The Irish National Road Championships start later this week and the organisers are using the event to help promote safe cycling to local schoolchildren and also encourage participation in the sport.

The races take place from June 22nd to 25th and are organised by Wexford Cycling. The time-trials for will take place on Thursday 22nd with the paracyclists setting off first, followed by tandems, elite women and finally senior men.

On Saturday 24th, the races for M40, M50 and M60 will take place, with the Womens’s and combined U23 and Men’s race taking place on the Sunday.

Race Director Derek Webb explained how the organisers are getting involved with the local schools on encouraging participation in the sport and promoting safe cycling.

“There are four primary schools on the time trial route, and all 750 pupils attending these schools have been asked to enter a colouring competition to celebrate the event. The prizes will be handed out on the evening of the TT,” said Webb.

“Also on the road race route, there are three primary schools, and in conjunction with the RSA (Road Safety Authority) the committee will be calling around to promote safe cycling and encouraging all the kids to get out and support the event.”

“The next Dan Martin is in there somewhere. It would be a great legacy for us to see in 15 years or so, a Wexford kid making it as a pro and when he tells his life story it begins with “it all started when the All Irelands raced by school and from then on I was hooked.” If that happens, then every hour spent on this event was worthwhile” says Webb.

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