Laois to host all-Ireland underage championships

By Tommy Campbell Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent

Over 150 junior competitors from all parts of Ireland are expected to attend the All-Ireland Underage Championships on the weekend of August 19 and 20 with all events taking place around the towns of Emo and Portarlington. The event is hosted by Laois Cycling & Touring Club.

The championships will consist of three separate events with the first of these - a relatively flat 3 mile time trial - kicking off at 10am Saturday morning. The race will determine the Irish time trial champions.

In the afternoon, the cyclists will make the short trip to Portarlington for the criterium championships. A technically challenging two kilometre circuit awaits the riders. The final event, the road race, will take place on Sunday morning. The ten kilometre circuit includes the tough climb past Coolbanagher Church and should ensure that only the strongest remain to take the medals. Medals and other prizes will be awarded to the first six over the line in each event.

The championships are sponsored by Edenderry Power Ltd. General manager Dermott Kelly said, "Edenderry Power are proud to be sponsors of the Underage Cycling Championships. We appreciate the effort involved by all concerned to organise such an event…. We wish all the competitors the very best of luck for a safe and enjoyable race and remember you are all winners."