Banbridge CC once again bring the concluding round of the Cycling Ireland Road National Series to the roads of Co Down on Saturday 19th August. Having completed 6 rounds in Cork, Carlow, Mayo, Meath, Kerry and Westmeath, competitors will travel north for Ulster’s only round of the series.
For 2023 the club were honoured to announce the launch of the Alan Towell Memorial Road Race and Alan Towell Memorial Cup which will be awarded to the winner of the Elite Men’s race. Alan was a lifelong member of Banbridge CC, joining in 1973 and competing with distinction throughout the 1980’s. As a volunteer, Alan contributed immensely to the club from a young age and in various roles. Hosting a national event in Alan’s memory is a fitting tribute to his valued contribution to Banbridge Cycling Club and to the sport of cycling.
The event will be based in Alan’s hometown of Dromore, using the tried and tested popular 18.5 mile circuit used in previous editions of the Road National Series event. Starting in Dromore town, winding and rolling through the villages of Kinallen and Dromara with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop, riders make their way toward Hillsborough before they turn back once again in the direction of Dromore. With the climbs of Ballykeel Hill, Kinallen and Ballykeel scattered around the circuit, mass bunch finishes are an unlikely outcome for most races. In a change to previous editions the race finish will be moved to the neighbouring village of Kinallen which is on the circuit itself.
In addition to the Elite Men’s Road National Series race, we’re delighted to see the return of the Women’s Road National Series, incorporating Elite and Junior Women. A handicapped support race for A4 & A3 riders will also be promoted on the day.
The Junior Men’s Road National Series will also be incorporated into the Elite Men’s race, with the junior men competing for the Sean McGreevy Memorial Trophy. The Sean McGreevy Memorial will have its 50-year Anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion the McGreevy family have refurbished the trophy, giving new lease of life into a trophy that has been awarded to some oof the best juniors n the country.
The Elite Men & Junior race will complete 4 laps for a total distance of 83 miles. The Elite & Junior Women will complete 3 laps for a race distance of approx. 65 miles. The A3/A4 support race will also complete 3 laps.
Entry for the event is strictly via pre-registration only and can be accessed on Cycling Ireland’s Event Master portal, here. Entries close at 9pm on Wednesday 16th August.
Alan Towell
