Prize money boost for Laragh Classic

FRIENDS FIRST and St Tiernan’s Cycling Club today launched the 2016 Friends First Laragh Classic, announcing an increase in prize money for the pioneering Wicklow race.

As the closing race of the domestic cycling season, the Friends First Laragh Classic presents a last chance for riders to fight for an elusive result. This year an increased prize fund for the main race will see the overall winner collect a cash prize of €300, as well as the now fabled Wicklow granite cobble trophy.

The total prize fund for the event has been further increased thanks to the continued support of our title sponsor Friends First.

Weaving through the heart of the Garden County, the dramatic 24km circuit presents riders with a challenging climb, tough inclines and a fast-paced descent through the stunning village of Laragh, all tackled a number of times. The technical and demanding surfaces on sections of the course promise a real test of skill for competitors and an authentic taste of European-style classic racing.

Race organiser Brian Hayden is aware of how tough a challenge the race proves for the riders. ‘The varying elevations of the topography, the harsh road surfaces and the fast paced nature of the attacking racing a course like this promotes, means the winners of each race are always deserved.

“It is a reflection on the quality field it attracts that we have had national champions and international level riders take home the honours in the short history of the event. A tough race will always bring out the best.’

In addition, the finish, situated just before the T-junction that brings you onto the R763 between Annamoe and Ashford, follows a demanding incline which will have the potential to split the fields on the day.

With four race categories on the day, racing is open to senior men, ladies and juniors.  For the second year running the race will incorporate the Leinster championships, however all races are open to non-Leinster riders.