Banbridge CC once again bring the concluding round of the Cycling Ireland Road National Series to the roads of Co Down on Sunday 28th July. Having completed 5 rounds in Carlow, Cork, Mayo, Meath and Westmeath, competitors will travel north for Ulster’s only round of the series.
The Club were honoured and excited to announce the launch of the Alan Towell Memorial in 2023 however due to the overnight impact of Storm Betty on the eve of the event which resulted in severe flooding and road blockages the organiser’s hands were tied and the event disappointingly cancelled. We very much look forward to finally awarding the Alan Towell Memorial Cup in 2024 in memory of our late and dear friend.
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 Open Road National Series race, a Women’s Road National Series race, incorporating Elite and Junior Women will also be contested. 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. Having reached its 50-year Anniversary, the McGreevy family have lovingly refurbished the Sean McGreevy Memorial trophy, giving new lease of life into a trophy that has been awarded to some oof the best juniors in 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 10pm on Thursday 25th July.
The Event Information Manual for the 2024 Alan Towell Memorial can be downloaded here.
Alan Towell
