The Women's National League is a series of 6 road races and one 10 mile time trial  that start around the beginning of March and take place all around Ireland. These are of a higher level than either the (old) Boot Inn or Wicklow League races, but are handicapped on a points system (see below) to allow racers of wide-ranging abilities to compete against eachother. We encourage women who are looking for a challenge to come out and try these races to get a feel for what it's like to race with the top women cyclists in Ireland.

Seasoned riders like Fran Meehan (winner 2007), Sarah Piner and Roisin Kennedy will be looking to make up points on the less experienced riders who have not raced in a National League previously.

This race series also features a category for Junior racers.

There will be no recession for the Women's National League, thanks to the continued sponsorship of the Zoo Hair Salon and a new Leader Jersey sponsored by Louis Garneau.

The Women's commission continues to have the financial backing to support the running of the Ann Behan Perpetual Trophy donated by Killcullen C.C.

Points System

The league will be handicapped by giving a points advantage to riders who fall into one of these categories:

• 0 points if you have been competing at a higher level abroad, i.e. a UCI team
• 0 points if you have represented your Province or Ireland except if you are a junior
• 8 points if you raced the 2008 league and have not represented your Province or Ireland
• 8 points if you raced the 2008 league and are a 2nd year junior
• 12 points if this is your first year to racing the National League
• 12 points if you are a first year junior.

If you do not fit into any of these categories your handicap will be awarded at the discretion of the handicappers Orla Hendron and Jenny McCauley who will endeavour to be fair and open at all times - but their decision will be final.

Calendar

Race dates for 2010 can be found here on the Women's Cycling Ireland website.