19th of February -Road Race -Ned Flanagan

Racing starts early this year with the Ned Flanagan Road Race on Sunday the 19th of February, I won't be around for this one but I know Gene and Richie from MAD are heading down. I know the round #1 of the Blitz, is on in Ballinastoe. But with all the road cycling going on in EPIC is there any takers

The Road race event is for all Cycling Ireland Categories and will be run on a handicap bases. Start time is at 11.45 am outside the Bell Yard Pub in Monasterevin. The race route is one 43 mile loop from Monasterevin, to Ballybrittas, clipping the outskirts of Portlaoise on to Stradbally, Athy ,Kildangan, Kildare,,Cherryville and back to Monasterevin for the finish at the Bell Yard on the main street at approximately 2.15pm.

www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_6036.shtml

Probably do the Blitz that day Morty but will definately do a few of the other early season races - what ones are on your schedule?

Ned Flanders in the Ned Flanders Race...deadly !

I have no interest in the Blitz and I can't remember how to ride a mountain bike so I might do it, I'll decide closer to date though

I might also give this a go like Max I'll decide closer to the date.

Can't make this one , I'm working.

First race I'm doing this year is the Cycleways Cup on the 4th of March in Navan, Richard. As I'm in GC at the end of next week for 8 days and will miss this one.

Good stuff Max/Rob, as its handicapped if there is enough of you's there and work together you might not get caught by the A2/A1's.

i'm gonna head down to this. never done one of these. have got an a3 licence this year so will be in that group

well, first ever road race toady. done. tick. and alive to tell the tale. started with the a3's and finished with the bunch. delighted it went ok. was looking seriously dodge early doors. decided to motor up the outside through the wind off the start line. 60secs later the speed went through the roof and i'm last man hanging off the back. legs are saying sorry bud, no can do. just held on thanks to a downhill section. the a4's were caught in no time. like about two minutes later. spent the rest of race learning valuable lessons about how to conserve energy. had one pointless dig off the front to bridge to a couple of lads further up. the bunch caught us about ten seconds later. was in a heap for ages after that. saw one small crash where two lads veered off into a ditch at high speed. and some unpleasant crunching metal sounds during the final sprint. not the time for rubbernecking. overall, wasn't half as terrifying as i'd expected. the cornering was all very civilized and sensible. the race was won by a breakaway of about six. highlight of the day was the punch up in the pub after the race. getting stuck into the free sandwiches with the MAD lads when a proper fist fight broke out between two racers across the room. gas stuff altogether

Ha ha deadly stuff, fair play Ronan its tough going in those races

Well done Ronan!

Nice work Ronan fair play.


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