Preview of Road National Series Round 2
The Limerick cycling heartland of Newcastlewest and the village of Knockaderry will welcome Ireland’s best cyclists tomorrow for the much-anticipated round two of the Road National Series 2022.
Fans of Irish national racing were spoiled with exciting and dynamic racing in round one of the NRS in Carlow on March 20 last.
The women’s victory went to Caoimhe O’Brien in a stunning sprint, while the Junior men’s race saw victory for Westport’s Niall McLoughlin in a three-up sprint. Both of those riders now lead their respective categories.
Arguably the most dominant display in the opening salvos en route to the crown of Ireland’s most consistent and best rider was that of Matthew Teggart. He came home in the A1/A2 category in a stunning and all-conquering solo victory having despatched the bunch to fight for second place high on the Kileshin Hills, 25 kilometres before the finish.
Saturday promises similar and dynamic racing as the riders return to Knockaderry. We have visited here last year in the Road National Series and we have also watched Ireland’s professionals and the best domestic riders battle it out for the national champion crown.
The battle for round two will be fought over the deceptively difficult but superfast circuit 26km around the village. The Darach McCarthy & Co. Solicitors RR and Michael Shiels RR will be raced over 156km using the 26km circuit. For those who experienced last year’s Newcastlewest Wheelers stage race in Knockaderry will recall the circuit well.
The Juniors will race over four laps of the circuit. The Women's race will take place over the same 12km circuit that was used for the final stage of their stage race last August with a total distance of 84km.
It will have the bumper atmosphere of a festival of cycling as A3 and A4 riders will all race also.
It’s an early start on Saturday for the women as they take the line at 8.30am. The A1/A2 field will click into their pedals at 12.30pm followed by the Juniors at 12.40pm.