Banbridge CC are pleased to once again promote the Banbridge Criterium for 2019 on Wednesday 5th June. For this year we’re delighted to once again host championship status with the Ulster Criterium Championship incorporated into the event.

Following the success of the event in previous years, including 2016 when it hosted the Irish National Championships, the club have confirmed that the event will use the same popular 1km circuit, starting and finishing on Banbridge town’s main high street – Newry St – to bring the fast paced action of crit racing to the town centre where it belongs.

Also confirmed as a support race is an exciting new Elimination Race for the local Banbridge Interclub Race League clubs. Competition in the league has already been fierce in the opening rounds this year and with the format of the support race based on the track style elimination races it should guarantee non-stop action for the duration.

The main feature Ulster Criterium Championship race will cater for A1, A2 & A3 categories and will be an Open Championships, so non-Ulster riders are welcomed and encouraged to participate also.

Pre entry to the event will open on Tuesday 28th May via the Cycling Ireland website. The Championship race will be limited to 60 riders with pre-entry closing on Monday 3rd June, or once all places have been filled. Entry will be £15 per rider.

Always a very popular event, early entry is advised for all riders. A budget has been reserved to accommodate prizes for the first 6 riders overall with hot spot prime laps and unplaced rider prizes also available for A2’s & Juniors.

While at first glance the circuit may look flat and relatively straight forward, a sharp descent, fast and tight corners, and a drag onto the start/finishing straight that will sap the legs has proven to provide both competitors and spectators some exciting racing over the years.

Racing for the Banbridge Interclub Race League elimination race will commence at 19:00, lasting just over the half hour. The Championship race will commence at 20:00 and will last for approx. 50 minutes, featuring 2 x prime laps.

Sign on for all races will open at 18:00 Ground Espresso Bar on Newry St, closing 15 mins sharp before each race. Note that traffic diversions will be in place from 17:30 to accommodate the event so extra time should be allowed for parking, etc.