For the fourth year running, Derry’s streets will hum from the spin of carbon wheels as Foyle Cycling Club’s annual Maiden City CRITERIUM was unveiled by Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Elisha McCallion.
With a strong field expected, including top Rás rider Ronan McLaughlin, last year’s A1 race winner, Angus Fyffe, and 2015 Irish Masters National Cyclocross Championships’ winner, Jason Henry, ‘A Night at the Races’ will occur on Tuesday 7 June at 20.00.
Drawing crowds of 100s of spectators since 2012, the race is one of the blue ribbon cycling events to be held in Ulster, and this year the total prize fund exceeds £1000 for the first time.
Forming an integral part of the local Council’s Big Bike Festival, this year’s event is supported by Tourism NI.
Ronan Gallagher, Foyle Cycling PRO said: “this is a fantastic event being hosted in the City and we’re delighted that Tourism NI recognises its importance to the City. We hope that the people of Derry will come out to encourage and cheer on the riders on what is one of Ireland’s most difficult circuits.”
The adult races will be preceded by a junior Sprocket Rocket race, which will be held in Foyle Street. With the first race set to commence at 20.00 sharp, spectators are being asked to get to the circuit for 19.50.
Cyclists with the appropriate race licence can sign on at: http://www.entrycentral.com/Maiden_City_criterium.
Part of Tourism NI’s Festival of Cycling 2016, co-sponsored by Derry City and Strabane District Council, DRD-Travelwise and the Public Health Agency.”
The route of this CRIT is fantastic and much more challenging that cycling around Kilkenny City. I think the riders have to climb Shipquay Street about 10 times – it’s one of the steepest streets in Derry (and probably Ireland for that matter).
If I don’t say so myself, this is a fantastic race and one of the toughest in the country.
Great race! with the repeat climbs up Shipquay Street. Looking forward to doing it again this year!
Great event and a pleasure to help marshal. In awe of the guys tackling Shipquay Street multiple times.