Some weeks ago Cycling Ulster announced that they would be promoting an Ulster Masters series to help stimulate and maintain road racing in our province. We aim to give riders who may have stopped racing in the C3 category a chance to get out and enjoy the ‘race day’ experience that they may be missing.
This year the series will initially comprise 5 races primarily in the second half of the summer as this is where our entry numbers drop off.
We have initially nominated 5 rounds with race promoters for the Ulster Masters Series;
- Dunloy GP 24th May
- Carn Classic 20th June
- North Down GP 2nd August
- Emyvale GP 23rd August
- Armagh Road Race 6th September (TBC)
These rounds may be added to if promoters express an interest.
Each round will be a 25-35 mile race (similar to any midweek race) on the same day and circuit as the C1, C2 & C3 Open Races, it will be restricted to M/WM50, M/WM60 & M/WM70 from Ulster only and will only allow entry for C3 and Limited Competition licence holders.
CI grading points are not awarded from this series and timekeepers will instead record a result from ‘front to back’ as all finishers may be in contention for a CU Medal in their age category. Cycling Ulster will supply arm numbers for the competitors to allow for a result to be taken. Masters Series Points will be awarded for the Top 8 in each age category (10,8,6,5,4,3,2,1) Cycling Ulster will then take the results and calculate a league table, medals will be awarded at the CU Awards Night in early 2027.
Entry will strictly only be via Eventmaster, promoters may offer prize money if entry numbers allow and they will charge entry fees as the race will still require lead vehicle(s) to ensure safety, with medical cover and associated catering.
To clarify why we can only allow Ulster riders to take part at this time, there are set criteria that must be followed when awarding provincial medals ie. We can only award medals to competitors from our own racing jurisdiction. The Cycling Ireland Eventmaster Team have been asked to use the following criteria:
Licence holders satisfying one of the following criteria:
(a) Belonging to a club / team based in Ulster;
(b) Unattached and resident in Ulster;
(c) Residency in Ulster;
(d) Belonging to a club / team based outside Ireland but,
1) Immediate past address was in Ulster or
2) Most previous Irish club / team was based in Ulster
This is a new Initiative which is intended to stimulate the sport we all love, there may be teething issues which we will quickly address. All we ask is to give it a chance and try it out, we will be on hand to answer any questions and take your feedback seriously to make this the success we hope it can be.
