News

With the final round of the Cyclo-cross National Series in the books, all attention now turns to the first National Championship of 2025.

The cold conditions that beset the final round of the National Series at McCrystal’s Track in Co. Louth last weekend are set to continue through the week and ensure a frosty reception for riders heading to Ballinasloe, Co. Galway in search of their National Champs jersey.

Having spent the last 12 months in the National Champion colours, Dean Harvey will look to retain his Elite title on Sunday. Harvey put in an impressive performance in the final round of the National Series, pulling away from Tadhg Killeen half way through the race and not looking back. Speaking afterwards, Harvey said, “It was cold and wet, and the competition was tough, but it has me set for National Champs next weekend now.”

Last year’s National Champion Aliyah Rafferty’ attendance is in doubt due to international commitments this weekend. Recent National Series champion Stephanie Roche, however, will look to add to National Championship to her National Series win. After collecting her trophy in Louth last weekend, Roche said, “The National Series this year has set it up for a really interesting final day of racing at the Nationals next week.”

Ballinasloe CC members have been working hard to put together the 2.8km course and have put together a comprehensive technical guide available HERE.

Directions to the venue, situated at Fair Green, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, are available HERE.

There will a full slate of racing on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s racing will include Youth races as well as M50 and M60. Sunday will start with the M40 race at 10am, followed by the Junior Men, Women and finishing with Senior Men.

Full Schedule

Saturday 11 January 2025

• 09:30 Registration opens
• 09:30 Course open for practice
• 10:20 Under 6s fun race
• 10:30 Under 8s race
• 10:45 Under 10s race
• 11:05 Under 12s race
• 11:30 Prize giving for Under 8s, 10s and 12s
• 11:30 Main course open for practice
• 11:50 Under16, Under 14 girls called up to start grid
• 11:55 Gridding of riders begins
• 12:00 Under 16 girls start
• 12:00 Under 14 girls start
• 12:40 Prize giving for Under 14s and Under 16s
• 12:40 Main course open for practice
• 13:00 Under 16, Under 14 boys called up to start grid
• 13:05 Gridding of riders begins
• 13:10 Under 16 boys start
• 13:11 Under 14 boys start
• 13:50 Prize giving for Under 14s and Under 16s
• 14:00 Main course open for practice
• 14:20 M50, M60 riders called to start line
• 14:25 Gridding of riders begins
• 14:35 M50 start
• 14:37 M60 start
• 15:30 Prize giving for M50, M60
• 15:30 Main course open for practice

Sunday 12 January 2025

• 09:00 Registration opens
• 09:00 Course open for practice
• 09:50 Riders called up to start grid
• 09:53 Gridding of riders begins
• 10:00 M40 start time
• 11:00 Prize giving for M40
• 11:00 Course open for practice
• 11:20 Riders called up to start grid
• 11:23 Gridding of riders begins
• 11:30 Junior men’s start time
• 12:20 Prize giving for Junior men
• 12:20 Course open for practice
• 12:40 Riders called up to start grid
• 12:43 Gridding of riders begins
• 12:50 Women’s start time
• 12:51 Masters women start time
• 13:45 Prize giving for Women
• 13:45 Course open for practice
• 14:05 Riders called up to start grid
• 14:08 Gridding of riders begins
• 14:15 Senior start time
• 15:25 Prize giving for Senior