Men’s Elite and Junior Cycling Ireland Road National Series
Women’s Elite and Junior Cycling Ireland Road National Series
A3 & A4 Support race
Spectator Guide
The nature and layout of the Alan Towell Memorial circuit lends itself to spectators hoping to witness the action unfold on the road. With various vantage points lending themselves to easy access and opportunity to watch the racing in multiple locations along with the fact that the race is covering laps of a 30km loop means you won’t be waiting long before you see the speeding bunch of Ireland’s elite domestic men and women. We’ve listed our top 6 spots on the circuit that we think are best placed to catch the action; The climb of Ballykeel Hill is notorious with this circuit and will be the first ascent faced by the riders on the day. While giving way in length to some of the other climbs on the circuit, it is likely to cause the riders the most problems due to its steep gradient and is often a favourite for those spectating on the course. It’s also very close to the climb up to Ballykeel crossroads which the race passes also through so is an ideal spot to jump between two harder sections of the course.
The climb of Ballykeel crossroads is one of the less severe on the circuit, but it’s a wearing down circuit and every rise counts! The views over the Mourne Mountains from the approach to Ballykeel crossroads give the photographers a great chance for some stunning shots of the action with a great backdrop, and with such a great view you can see the groups approach from approx. 1km out. This one’s a real crowd favourite. If it’s the fast pace action you like to see then Dromara village is the place to be. The long descent into the village means it is one of the fastest sections of the course. Add in the fast twisting corners as the race enters the village at speed and you’re guaranteed to see the race in one long line out. Home to Dromara Cycling Club who are likely to have local riders competing and their own spectators out, there should be a great atmosphere too. Another fast section of the course is McAdam’s crossroads, as the riders descend off the arduous Edentrillick Rd before they hit the climb of Ballykeel Hill. It’s another spot where you can catch the riders twice on the same lap as the Flagpole on Leapoges Rd, where the riders will face a U-turn onto Lagangreen Rd is less than a minute’s dander.
New for 2023, we have the race finish in the centre of Kinallen Village. Kinallen is also home to one of the longer climbs on the circuit at 1.5km and it’s very possible to catch those riders out with tired legs in the final laps of the race. The steepest section of the climb is on the Skeagh Rd as the riders enter the village and approach the finish line, while the crest of the climb will see the riders exit Kinallen in the direction of Dromara.Wherever you are on Saturday you can follow all the action LIVE via our Twitter feed by following #RN S2023All races start between 12 noon and 12:10 on Mount St, Dromore. Expected race finish times are listed below;
Race 3 (Elite & Junior Women’s National Road Series) 14:50 – 15:05
Race 2 (A3/A4 Support Race) 14:35 – 14:50
Race 1 (Elite & Junior Men’s National Road Series) 15:05 – 15:20
To minimise traffic congestion around the race finish area and Kinallen village the event organisation have secured a parking field within 3 minutes’ walk of the finish line. Parking can be accessed via the Katesbridge Rd. We request those attending the event avoid parking on the main circuit or approaching roadsides and to consider the safety of all.
