Youth Road National Series Round 2 Preview
All eyes turn to Munster for the second round of the Youth Road National Series. Running as demonstration event for 2024, the series has been developed to provide a stepping stone for young athletes and to offer increased opportunity for talent identification.
The Sliabh Luachra Clasaici not only includes the Youth Road National Series but Round 4 of the Women’s Intermediate League as well as a host of other races, making it a great day for all the family.
The course set out for the Youth Road National Series should provide some great sport and challenge the riders.
The race starts and finishes in Knocknagree village which lies just on Cork side of Cork/Kerry border.
The circuit is slightly over 15km and rolls out of village down a decent that is neutralised for the first 2km. The Under 16 Boys will face four laps, while the Under 16 Girls will complete three laps.
Talking to Cycling Ireland race organiser Donie Kelleher said:
“We have challenging course for the Under 16’s where it's definitely the strongest riders will come out on top.
“Racing will need to be aggressive from the start as soon as the flag drops there is a fast 5km flat section in to Cullen village where it turns left in to a 2km climb, the first 750m is the steepest section and is a slight drag until it tops out.
“There are KOM points that go towards the overall league of the national series on laps 1, 2 and 3 for the boys and laps 1 and 2 for the girls.
"Shortly after the KOM each time they turn left back for Knocknagree and this isn't straight forward on a rolling road with another slight drag for 1km all the way to the finish.”
Points for Youth Road National Series are 20 points to 1 for the top 20 in each race plus 3,2 and 1 points available on each KOM/QOM.
The local Knocknagree Tidy Town's committee also lay out a pop-up Cafe in the Fair Field just 200m from the finish line that creates a smashing atmosphere for competitors and spectators.
Race HQ:
Knocknagree, Co. Cork. P51 E625.
Routes:
Click here for long circuit for Senior and Under 16 races.
Click here for short Circuit for Under 12 and Under 14 races.
Schedule:
12:00 – Under 12 Boys and Girls – Andy Davis Cup – 10km
12:00 – Under 14 Boys – Gary O’Leary Cup – 23km
12:00 – Under 14 Girls – 23km
13:00 – Under 16 Boys – Cycling Ireland Youth Road National Series, Paud O’Leary Cup – 60km
13:00 – Under 16 Girls – Cycling Ireland Youth Road National Series – 45km
15:00 – A4 / M50 / M60 – John Fleming Cup – 63km
15:00 – Women’s Intermediate League – 63km
17:00 – A3 / Junior – Willie Reen Cup – 78km
17:00 – A1 / A2 – Denis Sheehan Cup – 94km
Sportive:
As if all the action on Saturday wasn’t enough, the Sliabh Luachra Sportive will take place on Sunday, 30th of June.
With 45km and 90km routes available there is something for everyone.
Race HQ for the Sportive is Rathmore, Co. Kerry. P51 DD35