The popularity of cycling in the south east just seems to grow and grow. Many speak of the great days of the eighties and nineties when cycling in Ireland made front page news and Kelly and Roche were household names, but as we settle into 2011 it clear to all avid sporting fans that there more and more people to be seen on bikes and enjoying this exciting sport on Irish roads. 2010 saw record numbers enter the Carrick Wheelers Cup, an annual cycling race promoted in Carrick-on-Suir on St. Patrick’s Day by Carrick Wheelers CC, and there is much evidence to suggest that the 2011 figures will be even more impressive!
Carrick Wheelers are delighted to announce the continuation of their successful sponsorship association with Waterford’s Thompson’s Funeral Home for a second year which ensures the club can offer Irish cyclists another top-quality cycling event.
This year’s race is on the usual circuit of Carrick – Glenbower – Kilheffernan – Kilsheelan – Carrick, and three laps gives the riders 100 kilometres of testing racing at this early stage of the season. It is a great circuit for spectators as there are many back roads that can be used to cross over and back, and get to see the cyclists at different points of the circuit, and with the tough uphill finish there is sure to be some great racing. There will be two separate races, with the first and second category riders in the main event, while the category threes and fours will be in the support event. Both races will start and finish at the top of the hill on Sir John’s Road for safety reasons, and sign on will be at the Carrick United Clubhouse, Coolnamuck Road, Carrickbeg from 10.00am, with racing starting at 12.00 noon.
Picking a winner of this CyclingIreland Classic provides much debate with Waterford local Robin Kelly, winner in 2009, and 2010 winner Sean Lacey of the Cork based Edge Racing Team, joint favourites it has to be said, and both in excellent form again this season! Hopes of the promoting club rest with John Dempsey in the main event while Pat Kenealy, Leslie O’Donnell and Paul Flynn “The Portlaw Powerhouse” will figure prominently in the support race.
This makes for an entertaining day in Carrick-on-Suir and with the races due to finish between 2pm and 2.30pm; you can easily catch the parade afterwards!
So, best of luck to all the local riders, and hopefully we will have a safe, accident free day’s racing, and that all cyclists and spectators visiting Carrick will enjoy another cycle race on St. Patrick’s Day in our town.
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