FRIENDS FIRST and St Tiernan's Cycling Club today launched the 2016 Friends First Laragh Classic, announcing an increase in prize money for the pioneering Wicklow race.
As the closing race of the domestic cycling season, the Friends First Laragh Classic presents a last chance for riders to fight for an elusive result. This year an increased prize fund for the main race will see the overall winner collect a cash prize of €300, as well as the now fabled Wicklow granite cobble trophy. The total prize fund for the event has been further increased thanks to the continued support of our title sponsor Friends First.
Weaving through the heart of the Garden County, the dramatic 24km circuit presents riders with a challenging climb, tough inclines and a fast-paced descent through the stunning village of Laragh, all tackled a number of times. The technical and demanding surfaces on sections of the course promise a real test of skill for competitors and an authentic taste of European-style classic racing.
Race organizer Brian Hayden is aware of how tough a challenge the race proves for the riders. ‘The varying elevations of the topography, the harsh road surfaces and the fast paced nature of the attacking racing a course like this promotes, means the winners of each race are always deserved. It is a reflection on the quality field it attracts that we have had national champions and international level riders take home the honours in the short history of the event. A tough race will always bring out the best.’
In addition, the finish, situated just before the T-junction that brings you onto the R763 between Annamoe and Ashford, follows a demanding incline which will have the potential to split the fields on the day.
With four race categories on the day, racing is open to senior men, ladies and juniors. For the second year running the race will incorporate the Leinster championships however all races are open to non-Leinster riders.
About Friends First
Friends First is one of Ireland’s oldest and most established Life Assurance companies, meeting the financial needs of our customers since 1834.
They have over 276,000 customers and employ 300 people in Ireland.
Friends First is fully owned by the Dutch Insurance Group, Achmea, one of Europe’s leading insurance players.
Friends First Life Assurance Company manages total assets of €4bn, generated Total Premiums of €497m in 2015 and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
Friends First are focused on providing leading protection, retirement and investment solutions which are tailored to your individual needs and will provide you with the required benefits when they are needed most.
About St. Tiernan’s Cycling Club
St. Tiernan’s was founded in 1984 as St. Tiernan’s Cycling and Adventure Club and was established by parents in Dundrum and Sandyford for the students of St. Tiernan’s Community School. Their aim was to get students involved in outdoor sports and cycling. As the club’s popularity grew, membership blossomed to include members from all over Ireland, and at the start of the 90s it became exclusively a road cycling club.
Now it's touring and racing divisions have grown to win prestigious events like the A3 National Championships, the 2015 Race Around Ireland, and this year's Omagh 3 Day Stage Race.
Race Information
Race date: Sunday 11th September 2016
Race categories:
- Friends First Laragh Classic: A1/A2* – 116kms, (4.5 laps)
- Martin Vereker Memorial: A3* – 87kms (3.5 laps)
- Friends First Laragh Classic: A4 – 64kms (2.5 laps)
Sign on time: 09:30 – 10:45
All Races start: 11:00
Sign on location and event HQ: The Brockagh Resource Centre, Laragh, Co. Wicklow