CLUB NOTES

Post date: Aug 11, 2012 9:56:56 AM

Youghal Cycling Club Notes – August 5th, 2012

The Vee Challenge This Sunday, August 12th sees us host the 3rd Annual Vee Challenge. With the infamous Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford only three weeks away, how better to prepare for it then by taking in The Vee Challenge! The Vee Challenge is an approved training circuit by the Sean Kelly Tour Committee and we have two routes for the participants to select from, the 90km Vee Ascent and the 130km Vee Challenge. Both routes will depart from the Youghal GAA pavilion on Magners Hill at 10.00am. Sign on is available on-line, those who use this will get a E5 discount, and guarantee an event t-shirt in their chosen size. Further details of on-line registration can be found on www.youghalcyclingclub.com On-line registration closes at midnight on Thursday night. For those looking to register on the morning of the event, we will be taking entries from 8.30am on Sunday morning.

Both routes will take the cyclists out of Youghal town and up the steady climb to Tallow in County Waterford. After Tallow it is onto the picture card perfect heritage town of Lismore. We will roll past the magnificent Lismore castle and then swing a left up the steady climb to The Vee. The 90km and 130km routes will split as they approach the junction at Glenaknockaun. Here the 90km group will turn towards Cappoquin as the 130km group will continue to climb to the summit of The Vee. At the top of The Vee we will have a welcome water and light food stop. Refreshed and after taking in the scenery of the Knockmealdowns, the group will take the fast descent towards Cloheen, County Tipperary. Before entering the village they will take a right turn and head towards Newcastle, all the while weaving along the banks of the River Tar (a subsidiary of the River Suir). At Newcastle they take a right turn and climb the Cat 3 back over the Knockmealdowns and pass the Cistercian Abbey of Mount Mellary returning into County Waterford. Shortly afterwards we will meet up with the 90km peloton for a foodstop at The Cats Bar, a Waterford hurling stronghold despite the name! Fully refreshed we will continue on our descent and roll into Cappoquin, the town where the Knockmealdowns meet the River Blackwater. Leaving Cappoquin we shortly cross the River Finisk and pass under the impressive Hindu Gothic styled gates that mark the entrance to the Dromana Estate that overlooks the River Blackwater. This 4km avenue brings us nicely into the hometown of former Irish athlete and Olympic medallist John Treacy. From here it is on through Aglish and the ancient whiskey distillery town of Clashmore. Shortly after Clashmore the groups will split again as the 90km riders will head back towards Youghal and the 130km group will scout the estuary of the River Blackwater. Here they will take in some impressive views of Youghal town and harbour from the Ferrypoint side before taking in the sort sting of the climb to Monatrea. From here it is back towards Youghal where they will hook up with the 90km route again. Crossing the River Blackwater, returning to County Cork, on through to the Rincrew Roundabout and taking in the final climb of the day, up the bypass, and back to the GAA pavilion for a welcome feed and maybe a few pints!! We will have lead cars for both routes, a broom wagon and all major junctions will be marshalled.

This year we are running the event to support local athlete Amanda Crotty. Amanda is a disabled athlete who has a serious vision impairment. Earlier this year she qualified with an Irish Paralympic time and was London bound. However the Irish Paralympic Council decided not to compete in her discipline so she is not London bound. Not one to drop her spirit, Amanda has her sights set on the World Championships next year. As a disabled athlete her expenses are more significant and with a successful tour we hope to be able to help her with her training for this event next year. Your support will be greatly appreciated!

Club Spins Even though the weather has been “unsettled”, club spins continue to be supported as members take in the fantastic routes around East Cork and West Waterford. Distance and climbing have been increasing steadily as members prepare for The Vee Challenge and of course the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford later this month.