Orwell Women’s 2016 Crit League

The 2016 Orwell Wheelers’ Women’s Crit Series starts with a time trial on Tuesday April 5th at Black Bull, Co Meath. The six race series will follow the same format as recent years, with the time trial to be followed by three rounds of Tuesday night racing at Corkagh Park and a road race in Brittas. The sixth and final round of the league will be another time trial in Black Bull on the same course as round one, giving riders the opportunity to compare their performance over the six week period.

Orwell Women’s 2016 Crit League

The 2016 Orwell Wheelers’ Women’s Crit Series starts with a time trial on Tuesday April 5th at Black Bull, Co Meath. The six race series will follow the same format as recent years, with the time trial to be followed by three rounds of Tuesday night racing at Corkagh Park and a road race in Brittas. The sixth and final round of the league will be another time trial in Black Bull on the same course as round one, giving riders the opportunity to compare their performance over the six week period. 

The league is organised by Orwell Wheelers but it’s open to all women who would like to try racing. The format of the league aims to give new riders a gentle introduction to racing. The Corkagh Park circuit is a closed 1km cycling track that is safe and free of traffic. Riders will be grouped by ability, allowing everyone to race against cyclists of the same level as them. After three rounds at Corkagh Park riders will be more confident and ready for the fifth round of the league, a road race in Brittas. This will once again be handicapped based on ability.

While the league is designed to encourage new riders it also has lots to offer more experienced riders too. The league comes at the perfect time of year for those who have done a good winter to get in some high end training, and for those who haven’t to try and play catch up!

The first round of the league takes place on Tuesday 5th April. It will be a 16k time trial starting in Batterstown, Co. Meath. The course will be an out and back route from Batterstown on the Trim road as far as the roundabout at Drumree and back to Batterstown. Under 16s will ride half this distance . For safety all participants should have lights on their bikes (particularly a rear light). Sign on will be at Black Bull before the race and riders are encouraged to ride out to the start as parking is limited.

League details:

• Entry fee €5 per night or €25 for six rounds

• Cycling Ireland Full Competition or Club Competition Licence is required

• Unlicensed riders may purchase a One-day Cycling Ireland Licence on the night for €10

• IVCA Licences are accepted

• TT sign on from 6.30pm at Black Bull