Mark Hayden Memorial Race 2015

bikenut74

Mark Hayden Memorial Race 2015 will be held on Saturday 30th May 2015.

Race HQ is Toughers Restaurant, Dublin Rd, Carlow 2km from Junction 4 M9 motorway. The race is on 24km circuit from Carlow to Killerrig Cross to Castledermot and back to Carlow. A generally flat lap with 2 short climbs at Knocknagee and Barnhill.

A2/A3
3 x laps 24km circuit 72km total
Prizes for first 8 and unplaced A3
Race Start 12.00

A4
2 x laps 24km circuit 48km total
Prizes for the first 6
Race Start 12.05

Under 16
1 x lap 24km circuit
Prizes for first 6
Race start 12.10

Under 14
4 x laps 5km circuit 20km total
Prizes for first 6
Race start 11.00

Under 12
2 x laps 5km circuit 10km total
Prizes for first 6
Race start 11.05

There are NO A1 or Junior races.

Hmmzis

Any idea how steep the two hills are? Kind of tempted by this. I think I'd prefer to take my chances against A2 riders than the juniors on Sunday (and that big scary looking hill).

bikenut74

Both climbs are only 500-600m long with Knocknagee maxing at 8% briefly and Barnhill maxing around 6%. Big ring sprinting (but hurting) kind of hills. Given we torture everyone in the Des Hanlon we said we better have an easier race and our own A3's wanted a race away from the juniors too.

manwithaplan

Going to do this but I thought it would be hillier. It was a hilly race when I did it a couple of years ago (think sign on was in Kildavin) - this is obviously a different track.

Still it's great to have the option when a date with the Dubs in Croke Park means I can't race on Sunday.

bikenut74

It is a completely different circuit to the old one in Kildavin but should provide good racing. It's always good to have options on a Bank Holiday weekend.

makker

Bikenut/

Are A3 riders gonna get a handicap on the A2s or one mass start?

Cheers

bikenut74

makker wrote: »

Bikenut/

Are A3 riders gonna get a handicap on the A2s or one mass start?

Cheers

There are no plans for a handicap in the A2/A3 race but shortcuts can be shown if you ask nicely

JK.BMC

manwithaplan wrote: »

Going to do this but I thought it would be hillier. It was a hilly race when I did it a couple of years ago (think sign on was in Kildavin) - this is obviously a different track.

Still it's great to have the option when a date with the Dubs in Croke Park means I can't race on Sunday.

The ramps are short but steep; and a fair section of the route is exposed to wind. I think this a potentially excellent route which should encourage attacking racing. Im wondering where the finish line is- very wide outside Toughers

bikenut74

The finish will be out side Toughers so no excuses for crossing the centre line. I just hope the photo finish camera can stretch that far

Lusk_Doyle

Do you have a link to the route? Cheers.

Hmmzis

Might be this one

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8052959

slow

Why are juniors not welcome?

Lusk_Doyle

slow wrote: »

Why are juniors not welcome?

They have to study for their leaving cert.

manwithaplan

I prefer racing with them. The racing isn't half as negative.

slow

Seems strange that every age from 10 to 70 is catered for, except for 17 and 18 year olds.

Lusk_Doyle

slow wrote: »

Seems strange that every age from 10 to 70 is catered for, except for 17 and 18 year olds.

There is also no A1 race. It's not just juniors.

slow

It'd be nice to see all categories. But I can understand not catering for A1s. Most will be keeping their powder dry for the Deenside Cup which is an epic event - up there on par with the Hanlon and the Elliot.

Lusk_Doyle

slow wrote: »

It'd be nice to see all categories. But I can understand not catering for A1s. Most will be keeping their powder dry for the Deenside Cup which is an epic event - up there on par with the Hanlon and the Elliot.

Wow! That's big talk comparing a year old race with those two!

bikenut74

Carlow RCC decided to host a second open race this year. Given the sheer size and effort of holding the Des Hanlon we wanted to run a smaller event this year to test ourselves. We choose to give the two categories, A2 and A3, that tend to be overshadowed (no offence) every weekend a chance for some glory and CI points. The A1/A2 and A3/Jnr races at the Des Hanlon have been dominated by the A1 and Junior riders for the past number of years. That along with the fact our near neighbours are hosting their own open race the next day catering for all categories we feel our decision is justified. There are underage races because they are the future of the sport and should catered for at every event.

aworthycause

Ha! I can't believe that after everything that has happened with racing so far this year, anyone is being forced to justify why they put on a race.

Fair play to you Carlow. See you tomorrow.

And thanks!

Homer1798

Delighted there is racing on a Saturday as Sunday's don't suit everyone. I find loads of riders like to complain about the races and how they are run, yet when I look at the calendar I'm amazed at how many clubs DON'T run any events, I sure hope it isn't any of their members complaining. Oh and thank you Carlow RCC for running this AND the Des Hanlon for us very grateful riders

Raymzor

anyone heading to kilkenny/ gowran direction after race?

Hmmzis

An absolutely massive thank you to Carlow RCC for this race. Did the A2/3 race and it was the most fun I've had in an open race ever! The format of the race worked prefectly in my opinion. The organisation and marshalling was second to none. Hat's off to all of you!

bikenut74

Carlow RCC would like to thank all the riders who took part today. Everyone behaved themselves and I think enjoyed the races. A lot of work was put in by our members, many of whom gave up their chance of racing to run the event so many thanks to them too. We look forward to seeing ye all next year.

Lusk_Doyle

Yep. A4 was a nice race too. Well done to Carlow CC. Enjoyed my return to open racing.

aworthycause

Brilliant fun today in 2/3. I'll be back next year. But could you do something about the wind? Much appreciated...

killalanerr

Big thanks to ccc. I wasn't feeling the best but still managed to get up the road a few times, felt save all day,A very good format not having to hang on to A+ ridres or 50+point juniors,more of this sort of thing please


Oh and well done LD

dermabrasion

Thanks Carlow. Really enjoyed the race and felt safe despite the busy road.

bwalsh1983

I'll second the above comments, not usually a fan of predominatly flat courses but today was a great and very active race. Safe and fast race (nicely sized bunch) and good racing. That headwind was murder!

Raymzor

Well done to Carlow Road Cycling Club on a top class event. The marshaling yesterday was excellent. It was really great the way the club took time to markers out to indicate 5k, 3k, 2k, 1k, 200m, 100m, 50m to the line. Fergal Thanks for the lift to Gowran after. It would have been tough to face that wind again for another hour plus!!!!

Slo_Rida

I never felt any headwind :-)
Good idea for a race, perfectly run, it seemed very simple from talking to organisers - I'm sure it wasn't.
Thanks Carlow.