddie Lynch

COACH

Gillian McDarby

Women’s 2 day Mullingar

34 miles stage 1

4 mile tt stage 2

35 miles stage 3

Lakeside Wheelers are holding the women’s only 2 day stage race next weekend the 9th – 10^th July. This is a fantastic opportunity for women who haven’t experienced the excitement and perhaps the nerves of watching your progress in the GC (General Classification) at the end of each stage. There are some great prizes and a leader’s jersey on offer for the successful winners.

There will be a small handicap for the newer girls so everyone is in with a good chance and I’m sure the racing will be exciting, competitive and of course fun!!

If you have any questions please give Sarah Piner a call on 0870520847.

Louise Moriarty (Look Mum No Hands) was in second place. Moriarty is based in London this year, and it is great to see her returning to racing in her new colours.  Caroline Ryan (Garda CC) added a bronze medal to the TT title she won on Thursday, with Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers), Olivia Dillon (Peanut Butter & Co) and Francine Meehan (Tullamore) taking 4th to 6th place.

Dillon, 2010 National Champion in the Time Trial and Road Race, travelled to Ireland from her base in California with a bid to retain her titles. However, a crash in a recent stage race left her racing slightly below form. Wilson raced with a consistent display of form. Meehan, the paralympic Tandem pilot, provided the most exciting and gutsy performance of the day, leading the race on two occasions in a solo attempt to lift the title.

Details of the race can be found on Irishcycling.com, thanks to the superb commentary of Shane Stokes HERE

The Men’s National Criterium Championships was hosted by Mullingar’s Lakeside Wheelers, who were intent on making it a day to remember. Part of their plan was to help to introduce a Women’s Criterium Championships. In order to introduce an event to the National Championship programme the demo event most see adequate support from the riders.

At the start line in Mullingar town yesterday evening over 20 women lined up, including recent World Cup winner in the Paralympic Tandem, Francine Meehan(Tullamore CC), winner of the Wheelworx crit league, Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan) and Roisin Kennedy (Lucan) is coming into form in time for the National RR Champs next weekend.  A strong team from Lakeside Wheelers, including Sarah Piner and Wendy Bates, also took to the line with support from their home crowd.

However, once a trio of Mullholland, Meehan and Fitzgerald opened a gap on the field, the win was to be decided between them. Having already several wins under her belt this season, Mulholland demonstrated a superior sprint coming over the line, proving she is a talent to be reckoned with over the coming years. After the National Championships next weekend the young Clann Éireann rider is likely to be setting her sights  on the European Junior Championships.

1. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Éireann)
2. Francine Meehan (Tullamore)
3. Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan)
4. Sarah Piner (Lakeside Wheelers)
5. Caroline Conway (Usher IRC)
6. Laura Banfield (Swords)
7. Wendy Bates (Lakeside Wheelers)
8. Roisin Kennedy (Lucan)
9. Niamh Stephens (UCD)

Get your entries in fast for the Mullingar Women’s Criterium this Friday. The host club “Lakeside Wheelers” promise an exciting evening complete with music and craic!

This is a perfect opportunity to test out bike racing in a friendly and exciting environment. Last year the women’s crit in Dublin City was one of the  best events on the calendar, with women travelling from all over the country to the startline. 50 women signed up, and it would be great to match these numbers in Mullingar this Friday.

Keep an eye on the comment box below – we will update with the list of entered names!

Details of what a crit race is can be found HERE 

Entries can be done online HERE

Q: I have just started cycling this year, and like it – I like to go fast, but over short distances, is this for me?

A: Yes this will be a good opportunity to get a taste for racing on a small circuit event. Many newbies have already signed up for the event.

Q: I have started racing this year, and raced a few of the beginners leagues, but get dropped. Should I enter?

A: Yes you have probably improved from racing, and on this small circuit you can aim to stick in as long as you like, and you will more than likely find a group that suits your speed.

Q: I cycle as part of my training for another sport/am a triathlete, but have not raced in a group before, should I race?

A: Yes you are strong enough to race, and if you have any queries about how to race in a bunch you can sign on early and ask any of the women there (myself – Heather, and Sarah Piner from the Women’s Commission will be able to talk to you before the race).

Q: I’m pretty awesome on the bike, and really strong – should I race?

A: Emmm… Yes… but only if you are humble with your victory

What is a Criterium? A criterium, or crit, is a race that is held on a short flat circuit (usually between 700m and 2km), with the riders racing for anything between 30min and 1 hour. These are particularly popular in nations like Belgium and Holland, and when held command a real festival feel, leading to some of the best race atmosphere you will experience.

National Criterium Championships

Mullingar 

Friday 17^th June 2011 - Start 7:30pm

Open to category A1+ , A1, A2, A3 and limited to 60 riders.

Due to limited on the number of riders early registration is advised.

Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar will host the National Criterium Championships for 2011 with a coveted Cycling Ireland National Jersey plus the gold medal to go with it, while second and third will receive the silver and bronze medals. Racing will be on an excellent 1.3km town centre route which will ensure great racing. Entry Fee €15 .

As a curtain raiser to the main event a Ladies Criterium race will start at 6:45pm . Entry for both races is online only.

Very reasonable hotel deals are available for participants at the Annebrook Hotel, 044-9353300 and Greville Arms Hotel 044-9348563 ask for the Lakeside Wheelers rate.

————————————————————-

Registration is on line only:-        http://www.activeglobal.com/ie/road-cycling/mullingar-ireland/national-criterium-championships-mullingar-2011

For further information email:-    lakesidewheelers2011@gmail.com or contact Joe Duffy 086-8181919

Emyvale Cycling Club will officially launch the National time trial and road race championships on Tuesday 7^th June at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel. While the Monaghan club have been heavily involved in the promotion of events at all levels over many years including the hosting of the National youth, junior, under 23, senior ‘B’ and veterans championships, this will be the biggest promotion the club have ever undertaken.

The main sponsor for the events that span the weekend of the 23^rd – 26^th June are Monaghan Champion Milk who have been supporting cycling for over 40 years, including events such as the annual Emyvale Grand Prix.

The National championships are one of the few occasions when Irish cycling fans get to see the top level Irish professional riders such as Nicolas Roche compete on home roads. Roche who finished 15^th in last year’s Tour de France is likely to use the road race as one of his final preparation events before this year’s Tour, he will be hoping to go one place better than he did in 2002 when he took a silver medal in the National Junior Road Race Championship that was promoted by the Emyvale club. Matthew Brammeier has already made his intention to defend his National road race title very clear by being the first rider to confirm his participation. Fresh from his exploits at the recent Giro D’Italia, Donegal’s Philip Deignan could well lead the Ulster challenge on the roads of Monaghan on the last Sunday of June.

The women’s event will be strongly represented, with 2010 double National Champion, Olivia Dillon, travelling from the USA to defend both her women’s TT and road race titles. The competition will be tough, with previous champion Siobhan Horgan in good form, the home province’s challenge is likely to come from 2009 road race champion, Heather Wilson. The time trial will be a hotly contested event, with the likely challenge for Dillon coming from the members of the 2010 track pursuit team, who made strides during the season.

The National Championships starts with the women’s and paracyclist’s TT on Thursday 23^rd June, and continues on Friday evening with the senior men’s event. The battle for the road race titles begin on Saturday morning with the elite women’s event in the morning followed by the veterans in the afternoon. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the elite men’s road race.

Speaking ahead of the launch, race organiser Patsy Brady said: “There has been massive interest in the National championships this year with Irish cyclists based in the UK, continental Europe, and the USA making enquiries. We look forward to welcoming them all to Monaghan at the end of June.”

The start of Tuesday’s launch is 8.30pm, there will be printed maps and entry forms available on the night. If any cyclist wishes to come early and checkout the courses they can contact Patsy Brady on 087-2824583. The Sliabh Beagh Hotel is located in Knockatallon, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan.

2011 National Road Race & Time Trial Championships

In Association with

Emyvale, Monaghan June 23-26^th

Summary of Schedule of Events

Thurs 23^rd of June – Elite Women’s/Paracycling Time Trial Championship @ 7pm

Fri 24^th of June – Senior Men’s Time Trial Championship @ 6pm

Sat 25^th of June – Women’s Road Race Championship @ 11am

Sat 25^th of June – Veteran’s Road Race Championship @ 3pm

Sun 26^th of June – Senior Men’s Road Race Championship @ 11am

See full sign on and event details on page 2

Entry Process

• Entry for all the above is by pre-entry only using the entry form on page 3.
• Entries should be sent to Rory Wall at Cycling Ireland, 619 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.
• Entries must include the appropriate fee, see page 3
• All Entries must be received before close of business on Friday 17^th of June
• Entries will be accepted by email to admin@cyclingireland.ie with payment by Credit Card over the phone.
• All Entries received will be confirmed by Cycling Ireland via the following link:
  • http://www.cyclingireland.ie/Home/Road/Nationals.aspx
• No entries will be accepted after the closing date or on the day.
• No One Day Licences will be accepted
• Only riders with a UCI Code of IRL will be allowed to race.

Other Releavant Info

• Rider’s are responsible to ensure they have the appropriate licence for sign-on
• Time Trial bikes are subject to UCI regulations on Time Trial Bikes and will be measured prior to the start of the Time Trials. The relevant UCI document will be published shortly and it is each competitors responsibility to ensure that thei bike satisfies UCI requirements.

Event Details

Thursday 23^rd June: Elite Women’s/Paracycling Time Trial Championships.

Sign On: Emyvale Leisure Centre from 5pm

Start: 7pm

Circuit: one 40km lap, paste link below into title bar to see the circuit

Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33367766/?open_ive_done=1

Eligibility: A+/A1/A2/A3/A4 with “woman” in brackets after their licence number and

Paracyclists as per the Paracycling Commission.

Friday 24^th June: Senior Men’s Time Trial Championships

Sign On: Emyvale Leisure Centre from 4pm

Start: 6pm

Circuit: one 40km lap, paste link below into title bar to see the circuit

Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33367766/?open_ive_done=1

Eligibility: A+/A1/A2/A3/A4 with “senior” or “Espoir” in brackets after their licence number

Saturday 25^th June: National Elite Women’s Road Race Championships

Sign On: Scotstown GAA Complex from 9am

Start: 11am from Scotstown GAA Complex to finish at Slieve Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon

Circuit: 7 laps of a 12.8k circuit plus 7.2km from start to finish line to commence lap.

Distance approx 100km.

Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33366404/?open_ive_done=1

Eligibility: A+/A1/A2/A3/A4 with “woman” in brackets after their licence number

Saturday 25^th June: National Veterans Road Race Championship

Sign On: Scottstown GAA Complex from 1pm

Start: 3pm from Scotstown GAA Complex to finish outside Slieve Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon

Circuit: 8 laps of 12.8km circuit plus 7.2km from start to finish to commence lap.

Distance: 110km Approx

Map: Same as the Womens above

Eligibility: A1/A2/A3/A4 with “Veteran” in brackets after their licence number

Sunday 26^th June: National Senior Road Race Championships

Sign On: Scotsown GAA Complex from 9:30am

Start: 11am from Scotstown GAA Complex and will finish in Scotstown Village

Circuit: 7 laps of a 25 kilometer circuit

Distance: 175km approx

Map: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/33366892/?open_ive_done=1

Eligibility: A+/A1/A2 with “Senior” or “Espoir” in brackets after their licence number

Note: A static feed zone will be in place outside the Slieve Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon.

2011 National Road Race & Time Trial Championships

In Association with

Entry Form

Please tick the Event(s) you wish to Enter

• Elite Women’s TT         [  ]     Fee: €15
• Senior Men’s TT [  ]     Fee: €15
• Paracycling TT              [  ]     Fee: €15
• Veteran’s Road Race    [  ]     Fee: €20
• Women’s Road Race    [  ]     Fee: €20
• Senior Road Race         [  ]     Fee: €20

Please Print Clearly

Payment Method:       Cheque [  ], CC [  ]

Promoted under Cycling Ireland Technical Rules and Regulations

Announcing: the schedule and objectives for the Leinster Squad. Note that entries are still open, this is an opportunity to be coached and guided on a full training and racing programme.In 2010 the Women’s Leinster Team proved to be a successful programme, and introduced women to the world of bike racing. Note that this is open to Junior Girls and Youths also. If you are interested in being part of this squad, please express your interest by email to valerieconsidine@gmail.com .

Cycling Leinster Women’s Programme is continuing in 2011; please see outline of the programme below.

If interested in being involved, please contact: valerieconsidine@gmail.com;

Objectives:

• To improve all squad members cycling ability and enjoyment of the sport
• To identify talent for various cycling disciplines
• To act as a stepping-stone to national team and top class international performances

Selection process

• The squad is open to riders of Leinster Clubs from junior to riders 27 years of age
• Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to cycling by previous history of participation in women’s cycling competition.
• Cycling must be their first sport of choice
• Riders must sign and abide by a squad agreement

Selection for races: Will be based on performances, results and future potential

Personnel

Cycling Leinster: Valerie Considine

Coach / Manager: Frank O’Leary

Assistant Coach/Manager: Orla Hendron

Development of training programmes

• Testing on track and road x 3 days
• Specific Training x 4-6 days

Race Programme

• Selection of National League Races 2011
• Dublin City Centre Criterium: 1^st July
• Mullingar 2 Day
• Ras na mBan 5 day

When people say Rás Dhun na nGall, hosted by Four Masters Cycling Club, is the hardest stage race in Ireland I have got to admit they are pretty much 100% right.  Last year I embarked upon the race after only 3 months of racing, most thought I had lost leave of my senses but for those who really knew me they were not surprised.  It was the hardest race I competed in last year but equally the one I gained the most satisfaction from finishing.

So yes it’s back again this year but with a specific women’s category.  Four Masters Cycling Club have put together a fantastic weekend of events both on and off the bike.  They are encouraging women from all over the UK and Ireland to take part.  There will be specific prizes allocated to women riders in relation to placings on various stages, Queen of the Mountains and overall classification.  This race really allows women to test themselves on some of the toughest climbs in Ireland riding against their peers.

It’s not for the faint hearted, you do need to have incredible determination to keep focussed to tackle climb after climb…potentially out on your own.  Maybe a rocket on your top tube as well!!  Many have made comments in the past that it is not a race for women, too hard, if that is the case how come up to 40 riders did not finish the race in 2010 for one reason or another whilst the full Cycling Ulster Women’s Team completed all four stages?  So as women we can do it.

The feelings I received after completing the race were priceless.  Each stage you get such an incredible sense of personal achievement.  Where is the fun in riding a race that is easy? or that you know you will get round without a challenge?  It is an opportunity to race against your peers in a very difficult race.  Perfect.

Last year my overall placing was last.  But in my mind I was a winner.  I finished the race.

This year the race is open to A4 and A3 women, entry has been extended until 28 May.  To REGISTER please click on the link.  You can find more information on the race and the various stages on the Four Masters CC website.  Hope to see you there.

Mandy

The Organising Committee of the Gorey 3-Day Cycle Race is delighted to welcome back An Post, as the Principal Sponsor of the Easter Weekend Feast of Cycling, for the third year running. This sponsorship further exemplifies An Post’s commitment to Irish Cycling, as it currently sponsors the Sean Kelly Professional Cycling Team, and it is wonderful to see them continue to expand their patronage into the amateur code. This commitment, by An Post, allows amateur cyclists to live their dream of competing in a major stage race – their Tour De France. Not alone does An Post generously Sponsor the cycle race but its C.E.O., Donal Connell, makes a personal appearance every year to present jerseys and enjoy the racing. The Committee are also very appreciative of the continued sponsorship by James Tomkins, Suzuki Dealer, Gorey, who has been a loyal sponsor for over 12 years now, Wexford County Council, Gorey Town Council and the donations they receive from Local Traders.

In 1967 a Racing Cyclist, Sam D’Arcy, saw his dreams of bringing a Stage Cycling Race to his Mother’s native town, where he and his Siblings had spent their childhood holidays, become a reality. Through Sam’s vision and hard work, and as importantly the toils of his late Wife Betty (nee Keeley) and a dedicated band of helpers, the race has gone from strength to strength to become the second oldest race in Ireland – 2011 seeing it’s 45th Staging. The Ras Tailteann is the only race in Ireland that is running longer but it doesn’t have as many competitors.

Easter Sat., Sun. and Mon. were decided upon to stage this annual event and there are many features that make this race unique. It is the biggest race in Ireland, with a field of 200 combatants annually and it has to be capped at this figure for safety reasons. Indeed, so popular is this event that it is booked out within two weeks of the announcement of acceptance of entries. Alongside the Irish Clubs the race attracts Teams from as far away as the U.S.A., Holland, the U.K., Northern Ireland, Puerto Rico and the Isle of Man.

It was the first stage race to allow Lady contestants, a young cyclist named Susan O‘Meara, now an Official with Cycling Ireland, was the first female competitor, and it still has a healthy number of Females eager to battle it out around the roads of Gorey. The race has proven to be a nursery for local, national and international talent with such stars as Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche, Laurence Roche, former Junior World Champion Mark Scanlon, Neil Martin (Stephen Roche’s Brother in Law) and current professional riders such as Tom Martin and Paudi O’Brien all previous riders in this event. From a local point of view, there will be over 40 Wexford Riders who are drawn from Gorey’s own club SLIPSTREAM CC, Slaney CC, Wexford Wheelers and Barrow Wheelers, along with a strong contingent of Wicklow riders from Bray Wheelers and S.E.R.C. The race gives North Wexford Tourism a huge injection for the Easter Weekend with over 400 people, i.e. Competitors, Back Up Crews, Officials and Supporters staying in the area.

Apart from the aforementioned Committee, Sam, The Race Director, is also deeply appreciative of the help and co-operation he receives from The Gardai, The Red Cross, The Local Helpers and The People of Gorey without whose good will the event could not happen.

Please note the race route every day and try to avoid it if possible. If you intend making a journey, which crosses the race route over the Easter weekend, expect delays. Also, would the owners of animals be mindful not to let them stray out as its very dangerous.

Stages

Stage 1

The race commences on Easter Sat. with Sign On, from 9.15a.m., in St. Kevin’s Community Hall in Blessington. The Race then Starts outside St. Kevin’s Hall, at 12 Noon.  It proceeds on through Baltinglass, Hacketstown, Tinahely, Carnew, Camolin and finishes on the Ballycanew Rd. in Gorey, at the Amber Springs Hotel.

Stage 2

On Easter Sun. Morning there is a 6.4 Km individual Time Trial which commences at, 9a.m., 6.4 Km out on the Enniscorthy Rd. and finishes at the 50K Speed Limit Sign just outside the town.

Stage 3

On Easter Sun. Afternoon there is a massed start race, which begins, at 2.30p.m., at the Monument and is raced over 4 laps of the Craanford, Camolin, Gorey Circuit, finishing again on the Enniscorthy Road at the 50K Speed Limit Sign.

Stage 4

The final stage starts on Gorey’s Main Street on Easter Mon. at 12 Noon. It travels through Carnew, Shillelagh, Tullow, Rathvilly, Baltinglass and finishes 5 Kilometres on the Dublin side of Blessington.

The Prize Presentation Ceremony follows the final Stage on Easter Mon. in St. Marks G.A.A. Club Tallaght.

Jim Walker