Bray Wheelers welcome you to this year’s staging of the Christy McManus and Ronnie Coates Memorial races. We wish to say a very special thanks to Hollingsworth cycles for their support and to also thank the countless volunteers and organisers, without whom these races could not take place.

Bray Wheelers is a club steeped in history. Established in 1949, the club is one of the oldest and most respected racing clubs in Ireland. Early members included Shay Elliot, the first Irishman ever to hold the yellow jersey in the Tour de France and he is honoured annually by the staging of a one day race in his name, one of the leading amateur races in Ireland.

We warmly welcome new members, from first time riders to seasoned racers-there is a group to suit all, and our Couch to 50k, and 50 to 100k programs have been widely praised, resulting in Bray Wheelers being named Cycling Ireland Club of the Year in 2019.

More information on joining and supporting the club can be found on our website at http://www.braywheelers.com/

This Race booklet will help you prepare for the day, giving you some important information about the 2021 editions of the Christy McManus and Ronnie Coates Memorial Races.

Welcome from Bray Wheelers Club Chairman, Mark Murphy

Welcome to the Christy McManus and the Ronnie Coates memorial races. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to host these races despite current restrictions.

Christy and Ronnie both joined Bray Wheelers in the 50s. Sadly Christy died at a young age which was a great loss to Bray Wheelers as he was such an active club member.

Ronnie was a lifelong member of Bray Wheelers. He made a huge contribution to the club as a racing cyclist and as a committee member. Ronnie was probably most famous in recent years within the club as our prize giving Master of Ceremonies.

Bray Wheelers hope you enjoy the day; stay safe and race well.

Mark MurphyChairman Bray Wheelers

Ronnie Coates second from left. Christy McManus third from right.

Race HQ and Sign On

This year sees a new Race HQ for the rollout – The Brockagh Centre in Laragh Co. Wicklow. The centre is on the Glendalough side of Laragh about half a kilometer out of Laragh towards the Wicklow Gap, on the right-hand side. Only toilet facilities and parking are available at Brockagh.

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/r2pqZoS77hxykzMS9

1. Brockagh centre entrance

DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS, THERE IS NO SIGN-ON. SIGN-ON IS THROUGH ONLINE REGISTRATION WHERE YOU ENTERED THE RACE.

Very limited parking and toilet facilities will be available at the Brockagh Centre, and we would ask that Bray Wheelers members park in the new public carparks in Laragh. Parking in Roundwood is also a good option and to ride down.

Because of the limited parking, racers are asked to arrive in good time for their race and to park considerately.

For those that are not familiar with the area, Laragh and Glendalough will be very busy, so you are asked to obey all marshal instructions and the rules of the road both whilst warming up and during the races.

The race is now sold out! 80 racers will take part in each race. As an added Covid-19 measure, we kindly ask that riders maintain social distancing before

and after the races. Unfortunately, only the prize winners are permitted to attend prize giving, so we ask that there is no congregation post-race.

Government measures prevent spectators attending the races. The events are run in accordance with Cycling Ireland Covid protocols

https://www.cyclingireland.ie/news-item/returnofcyclingevents/

Safety

Standard race rules and rules of the road apply

Whilst there are several lead cars, this is not a closed circuit.

No team cars in the cavalcade

You are asked to obey all marshal instructions – the race organisers and marshals are there for your safety.

Ambulance Order of Malta 087 274 4982

Race Directors Lloyd Berry, BWCC 086 172 8973 (A2/A3 Race)

Mark Murphy, BWCC 086 810 4648 (A4 Race)

All other details available through the Bray Wheelers media channels on Facebook and through http://www.braywheelers.com/

Race Route and Timings

1030hrs A2 A3 Christy McManus Race Roll out (First 13km Neutralised until right turn after the bridge at Annamoe)

6 laps, once the finish is passed for the first time = 92km approx.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2727986538219871222

Counter boards and Last lap bell will be used.

NO PRACTICE ON THE COURSE DURING RACING

1330hrs A4 Ronnie Coates Race Roll out (again, first 13km neutralized until the right turn after the bridge at Annamoe)

4 laps, once the start/finish line is passed for the first time = 65km approx.

Counter boards and Last lap bell will be used.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2728326212567756670

PLEASE REMAIN CLEAR OF THE CIRCUIT DURING THE A2/A3 RACE

Prizes

Christy McManus Memorial A2/A31st six placings1st unplaced Bray Wheeler1st unplaced Junior1st unplaced A31st unplaced Lady

Ronnie Coates Memorial A41st six placings1st unplaced Bray Wheeler1st unplaced Junior1st unplaced Lady

Race Circuit

Neutralised roll out will route from the Brockagh Centre, through Laragh and onwards to Annamoe.

2. Left turn from Brockagh Centre to Laragh

3. Follow to the right at the Green towards Dublin

The racing begins once the right-hand turn is taken at Annamoe

4. Crossing the bridge at Annamoe. The right turn is around the bend 100yds on the right

The race now continues towards Ashford passing Tomriland crossroads you are now on the lower (Southern) part of the circuit

5. Stay on the main road at Tomriland Crossroads

You go on the Eastern side of the race circuit when you turn off to the left towards Newtownmountkennedy

6. Left Turn onto the Eastern side of the circuit

This road passes over Annagolan Bridge and racers should note that the road significantly narrows at this point prior to ramping up towards the Ashford road where you will pass the start finish line for the first time.

7. Annagolan Bridge

8. Start/finish line. Approx 300m short of Ballyduff crossroads

Next Left at Ballyduff takes you on the Northern side of the race circuit towards the Reservoir. A sharp descending turn to the left brings you onto the Filter Beds and climb towards Diamond Hill and Weston Gates.

9. Left turn at Ballyduff crossroads towards Roundwood

10. Sharp descending left to the filter beds

11. Passing the Filter beds before the climb of Diamond Hill to Weston Gates

12. Ramp up Diamond Hill. Caution surface conditions are rough in places

As the road climbs again, you take a sharp left at Weston Gates to join the west side of the circuit, descending towards the Annamoe-Ashford road again.

13. Left turn at Weston Gates

14. Left turn at Tomriland to rejoin the Southern side of the circuit

ENJOY A SAFE RACE AND SEE YOU ALL ON THE ROAD!