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The National Road Race Championships for 2024, taking place on June 28th and 29th in Yellow Furze, Co Meath, will see Ireland’s top cyclists compete for prestigious national titles across various categories. Promoted by Navan Road Club and Yellow Furze CC, the event features races for Junior, Senior, and U23 men and women, with Darren Rafferty (EF Education-Easypost), last year’s men’s champion, returning to defend his title. The championships will be held over two days, with junior events on Saturday and senior and U23 races concluding on Sunday.
Junior Women’s Race (Saturday, 1.40pm, 57.6km)
The Junior Women’s race will kick off the championships on Saturday afternoon, with riders completing two laps of a 25.3km course. The field includes promising young talents such as Sophie English (Bohermeen CC), Greta Lawless (Dawson Racing), and Ami Flavin (Dungarvan CC). Aliyah Rafferty and Ella Tandy, both representing Tofauti Everyone Active Majaco, will also be ones to watch, along with Holly Mc Caffrey (Longcourt Hotel – NCW Wheelers) and the Dolan sisters, Ffion and Rhiannon (TC Racing). This race is a showcase of Ireland’s future cycling stars, with each rider aiming to make their mark.
Junior Men’s Race (Saturday, 9.15am, 117km)
The Junior Men’s race will feature a challenging 117km route, comprising four laps of the 25.3km circuit and an additional 9.4km lap. The start list includes notable names such as Adam Matthews (Banbridge CC), Maximilian Fitzgerald (JEGG-DJR Academy), and Fionn Killeen (Kilcullen Cycling Club Murphy Geospacial). Young riders like Luca Holmes (Molenspurters Meulebeke) and Rory Condon (Zappi Racing Team) will also be vying for the title. This race is a key opportunity for junior riders to demonstrate their potential on a national stage.
Senior & U23 Women’s Race (Saturday, 1.30pm, 117km)
The Senior and U23 Women’s race follows the same 117km route as the Junior Men’s event. The field is packed with elite riders, including Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ), Mia Griffin (Roland), and Fiona Mangan (Winspace Orange Seal). Gillespie, a rising star in Irish cycling, will be a top contender, while Caoimhe O’Brien (Das – Hutchinson) leads the U23 category. Other notable participants include Aine Doherty (Dan Morrissey Pissei Cycling Team) and Amelia Tyler (Handsling Alba Development Road Team). This race promises to be a fiercely competitive battle among Ireland’s best female cyclists.
Senior & U23 Men’s Race (Sunday, 12.30pm, 168.2km)
The highlight of the championships, the Senior and U23 Men’s race, will be held on Sunday afternoon. Riders will tackle a grueling 168.2km route, consisting of six laps of the 25.3km circuit and a final 9.4km lap. Defending champion Darren Rafferty (EF Education-Easypost) will face stiff competition from the likes of Rory Townsend (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team), Ryan Mullen (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe), and Dillon Corkery (St Michel preference home Auber 93). The U23 category features emerging talents such as Seth Dunwoody (Bahrain Victorious Development Team) and Adam Rafferty (Hagens Berman Jayco). With a mix of experienced professionals and rising stars, this race is set to be a thrilling contest.
Key Riders to Watch
- Darren Rafferty (EF Education-Easypost): The defending champion and one of Ireland’s most promising talents, Rafferty will aim to retain his title against a strong field.
- Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ): A dominant force in Irish cycling, Gillespie is the favorite for the Women’s title.
- Rory Townsend (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team): A seasoned professional, Townsend is a serious contender for the Senior Men’s crown.
- Seth Dunwoody (Bahrain Victorious Development Team): A rising star in the U23 Men’s category, Dunwoody will be one to watch.
- Caoimhe O’Brien (Das – Hutchinson): A leading name in the U23 Women’s race, O’Brien has the potential to claim the title.
The championships will take place on a rolling course in Yellow Furze, Co Meath, offering a mix of climbs and fast straights that will test the endurance and tactical acumen of all participants. With national titles and coveted jerseys up for grabs, the event is a must-watch for cycling fans and a critical race for riders aiming to showcase their talent on the national stage.
