The Women's National League kicks off this weekend
The 2009 Women’s National League kicks off next Sunday, 8th March, with Liam Collins of Cycling Pursuits hosting round one in Broadford, Co. Limerick.
The series will be run over six road races and one 10ml TT and will be handicapped on a points system (see below). The top 5 races for each rider count towards the overall total.
Cycling Pursuits also kicked off last years National League, and was a great start to a league that was closely contested. St.Finbarr’s Fiona Meade won the first race in Limerick before securing an overall victory by the final TT in September.
This year there is going to be a course change and although it will be run over a much flatter course it promises to be a very competitive and exciting race. It will be the same circuit as the National TT Championships last year, which is a 27km loop. The riders will race 2 laps of this course – so it is a perfect introduction to National League racing for the more apprehensive riders out there.
Perhaps it is too early in the season to be tipping off riders for a win – but the handicapped system should shake things up somewhat. Seasoned riders like Fran Meehan (winner 2007), Sarah Piner and Roisin Kennedy will be looking to make up points on the less experienced riders who have not raced in a National League previously. Last year the top 6 was a good mix of experienced and new riders.
We will also have a Junior category. Last year Rachael Withers was the top Junior in the National League series, as a first year Junior. It will be exciting to see if she can retain the overall once more this year.
Please note that there are two Broadfords in Limerick this is the small town south of Limerick city near Newcastle west and sign on is at 12.00.
There will be no recession for the Women’s National League, thanks to the continued sponsorship of the Zoo Hair Salon and a new Leader Jersey sponsored by Louis Garneau.
The Women’s commission continues to have the financial backing to support the running of the Ann Behan Perpetual Trophy donated by Killcullen C. C.
POINTS SYSTEM
The league will be handicapped by giving a point’s advantage to riders who fall into one of these categories
0 points if you have been competing at a higher level abroad I.e. a UCI team
0 points if you have represented your Province or Ireland except if you are a junior.
8 points if you raced the 2008 league & have not represented your Province or Ireland
8 points if you raced the 2008 league and are a 2nd year Junior
12 points if this is your first year to racing the National League
12 points if you are a first year Junior.
If you do not fit into any of these categories your handicap will be awarded at the discretion of the handicappers Orla Hendron and Jenny McCauley who will endeavour to be fair and open at all time but their decision will be final.
CONNACHT CYCLING
