Following the success of last year’s event and the huge interest in the recent Giro D’Italia, the second Maiden City Criterium Cycle Race taking place on the city centre streets of Derry tonight, is expected to attract record crowds.
Organised by the Foyle Cycling Club, a criterium or “crit” is an intense road race on closed-off city streets.
Both speeds and adrenaline will be high as riders do battle, not only against each other, but the steep hills – including Shipquay Street – and narrow streets of the historic walled city for cash prizes and the honour of being crowned Derry’s fastest cyclist on 10 June.
Mark Moroney, chairperson of Foyle Cycling Club, said the event would see “thrilling, high speed” cycle racing over the city centre course – starting in Foyle Street and taking in Shipquay Street, Ferryquay Street, Market Street, Orchard Street and finishing in Foyle Street.
Last year’s winner, Glen Kinning, is expected to return to take on highly competitive cyclists from across Ireland and Britain.
The event is being sponsored by the Quayside Centre.
Mark Moroney said: “We are elated and very grateful that Quayside Centre have agreed to support the Crit this year.”
Andy Barr, manager of Quayside Centre said they welcomed the opportunity to support this event.
He added: “Building on the success of last years event we were delighted to have an opportunity to support and sustain this year’s race. It’s a fantastic sporting event for the city.”
Racing will begin at 7.00pm the A4 race of 20 minutes and two laps followed by the main race of A* (A1-2-3’s), 50 minutes and two laps.
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