Shay Elliott Memorial Race

Wicklowrider

Are you Riding or Hiding?

The 52nd edition of the Shay Elliott Memorial Race takes place on Sunday April 26th. Steeped in Irish cycling lore ( think teenaged Sean Kelly signaling what was yet to come as he roared over Drumgoff on the way to victory or the Steely eyed Martin Earley demonstrating tactical acumen that would take him all the way to the Tour De France...) Its a race where measures are taken.Traditionally this is the race where the men of the Ras find out exactly how well their Ras preparation is going. The countries hardest road men will compete against international competition - foreign riders who've heard of this test and want to mix it up in Irish conditions against Irish competition prior to committing to the Ras. Team Milania will travel from Italy - they've heard of the quality racing in the Elliott and they want some of it. Rapha -Condor from the U.K will take their rivalry with team Sports Cover out of the British Premier league and onto the roads of our own county Wicklow " The Elliott" is perhaps the closest thing on Irish roads to a continental "Monument" classic - its got that pedigree earned through 52 years of consistent quality racing. From this only the best of the best win but to finish earns a rider his stripes and guarantees his place among the true road men.So, if you really are a racer you know where you have to be on the 26th of April. And if you are a fan get out on the route and enjoy the racing. Route map here http://www.braywheelers.com/events.htm

Pinarello

I won't be riding or hiding.Hopefully i'll be taking photographs on the course..;)

Chips Lovell

Tough, tough race. Even if I was an S2, I'd be hiding from this one.

bunnygreen

+1 to that,i was on a training spin last year and saw them going out the N11,windy and rainy,the bunch had already split,trying to form some echelons,nasty cross winds,i'll stick to my rightful place,the Vets.

Raam

I think I'll be hiding for this one. I remember reading the report from last years. It made it sound incredibily difficult, which I don't dispute.

biker_joe

I will ride this one ....... it is a true test ...........and as for hard, well no race is easy no matter where you are sitting !

Biker Joe.

smithslist

biker_joe wrote: »

well no race is easy no matter where you are sitting !Biker Joe.

and no matter where your sitting in the bunch, everyone around you (if any ;-)) is suffering.

Am thinkin bout doing it, but will see how I am as I goin to start training for Tour of Ireland after Gorey, mite do it to see how the fitness level is thou.

biker_joe

Hey Smithslist that the Tour Ireland with the Pro's ? ( and Poor Lance ) or the leisure one ???

Biker Joe.

uberwolf

finished c.16th in this in 2000, as an S2.

Great race

Chips Lovell

uberwolf wrote: »

finished c.16th in this in 2000, as an S2.

Great race

You racing these days uberwolf?

@biker_joe: I'm sure I'm not the only one who wouldn't mind reading a post-race post on how you got on.

biker_joe

you think there would be interest in me ranting on how badly I will get my a*~e opened all over wicklow !! there must be plenty of sado's on here ! ( sado's of the masacistic type that is ! )

Raam

biker_joe wrote: »

you think there would be interest in me ranting on how badly I will get my a*~e opened all over wicklow !! there must be plenty of sado's on here !

How's it going

ryan_sherlock

Every other year this race clashed with an XC race I was taking part in (well, this year it clashes with one in Germany but I'm probably not going).

I always wanted to take part as it looked a toughie. Any particular tips for the race outside of the normal road race tips?

smithslist

biker_joe wrote: »

Hey Smithslist that the Tour Ireland with the Pro's ? ( and Poor Lance ) or the leisure one ???

Biker Joe.

Tour Ireland leisure, I wish i was able to do the Lance one thou.....

biker_joe

Ryan
Big guns always return for this one ! Paul Griffin, Ciaran Power, and some of the An Post boys, Paudi O'Brien, David O'Loughlin Mark Cassidy I imagine would be riding, I did hear that Rapha Condor ( UK ) lads will be riding too, I think both Russell and Dean Downing ride for Rapha, also some Italian Team too ... they must be doing recon for the Ras !

Anyway due to this, speed will be high, and in recent years the winning break was gone after 10-15 miles !!! :eek: So the bunch will be well split up before the climbing starts.
I don't think as a part timer S1 or S2 you can plan for this race, sit in and surivive is the only option, eat and drink plenty as it's a long day in the saddle. Having a following car would also be advantage for support ( spare wheels, food, bottles, you don't want to luggin extra weight on this route ! ) oh and moral support too !
As MTB'er you should ride it and test your metal with the road climbers who will be out in force ....
As for me, If i get the bodies and the support I hope to ride.

Biker Joe.

uberwolf

el tonto wrote: »

You racing these days uberwolf?

nah, that was my first year senior, and pretty much my only year racing.

bunnygreen

Good luck to you BikerJoe if you do it,chapeau as they say.