The Travers Eng. Annaclone GP will once again play host to the opening road race of the Irish cycle road race calendar for 2024 on Saturday 2nd March. Often cited and used as an indicator of what riders have prepared adequately for for a successful season, but also has a habit of unearthing talent that can cause upset to the seasoned performers. That once again proved to be the case in 2023, with 1st year junior rider Seth Dunwoody following up on his promising performances in the under 16 ranks to claim his 1st victory as a junior against his senior competitors. Dunwoody went on to have very successful international season, claiming numerous oversees victories and podium results.
As per previous years, 2 races will be hosted by Banbridge CC on the day. The main feature race will follow tradition and offer riders a sporting handicap over 6 laps of the rolling Co Down circuit with a sporting handicap for a total race distance of approx. 50 miles / 80 km, with the winner being awarded the Eddie Sands Memorial Cup.
The support race will cover 4 laps of the same course giving a total distance of approx. 32 miles / 51 km. In addition to the Eddie Sands Memorial Cup for the winner of the feature race, the winner of the support race will be awarded the Travers Cup.
The usual circuit starting from the Hawthorn Inn will be used, taking in Richies Bridge before a sharp left through Annaclone Village, Mays Corner and Katesbridge before returning to the Hawthorn Inn via the Ardbrin Rd. A detailed course profile can be found here.
You can now enter the 2024 edition of the Travers Eng. Annaclone GP via Eventmaster. The event is strictly pre-entry only, with entries closing at 6pm on the 29th Feb.
Cover photo courtesy of Toby Watson.
