This Wednesday, 21st June 2023 sees the return of the Ards Town Centre Cycling Races to the centre of Newtownards, thanks to a generous grant from Ards and North Down Borough Council. We have planned a busy evening with races for all categories on a closed road circuit of approximately 1km (0.62 miles).
These events have proved popular in the past and we’re looking forward to a great evening. The circuit is due to be closed to traffic by 6 pm. The draft programme is as follows (note there may be some changes, for example races may be merged or split depending on the number of entries) –
- 18:00 Fun race for children accompanied by adults. Followed by an ice cream for all children.
- The official race programme starts with the U8-U16 category races, which also form part of the Cycling Ulster Youth Academy series. An appropriate Cycling Ireland race license is required:
- 18:15 U8 – 2 laps
- 18:25 U10 & U12 – 4 laps or 10-15 mins
- 18:45 U14 & U16 – 8 laps, or 15-20 mins
- 19:05 Demonstration events
- 19:20 is the A4 race – 30 mins plus 1 lap (approx 20 laps)
- 20:00 is A1/2/3/JR. – 40 mins plus 3 laps (approx 30 laps)
- 21:15 roads reopen
Online entry for the racing is here and closes at 8 pm on Monday 19th June.
This year we’re also pleased to be hosting a Sustrans Active Travel training session for 8-11 year olds. This runs from approx 6pm to 8 pm in Conway Square. Registration for this opens at 5:15 on the night in Ards Arts Centre and is on a first come basis. See here for more details and what information is required to register.