Ballinrobe Two day details

wins as a result of handicapping seen in previously may not be so prevalent this

time round. Most prominent of these victories was last years coup on Stage 1

which saw Mel Spath, the Irish women’s road race champion, use the Handicap

to maximum advantage when she time trialled away from her ladies bunch at the

bottom of the Cat 1 climb of Lally’s mountain. In doing so she took all of the top

points for the next 4 climbs thus leading the mountains competition by a huge

margin and claiming all 3 jerseys going into the time trial.

The curtain opener on Stage 1 will undoubtedly be the assent of the Cat. 1 climb

of Lally’s Mountain which comes inside the first 30KM of racing. Position on this

one will be important forcing the ‘mountain goats’ to show their hand for the

remainder of the 110KM stage. However with four more categorised climbs to

come before the finish it will all still be to play for.

Stage 2A will see riders return to Lally’s Mountain for this year’s individual

time trial. This time the route will take competitors 5KM up the front of the

climb descended the previous day. A race of truth it should be with a steep

varying gradient in some sections, the latest aerodynamic equipment will not be

necessary here. Used for years by local cyclists as a gauge of form this stage

should reveal just that.

Stage 2B in the afternoon will be a matter of formality, or will it... With the

previous days climbing and the morning’s tester this stage will show see who has

made the most of their recovery. Again with a revised route the first 50KM will

see riders tackle some undulating terrain encompassing Clonbur, Cloughbrack,

Corrnamona and the outskirts of Cong. After the previous day’s leg burner the

two climbs in this stage will be mere pimples! After 50KM the race returns to

last year’s flat circuit for the finale. Riders will pass through the finish line in

the town three times before the finish with Primes to be had on some of the

laps.

The Ballinrobe GP on Sunday 10th

Stage 2B of the main race and will finish the first time the riders see the finish

banner in Ballinrobe after 60KM.

The race is sponsored by Marrey Bikes of Ballinrobe. This race has all the frills

with jerseys, Yellow (Overall) Green (Sprints) and Polkadot (Mountains) plus

4 perpetual trophies and cups for stage and overall winners. The addition of

A2 and A3 leader’s jerseys along with the Most Aggressive Rider jersey this

year should keep the racing interesting and lively on the road throughout the

weekend. We try and cater for every category with €2000 in prizes.