Cyclists to face tough challenge at Laragh classic

The third Friends of Laragh Classic will take place next month and boasts an increased prize fund for the winner.

The event, which takes place on Sunday, September 11, is the closing race of the domestic cycling season, presenting riders with a last chance to finish on the winner’s podium.

At the recent race launch, sponsors Friends First and St Tiernan’s Cycling Club announced that the winner will collect €300, as well as the now fabled Wicklow granite cobble trophy.

Race organiser Brian Hayden has no doubt that participants will find the course challenging.

‘ 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.’

After making its debut back in 2013, hosting only riders up to A3 grade, the epic one-day race has progressed to installing an elite A1/A2 race, as well as a dedicated A3 event and an A4 event. This year the Laragh Classic will incorporate the Leinster Road Racing Championships for the second time.

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 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.

In addition, the finish, situated just before the t-junction that brings riders 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.