THERE is good preparation this weekend for those due to contest the Easter stage races, as they can have outings in good events on three days in a row. The Jim McQuaid memorial on Sunday is the main attraction.
The Emerald club have succeeded in getting this good slot on the calendar for their McQuaid promotion, which will be over six laps of 12 miles at Ballyboughal (11.0), and it should be built up into a leading fixture. There is no major climb to be negotiated, but it is over good, rolling countryside and will provide the biggest test of the season so far.
Depending on how many enter there may be a separate race for second category and veterans, with four laps for the juniors and women.
The Mid-Eastern Region's league continues tomorrow at Bray, and the East Tyrone club have a handicap at Moneymore. In addition to the Emerald races on Sunday, Newry Wheelers have the Haldane memorial handicap.
But there is a change to the fixture listed for Kanturk. Instead of the Kanturk Grand Prix there will be Ras Duhallow at Kanturk (1.30), with races there also for the under-age categories.
Then on Monday there is the usual St Patrick's Day programme, with a big field again expected for the Irish Road ClubAmev handicap from north of Finglas at the Brock Inn (10.0) to Drogheda and back. Last Wednesday was the closing date for entries and latecomers will not be accepted.
Another big turn-out is also likely for the Downpatrick handicap on Monday, while the Carrig Cup is at Carrick-on-Suir and the Lockwood Grand Prix at Oranmore.
Pat McQuaid is still anxiously awaiting the decision on the Irish start to the Tour de France next year on July 11th. He said: "Discussions are continuing but no definite decision has been reached yet. There are a few things to be finalised but I remain very optimistic that it will start here."
McQuaid hopes the official announcement will be made in Paris "in just a few more weeks".
Meanwhile, McQuaid is going ahead with plans for his Junior Tour, from August 3rd-10th. In the next week or two he will be going over the route he has in mind, but he is not revealing details until all is finalised on April 9th. "It will be mainly in the south-east region, with the finish on the outskirts of Dublin."
