The Des Hanlon memorial race at Carlow goes ahead on Sunday but instead of the old 87-mile circuit around Co Carlow it will be over a new course of two laps of 40 miles through Castlecomer and Paulstown, promoted by the Dan Morrissey's club with John O'Brien as organiser.
The race will provide the first clash of the season between all the top men.
The next international assignment is the Archer Grand Prix at Beaconsfield in England on April 11th and Richie Beatty, chairman of the Leinster Federation of the ICF, in his capacity as national team director, has selected Ciaran Power, Micheal Fitzgerald, Brian Kenneally, Eugene Moriarty, Stephen O'Sullivan and French-based Michael McNena. National champion Ray Clarke was not considered as he goes to the Tour of Majorca with his Clarke's Contracts team. With the exception of McNena the others will be an action at Carlow.
Dublin Wheelers have an entry of 27 for their TQ Paper two-day race for women with two stages on the circuit at Dublin Airport tomorrow and another on Sunday. An Irish team of Susan O'Mara, Lorraine Manning, Michelle Crinnion and Jane Martin are up against strong opposition from the Netherlands and Britain.
Ras Luimni is over three laps of 22 miles at Cloonlara on Sunday while there is another handicap event at Newry.
Entries close today with Sam D'Arcy for the Irish Road Club's Easter three-day from Brittas to Gorey and back. The first 150 in will be accepted.
Sunday, April 11th, is the first closing date for entries at £30 for the FBD Milk Ras from May 15th to 23rd. After that the entry fee is £40 up to the final acceptance on April 21st.
