By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
Counties Limerick and Cork are to the forefront of the cycling scene as regards National Championships this Saturday and Sunday.
In Broadford, Co Limerick on Saturday, the National Hill Climb Championship will be held on Killala Hill just outside the town. According to race organiser Liam Collins, "this is a vertical climb! It was in the late 1970’s before cars were allowed to descend, such was the gradient." Collins will also organise the Junior and Veteran Championship which were originally scheduled to be held back in July. The sponsors of the championships in Broadford are Cycling Pursuits. Evidently there involvement has added a buzz to the occasion and also, Paul Griffin is jetting in from the Far East in attempt to reclaim the Hill Climb Championship.
The start time of the Hill Climb is at 6.30 on Saturday evening, which will surely add some colour to the event.
On Sunday there are three championships and the two clubs involved, Limerick CC and Kanturk Credit Union CC have pooled their resources so that everything runs as per schedule.
On current form Dermot Cronin looks the nap in the Juniors because of his recent win in the Kevin McInerney. Robbie Bryson is going for a unique treble in the Veteran championships. The Lakeland CC Veteran, has concentrated recently in events which will undoubtedly give him the edge. Both events are scheduled for a 2.30 lift off.
Also sharing the billing with the Vets and Juniors on Sunday will be the B Championships which are being staged in Kanturk. Here, race organiser Dan Curtin gets the B’s under way at 10.30 to allow him time to help out in Broadford. "Sure it is only the road and we neighbours have to stick together," said Curtin.
