Cycle Racing Returns to Dublin City Centre

DCC_Cycling (Ciaran)

Racing returns to the streets of Dublin on Saturday 19th of June. The Halford's Tour Series is a team crit race lasting 60 minutes plus five laps. Dublin's one kilometre circuit takes in Dame Street, Lord Edward Street, Fishamble Street, Lower Exchange Street, Essex Street and Eustace Street.

Sweetspot, the race organisers, flew over last Saturday to walk the course and they love it. You can get a flavour of what's in store by watching the next Tour Series race in Southport which is being shown on ITV 4 this Wednesday (8th) from 7-8pm.

Warm-up events in Dublin will start at 2.30pm and the main race starts at 6.00pm.

More details at:

http://www.tourseries.ie/

Ciarán

sxt

Nice site, good little history piece on temple bar too!:p Could be a fun race to watch,especially if the weather is good!

kennyb3

Been following the series on Setanta - good watching esp the cobbled race a few weeks back. will try pop in to watch this

Slideshowbob

How many warm up events are there?

Are they races on the circuit?

What categories can participate?

Fair play to organisers - obviously had to do alot of negotiating for closure of Dame St etc

Although if they can shut down south Dublin yesterday for the womens marathon why not something similar for elite cyclists

monument

Slideshowbob wrote: »

How many warm up events are there?

Are they races on the circuit?

What categories can participate?

Fair play to organisers - obviously had to do alot of negotiating for closure of Dame St etc

Although if they can shut down south Dublin yesterday for the womens marathon why not something similar for elite cyclists

It's part of National Bike Week next week (more at http://bikeweek.ie/ ). There's no Dublin City Cycle this year (at least not part of Bike Week) which has in past years lead to the closing off more roads.

Caroline_ie

The warm up events include a women Crit as well sometime around 4pm, around 60 ladies from your favourite irish clubs

DCC_Cycling (Ciaran)

The tour is in Belfast the night before and the trucks will arrive in Dublin about 8.00am on Saturday morning. We'll start shutting down the roads around 9.00am and should have the circuit ready for racing by lunchtime.

It's going to be a pretty busy morning; we need to build a start/finish gantry, a winner's podium, TV camera platforms, barrier the full course and bale two tricky corners.

Between 2.30pm and 5.00pm there will be three warm-up races. Cycling Ireland are finalising these events right now and I'll get them to post details in the next day or so. As Caroline says a women's race will be one of the events.

From about 5.00pm riders in the main event will get a chance to warm-up on the course and the race starts at 6.00pm. The race should finish around 7.15pm, prize giving should be done by 8.00pm and all going well we will be packed-up and have the roads re-opened by 11.00pm.

Some you may have noticed a big hole in the middle of Eustace Street. I am assured by my colleagues in road maintenance that this will disappear in the next few days.......

Caroline_ie

Quick question ... racing on cobbles in Temple bar ... would it better to use thicker tires than 23's?

seamus

Although I've never ridden my 23c's in Temple Bar, I would be 99% certain that 23c's would be a nightmare in those cobbles; the gaps can be huge in places. Turning would be especially difficult.

Here's hoping for dry weather on the 19th, a bit of rain and it'll be a duathlon with a short job through temple bar.

Single Malt

23's are no problem. I recommend using tubs, as pinches are likely.

Beasty

DCC_Cycling (Ciaran) wrote: »

Some you may have noticed a big hole in the middle of Eustace Street. I am assured by my colleagues in road maintenance that this will disappear in the next few days.......

....down an even bigger one!!

(if my experience of holes in Irish roads is anthing to go by:D)

dubmess

Carnage!

The turns onto Exchange st. Lower coming off the hill of Fishamble st. onto cobbles and then turning from East Essex st. to Eustace st.

If there's a decent sized group at any speed I expect to see some road rash... they'll be my 2 favoured viewpoints anyway... not that I want to see anyone crash, I want to see how they deal with it. LOTS of haybales Ciarán!!!

It's gonna be a good evening of racing.

DCC_Cycling (Ciaran)

Yep Dubmess - they are the two places Sweetspot want baled. Fishamble Street is short but deceptively steep.

Viewing will probably be best from inside the circuit. It should be easy to move around and check out a few spots. The circuit will be completely barriered off but we are going to try to keep two steward controlled crossings going. If the race splits up these may have to shut down so its probably best to get inside before the start.

Does anyone know any tips for riding cobbles? I hear pushing a big gear is best. My experience is limited to watching Paris Roubaix on the tele.

dubmess

Fast as you can is the trick to cobbles, so you kind of 'float' over them. This will be difficult at those 2 corners as they'll really have to limit their speed coming around them... East Essex street is relatively smooth just at that corner so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, but turning onto Eustace will be a toughie as there are quite big gaps...

Looking forward to this. Well done Ciaran for helping to make this happen... I only wish I'd been organising the Messenger World Championships here after you'd taken up your position, rather than facing the stone wall of the council as I did in 2007. Such is life.

Slideshowbob

It would be good if Cycling Ireland announced what support races there will be asap.

Would give normal Irish domestic riders an opportunity to know what is going on - and time for them to tell friends and family to come along and make it more of a spectacle.

I do hope they do run a few races before the main event - would be a shame to see an opportunity like that wasted.

Some underage events could be good too - or how about a Senior 2 / 3 race?

dubmess

I guess this is a closed series that is generally run in the UK? I watched a round today on ITV4. There was an Irish team involved though.

Doesn't sounds like there's much time for any other races from the time frame Ciaran was talking about. I believe the ladies race will be all-Irish though or maybe I'm wrong in that assumption?

Caroline_ie

Slideshowbob wrote: »

It would be good if Cycling Ireland announced what support races there will be asap.

Would give normal Irish domestic riders an opportunity to know what is going on - and time for them to tell friends and family to come along and make it more of a spectacle.

I do hope they do run a few races before the main event - would be a shame to see an opportunity like that wasted.

Some underage events could be good too - or how about a Senior 2 / 3 race?

They did - club racers should know what they are able to race. There will be a Ladies Crit at around 4 as I said above.

Slideshowbob

Dubmess - did you read all the threads - guy from DCC has said - "Between 2.30pm and 5.00pm there will be three warm-up races. Cycling Ireland are finalising these events right now and I'll get them to post details in the next day or so. As Caroline says a women's race will be one of the events."

Caroline - are they open races? Can anyone enter with licence? 1 day licence? or are events invitation only?

Thanks

Caroline_ie

dubmess wrote: »

I believe the ladies race will be all-Irish though or maybe I'm wrong in that assumption?

About 55 ladies from elite to less elite from Irish clubs or unattached. It should be a good race to watch.

Caroline_ie

Slideshowbob wrote: »

Caroline - are they open races? Can anyone enter with licence? 1 day licence? or are events invitation only?

Thanks

I am not sure about other races, if there are any but I assume that if there are Junior races, Club members would have been notified. I doubt there is a Amateur A race scheduled though, we would have known if there was. As for the Ladies, the Irish Cycling Ladies commission needs to be contacted ( womenscycling.ie ) however I believe the Number of spots have been filled.

Slideshowbob

I looked up irishcycling.com calendar, cyclingireland.ie and tourseries.ie and no mention of other races.

OK the ladies race seems to be publiscised by word of mouth etc among the ladies but pity there doesn't seem to be any info for anyone else!!

Where will they get the riders for the other 2 races!?!

dave2pvd

I wish I was around to race this one.

Ciaran, will there be a wheel pit? If so, will there be neutral support? For all category races?

If there is a wheel pit, racers ought to be praying for a puncture. With exactly 4 laps to go

Phil Leigh

Good to see the interest being generated here for the Ireland Tour Series to be held 18th June (Belfast) and 19th June (Dublin). We now have a guest rider from the Pro Peleton riding both the Dublin and Belfast criteriums. Also there will be a National Team to go with the 4 regional and AN Post teams. 6 Irish teams, 5 National teams a recipe for excellent city centre televised races. Great support from Dublin City Council and Smarter Travel. I look forward to seeing you all there to support an Irish winner... kick off - support events from mid afternoon, pro race 6pm!

Phil Leigh
Performance Director
Cycling Ireland

Slideshowbob

Thanks Phil - any info on what the support races will be and who can ride them?

gaffmaster

This race goes right past my window!

But I will miss it because I will be away!

Drats!!!!

buffalo

gaffmaster wrote: »

This race goes right past my window!

But I will miss it because I will be away!

Drats!!!!

Can we stay in your place while you're away?

DCC_Cycling (Ciaran)

C'mon Phil - Who is the mystery guest rider ?????

Sorry I can't answer dave2pvd's questions - maybe Phil can

Caroline_ie

Nick Roche? The IRISH Crit Champ are on the following week aren't they? ( the 23rd actually and the Irish TT champs the following day the 24th)

Dura Ace

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Nick Roche? The IRISH Crit Champ are on the following week aren't they? ( the 23rd actually and the Irish TT champs the following day the 24th)

He's taking part in the Tour of Switzerland at that time.

kona

Rumour has it our Fav mechanics from our fav shop are providing some sort of maintenance at this.
What you guys think of this? Apollo to Cervelo....big jump :eek:



:P.......cool guys dont look at explosions..........:P

sy

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Quick question ... racing on cobbles in Temple bar ... would it better to use thicker tires than 23's?

Will I bring my camera Caroline?

I reckon 25 tyres would be better than 23's

RobFowl

@ Caroline, What ever tyre you choose Mrs Fowl and I shall be cheering you on from the VIP area :cool:

ED E

Will be in during a study break:)

sy

RobFowl wrote: »

@ Caroline, What ever tyre you choose Mrs Fowl and I shall be cheering you on from the VIP area :cool:

Any free passes? :rolleyes:

kona

Any pubs near the action.....and by action I mean dodgey corners

Slideshowbob

kona wrote: »

Any pubs near the action.....and by action I mean dodgey corners

Pubs along route from start to finish:

1. Lord Edward (Just about I think iirc)
2. Castle
3. Isoldes Tower
4. Turks Head
5. Porterhouse
6. Clarence Hotel
7. Bad bobs - now called Purty something
8. Fitzsimons - corner alert!!
9. Not sure what's on Eustace St
10. Lapellos ( not technically a pub ;-) )
11. Thomas Reads and ancillary haunts i.e. The Oak
12. Some other large place on right just before finish line

Missed any?

By looks of things I still can't see any announcement for support races other than the ladies race mentioned here by Caroline - even though its been stated that there would be 3 such races and roads are set to be closed from 2.30pm to 6pm in advance of the main event.

It's just over a week to go - where do they think they will get riders for these races from if there is no notice - I gather there will now be no such races - what a shame ;-(

It's gas - a few years back the Ras could start on O'Connell St and finish back there or in the Park with a Crit.

Now it's relegated to Dungboyne and Skerries.

Funny though how multi-national corporates (Halfords, with all due respect to them for sponsoring this event and making it happen) can have a main street etc in Dublin closed on a Saturday afternoon / evening and it ain't even clear yet if the availability of the circuit will be maximised by those organising the support races!?!?

Or am I missing something obvious - apologies if this is the case!

Dura Ace

Slideshowbob wrote: »

Pubs along route from start to finish:

1. Lord Edward (Just about I think iirc)
2. Castle
3. Isoldes Tower
4. Turks Head
5. Porterhouse
6. Clarence Hotel
7. Bad bobs - now called Purty something
8. Fitzsimons - corner alert!!
9. Not sure what's on Eustace St
10. Lapellos ( not technically a pub ;-) )
11. Thomas Reads and ancillary haunts i.e. The Oak
12. Some other large place on right just before finish line

Missed any?

13. Karma (Fishamble Street)
14. Farringtons (opposite Fitzsimons)
15. The Mezz (Eustace Street)
16. The IFI Bar (Eustace Street)
17. Peader Kearneys (Dame Street)
18. Brogans - (Dame Street)

Caroline_ie

sy wrote: »

Will I bring my camera Caroline?

There will be a couple of neutralized laps ... so you might be able to get a few pics before I fail miserably. Godihatethehils and LDB should also be here.

RobFowl wrote: »

@ Caroline, What ever tyre you choose Mrs Fowl and I shall be cheering you on from the VIP area :cool:

Sure, I will join you when I am dropped ... keep a seat for me.

LDB

There will be a couple of neutralized laps ... so you might be able to get a few pics before I fail miserably. Godihatethehils and LDB should also be here.

yep I'll be there. not sure about these cobbles though

ROK ON

ON Thur morning commuting to work I did most of the circuit (apart from the street that is closed by IFI/Monthys of Kathmandu). Was on 23's on alu road bike with carbon forks. Tried to put a bit of speed down on what were empty roads at about 640am.
Its tough, very tough. Lots of feedback from the road. I tried the standard cobble tactic of lightly gripping the centre of the bars. Didnt feel confident at all, felt as if I would slip off the bars, so went back to hoods and drops.
Best of luck Caroline (and whoever is doing this). I qouldnt have the cajones for doing this on a crowded race.

Caroline_ie

LDB wrote: »

yep I'll be there. not sure about these cobbles though

Just practice your 'oh no my chain dropped' skills ... and jump back in the group at the next lap :P

LDB

I have my string of unfortunate accidents as my back pocket excuse if required!!

cdaly_

@LBD, was that you I saw sprinting out of Baldoyle towards Portmarnock this evening around 6? Certainly pushing it...

dave2pvd

ROK ON wrote: »

ON Thur morning commuting to work I did most of the circuit (apart from the street that is closed by IFI/Monthys of Kathmandu). Was on 23's on alu road bike with carbon forks. Tried to put a bit of speed down on what were empty roads at about 640am.
Its tough, very tough. Lots of feedback from the road. I tried the standard cobble tactic of lightly gripping the centre of the bars. Didnt feel confident at all, felt as if I would slip off the bars, so went back to hoods and drops.
Best of luck Caroline (and whoever is doing this). I qouldnt have the cajones for doing this on a crowded race.

25s could help some. New, or double-wrapped bar tape will help a lot.

FYI: in crits, you need to spend as much time in the drops as you can, especially cornering.

LDB

cdaly_ wrote: »

@LBD, was that you I saw sprinting out of Baldoyle towards Portmarnock this evening around 6? Certainly pushing it...

No, not me. I was heading through there alright but more like at 12 or 1

Slideshowbob

Will Dublin City Council have Eustace St ready in time?

Part of it was dug up this morning

km991148

Slideshowbob wrote: »

Will Dublin City Council have Eustace St ready in time?

Part of it was dug up this morning

Yeah - I noticed that yesterday - when I took a walk into the city to watch the event (1 week early doh)..

Slideshowbob

Have not seen other races from the series much on tv but I gather its a team thing?

So first across the line doesn't count for a whole lot if rest of team is far behind!!?

Is there even a first prize? or all team stuff?

Will Irish guys just go for individual glory anyway given they don't care as much about the series as UK riders!? Are the races in Dublin and Belfast part of the overall series points classification or is it an entirely separate series in Ireland?

sonvolt

The races in Ireland are part of a seperate series, Tour Series Ireland, so with the points there is no carryover from UK series. There are 2 rounds here Belfast & Dublin.

See www.tourseries.ie for latest details.

Geoff Liffey
Cycling Ireland

RobFowl

I've had a sneaky look at the start list and it's good.
At least one Boardsie on it

Caroline_ie

RobFowl wrote: »

I've had a sneaky look at the start list and it's good.
At least one Boardsie on it

MrSkeff?