Big time cycle racing returns to North Tipperary this weekend with the second
running of the North Tipp Wheelers Open Road race. The inaugural event last
year received widespread acclaim for the course, the organization and hospitality
afforded the riders who had travelled from all over the country. The local club
received a boost this year with the event being offered an even better slot on the
Cycling Ireland calendar as it is now positioned at a perfect time of the year when
most of our top cyclists are reaching their peak during a busy racing season. Once
again race headquarters will be McDonagh Park, Cloughjordan, a venue which is
ideal in terms of access, hosting and parking. The event will see the country’s top
cyclists battling it out against each other over the course from Cloughjordan to
Nenagh, Toomevara and Moneygall before returning to start/finish line.
There will be three races on the day; the elite A1 and A2 riders will cover three
laps, the second grouping involves the A3 and Junior riders who also cover three
laps and the A4 cyclists will race two laps. North Tipperary has gained a reputation
for hosting major cycling events in recent years from the Rás to the Visit Nenagh
Classic and now the Wheelers Open Road race. Riders invariably comment on the
welcome and hospitality and we know that the event on Sunday will be no
different. The public are invited to come out on the course and show their
support.

This is an ideal event from a spectator’s point of view as with three groups on the
road there will never more than a few minutes between riders passing. Entries for
the race are being taken on the day with sign-on in McDonagh Park from 9.30 to
11.00. The first race is off at 12 noon. For more information please visit:
www.northtippwheelers.com

-Michael Molamphy