Racing
Racing
GBCC is the most active racing club in Connacht. We have over 40 active racers in all categories from A4 to A1. GBCC racers take part in all the major stage and day races throughout the year. For more information on racing with Galway Bay CC contact the Racing Officer.
The following are some of the main races run by GBCC.
The Galway Classic & Galway Classic Mna
Dubbed ‘Hell of the West,’ the Galway Classic & Galway Classic Mna (ridetheclassic.com) are Ireland’s only men’s and women’s classic style road races designed in the mould of the famous European classics races like Paris-Roubaix, Strade Bianche and more. The men’s elite title is raced over a parcours of 160km taking in 10 off-road, bog-road sectors. The women’s race covers 100km and takes in eight off-road sectors. Celebrating and showcasing the unique bog terrain of Ireland, the Galway Classic is currently Ireland’s toughest one-day race and attracts participation from foreign racing teams across Britain and Europe, making the winners title very sought after by all top road racers
Bog trials
Three years ago, Galway Bay Cycling Club became the first club in the country to promote a road race with gravel sectors when it ran the inaugural Galway Classic. In February 2022, the club launched another first for Ireland–The ‘Bog Trials.’ These were the first gravel races in the country taking place entirely on gravel and unpaved roads. The races were a mixture of cross, gravel, mountain biking and road racing, favouring those with strength, stamina and good bike handling skills. The Bog Trials were run as a four-race, open league on a 4.5km circuit in the bogs of East Galway.
Paul Giblin – Club Championships
The club championships are run annually in honour of former member, Paul Giblin. Paul was an international rower who took up cycling late and would have become one of the best cyclists in the county if leukaemia didn’t take him way too young. Every year we run the club championships where the winner of the men’s and women’s race get a beautiful handmade wooden trophy.
The Highfield Crit
The Highfield Crit is a joint event run by Galway Bay Cycling Club and the Highfield Park residents in Galway city. The series of races on the streets of Highfield Park create a festive atmosphere including a barbecue and refreshments. Residents of all ages come out as spectators to the events.