Write a commentNewry Wheelers are once again promoting the Annual Newry Wheelers 3 Day race, their 28th! It takes place this weekend from Friday the 3rd to Sunday the 5th of July.
The stage race is one of the most popular on the Irish cycling calendar and has attracted well over 80 riders. The race could easily have 150 riders but with PSNI rider restriction the bunch is capped at 80. The places filled up fast as riders are keen to compete to try and add their name to the list of previous winners which is no mean feat.
Stage 1
The racing kicks off on Friday 3rd July at 7pm in Warrenpoint when the riders will tackle the flat dual carriageway before hitting a stinger of a hill in the form of Greenan road before entering Warrenpoint again for 3 short laps. The Chain reaction point’s jersey is also up for grabs on this stage and one a lot of riders want, especially the sprinters. Finishing time is approximately 8.15p.m/8.30pm. The 1st stage is generously sponsored by Armatile.Soundfunction DJs will also be at the finish to entertain the crowd as the riders tackle the laps of the Warrenpoint circuit.
Stage 2 & 3
After the fast stage on Friday night the riders will head to the hills and take on the roads around Hilltown to test the riders climbing skills. This stage which is 65 miles in length is sponsored by Kelly building supplies and will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the yellow spin 11 yellow jersey as well as PKF- FPM polka dot jersey for best climber. Elm Hall is the last big hill of the day before the bunch descends into Hilltown with the race finishing on the main street at approx 12.30.
Saturday afternoon sees the ‘Race of truth’ - The Time Trial is kindly sponsored by Cycling Ulster, when riders will test themselves against the clock. This will spilt the riders up and see them settle in their positions for the fight for overall glory. The Time trial takes place at 4pm from the narrow water castle. This stage will also be a big factor in the destination of the blue youth riders jersey kindly sponsored by Felix O’Hare building contractors
Stage 4
Sunday is the final day and perhaps the Queen stage sponsored by Haldane Fisher, usually the name given to the hardest stage of the race and longest and at 70 mile with 4 PKF-Fpm King of the hills included it will be tough. Last year Des Woods won the stage in horrendous weather conditions . The riders will start from Newry sports centre at 10.30 before heading to Bainbridge, Castlewellan, Rathfriland, Newry, Hilltown, Rathfriland and the finish in Newry at the Mot centre at 1.30 pm approx. The Newry wheelers have a strong team in the race with Des Woods and Mark Mc Kinley showing good form of late and previous winner Kevin Lynch will be bidding for glory. The competition will be tough and especially from Jake Gray and Aaron Swan from the Nicholas Roche performance team and 2013 winner Derek Cunningham will want to do well also.
Drew Mc Kinley, Race Director commented; 'it is great to have the sponsors on board and thanked all of them as without their support there would be no race. Drew also mentioned while there are a few favourites it is so hard to predict a winner and that what makes this race so special within the cycling community. The list of past winners is impressive and is great to see last year’s winner David Montgomery turn professional. The Newry 3 Day is a race every rider wants to have on their list of wins. He also had praised the Newry Wheelers club members who will give up their weekend to make the race run smoothly and as safely as possible.
