Wins in Birr, Roundwood, Navan and Womens National League

Post date: Aug 23, 2010 2:19:42 PM

Over the past week results from the Lakeside Wheelers men and women have proved just how strong our racing team has become with wins and high placed finishes in races in the Birr criterium, The Roundwood Grand Prix, Beechmount Cup, Collins/Christle Memorial as well as first and second overall in the Womens National League.

Clean Sweep in Birr

On Wednesday night we had a team of five taking part in the Birr Criterium on a great town centre racing route of about 1km. Big crowds came out to watch this exciting event and they were not disappointed with high speed and colourful racing for this one hour race. There were many attacks in the early part of the race but the Mullingar lads were always prominent with David Fagan, Stuart Cox and Mark O'Hara covering every break. With about ten minutes to the bell a break of seven finally went clear and opened up a significant lead. All five of the Lakeside Wheelers where in the break and with five laps to go Robbie Kenny burst clear with John Murray on his wheel. Showing great team work our three other riders controlled the pace and this allowed Robbie and John to fight it out. On one of the tight corners on the last lap Murray put in a powerful attach to open up ten meters and Robbie was unable to haul him back before the finish line. Mark O'Hara took third place with Stuart Cox fourth and David Fagan sixth. This was a very impressive team effort and proves that the club now has strength in depth and are a very strong outfit when they work for each other.

Damien Shaw takes Roundwood Grand Prix

On Saturday Damien Shaw went to the Roundwood Grand Prix, Bray Wheelers promotion and as we have come to expect he clocked up another impressive win. He was greatly helped by some astute tactical racing from fellow Wheeler David Fagan in the bunch. For someone who only started racing this year Damien has made rapid progress and he can look forward to plenty more success over the next few years.

Damien Shaw - Winner of the Roundwood Grand Prix

John Murray Wins Beechmount Cup

A number of riders went to Kilmessan Co. Meath for the famous Beechmount Cup race on Saturday and once again the Mullingar jersey was prominent throughout. John Murray added another win to his impressive haul this season with fellow clubman Mark O'Hara taking second. This is always a very competitive race which makes John and Mark's achievements all the more noteworthy and it was great to have another one two for the Lakeside Wheelers.

John Murray - thanks to some great LWCC teamwork - won the Birr Criterium

Three in top 10 in Collins/Christle Memorial

The Navan Road Club held their second race of the weekend on Sunday and once again we were very well represented in the Collins/Christle Memorial Race. All breakaway attempts were pulled back resulting in a bunch sprint at the finish. Three Lakeside Wheelers were in the top ten with John Murray 4th, Steve Franzoni 6th and Damien Shaw 9th, another fine result by the lads.

Wendy and Sarah take 1st & 2nd in National League

Not to be outdone by the men our ladies rounded off and impressive week for the club by clinching 1st and 2nd in the Women's National League. The final leg of this competitive event was held on Sunday in Kilmessan. Wendy Bates went into this final race leading the league by two points from Sarah Piner with only a few points back to their nearest rivals. In a tactical race Sarah and several other riders took turns to launch attacks but Wendy rode really well to cover all the moves. Local girl Geraldine Gill eventually escaped for the win but she posed no danger in the overall competition and it came down to a bunch sprint for the minor places where Wendy took second place with ease from Sarah. This ensured Wendy and Sarah took first and second overall in the national ladies league, a fantastic result by the Mullingar girls in this very competitive series.

Sarah (left) and Wendy in action at the weekend's final leg of the Women's National League