Drogheda Wheelers

After a grueling eight days, the 2018 Rás Tailteann ended with the traditional final stage into Skerries. Well done to Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex on their participation. Congratulations especially to Arek Kluz, Barry Hughes and Niall Craven who are now “men of the Rás”. Our commiserations go to our other riders Cian Delaney and Paul Smith, who unfortunately had to retire after sustaining some nasty injuries earlier in the week. We wish Cian and Paul speedy recoveries.

Here’s a selection of photos from Sunday’s final stage..

Donore men Niall Craven and Barry Hughes finishing stage 8 of the 2018 Rás Tailteann in Skerries for Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Donore men Niall Craven and Barry Hughes celebrate in Skerries with their team members manager Andrew Watters, Austin Dennis Physio, Anthony Connor Logistics and Benner Maguire Mechanic after finishing the final stage of the 2018 Rás Tailteann. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Donore man Niall Craven riding in stage 8 of the 2018 Rás Tailteann which finished in Skerries for Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Donore man Barry Hughes riding in stage 8 of the 2018 Rás Tailteann which finished in Skerries for Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Donore men Niall Craven and Barry Hughes riding for local team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex in Skerries after finishing the final stage of the 2018 Rás Tailteann. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex riders Niall Craven, Cian Delaney, Arek Klus, Paul Smith and Barry Hughes with Support crew and members of Drogheda Wheelers at the launch of the 2018 Rás Tailteann in The Thatch. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

The Thatch Bar Drogheda was the venue last Thursday night for the official launch of the 2018 Ras Tailteann as well the Louth Jons SCME Dimplex Ras team. Drogheda Wheelers secretary Gerard Campbell spoke about Drogheda’s strong Ras tradition, acknowledging the presence of several local Ras veterans among the enthusiastic audience. Others who spoke passionately about the event were Drogheda Wheelers chairman Andrew Watters, race director Eimear Dignam and Drogheda Mayor Pio Smith.

While the town has hosted stage finishes on a number of occasions, this will be the first time that Race start will take place in Drogheda. The Louth Jons SCME Dimplex Team includes two Drogheda Wheelers riders, Barry Hughes and Niall Craven. Barry competed in the event two years ago, but suffered appalling luck with two crashes in the first two stages, the injuries sustained forcing his retirement on stage three. This will be Niall’s first Ras. Despite suffering a broken shoulder and collar bone just weeks ago, Niall’s determination meant there was scarcely any doubt about his participation. Niall and Barry are joined by Waterford man Paul Smith. Two Stamullen riders, Cian Delaney and Arek Kluz complete the line-up. Their inclusion is a poignant reminder of the vital part played by the late Gabriel Howard in making this team a reality. Gerard Campbell spoke of Gaybo’s tireless contribution to the Ras over the years and said that the opening stage will be dedicated to his memory.

Team Louth Jons SCME Dimplex riders Niall Craven, Cian Delaney, Paul Smith, Barry Hughes and Arek Klus with team manager Andrew Watters, Austin Dennis Physio, Anthony Connor Logistics and Benner Maguire Mechanic at the launch of the 2018 Rás Tailteann in The Thatch. Photo:Colin Bell/pressphotos.ie

Details of this years race route can be found here

The Dunsany GP will take place on Sat May 12th. Sign on will be in Dunsany GAA grounds from 9:00 am.
The route will be the usual green sheds circuit with the last lap coming off circuit to finish at the church in Dunsany.

10:3O am A3 race 4 x laps of 17k Total 68km
10:33 am A4 race 3 x laps of 17k Total 51km.

This year’s Boyne GP will take place on Sunday 11th March 2018. Racing will be on the usual 12km circuit (see below).

Sign on venue will be Ryan’s Pub Gormalough (5kms from Slane on the R163 Kells Rd). We are currently trying to secure an off road car park 1km from the sign on venue. We will update on progress as soon as possible.

Note

1. No one day licences will be available
2. Riders must have their full licence and numbers (pdf version on phone not accepted)
3. The 110 maximum rider rule will apply in the A4 race. Should A4 entry numbers exceed this limit, two separate races will be held (with the prize fund to be split between both).

Sign on will open at 9:00am. To ensure rider safety it is necessary to stagger the start times.

Race Programme

10.30 A2 race 7 x laps 84km
10.33 A4 race 5 x laps 60km
13.00 A1 race 8x laps 96km
13.03 A3/Jun race 6 x laps 72km

For further info, contact Ger Campbell 086 8192205 gerry.campbell@droghedawheelers.ie