Reilly tipped for big race

Foyle Cycling Club’s highly rated Junior Ryan Reilly is being tipped as a potential local winner of tomorrow (Tuesday) night’s Quayside Maiden City Criterium which returns to the city’s streets.
Cyclists taking part in last year's race.Cyclists taking part in last year's race.
Cyclists taking part in last year's race.

Reilly was one of Foyle’s top finishers at last year’s hugely successful event and has enjoyed a memorable start to 2014 which fellow Foyle Race Team member Lawrence Watson believes puts him among the front runners for what will be a star-studded field.

Among the favourites in that field will be last year’s winner Glen Kinning, Mark Buchanan, who finished third 12 months ago, and Muff’s Ronan McLaughlin who his competing for ‘Dig Deep Racing’ having returned from a successful stint competing in Europe.

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Despite that level of competition, Watson believes Reilly will be one to watch across a course which guarantees thrills and excitement for spectators.

“I have been racing all my life and last year’s event was one of the best to be involved in,” explained Watson, a committee member at Foyle as well as a member of the club’s racing team.

“It wasn’t - and still isn’t - your typical criterium circuit. Most of those are fast and I think Shipquay Street caught a lot of people out last year. It’s such a tough climb in this sort of race.

“We have already exceeded the number of competitors we had last year with some real top quality riders competing but Ryan is definitely among the group that could win. He has been in great form all season.

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“The course actually suits Ryan a bit more than some of the other riders. He’s that bit lighter than others which means the climb up Shipquay street doesn’t hit him as hard as it can hit other riders.

“Ronan (McLaughlin) and Mark (Buchanan) are probably the favourites and they are both excellent but it will be a very exciting race and quite a spectacle as anyone who saw it last year can testify.”

Tuesday’s event is split into two separate races. This first race (7pm start) is a warm-up for A4 Category riders and consists of 20 minutes ‘free racing’ around the Derry City centre circuit followed by two laps. Within this race there will be two sprint ‘primes’ which provide riders with an opportunity to compete for prizes in the middle of the race, as well as the normal finishing prizes for first, second and third.

The main event is for A1*, A1, A2, A3 category riders and will be 50 minutes of the circuit and the two laps. There will be four primes in this race, as well as the finishing prizes for first to fifth. In addition there will be a prize in each race for the best Foyle C.C. finisher, and the best female within the total prize fund of £650.

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Watson was one of only 12 finishers last year and having already won the ‘Danny Boy’ race in Dungiven earlier this season, the 33-year-old Creggan based cyclist is hoping to be even more competitive this time around.

“The fact the course is not a traditional criterium means the tactics are different. You have to save yourself for Shipquay Street each time but last year the crowd were superb. It is such a tough climb in the context of the race but the crowds were three and four deep at the top and shouting encouragement which really kept you going.

“Personally, I would like to be more competitive this year and race with the top boys for as long as I can. I was out of the race early on last year want to improve on that.”

The tight circuit is perfect for spectators to get ‘up and personal’ with the high speed action that organisers are hoping will build on the success of the recent Giro d’Italia.

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“We are delighted to bring this event back to Derry again this year, and are grateful to Quayside for their support,” explained Foyle chairman Mark Moroney.

“Everyone is looking forward to seeing the racers chase up the iconic climb of Shipquay Street, with the cheering crowds making for a wonderful atmosphere.”

Echoing those sentiments, Andy Barr, manager of main sponsors Quayside Shopping Centre, said they were delighted to be associated with the event.

“Building on the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to have the opportunity to support and sustain this year’s race,” explained Mr. Barr, “It is a fantastic sporting event for the city.”

Event registration costs £13 and is currently open at www.entrycentral.com/Quayside_Maiden_City_criterium although riders can register on the night.