Aaron Wade Gets the Wheelers Racing Season off to a Flying Start

Post date: Mar 05, 2018 3:8:36 PM

(By Shay O'Toole - Sun. 4th March 2018)

All avid readers of the Lakeside Wheelers notes, I know there is at least one out in the Downs, will remember that last week’s header referred to Wheelers not being deterred by the weather. Well, that was before the Beast from the East arrived on our shores.

There was no chance of any cycling last Saturday or Sunday due to the effects of the phenomenal amount of snow that fell in and around Mullingar last weekend. Cycling was not the only sport to succumb to the conditions with most codes cancelling activity across the country.

However, there is always one exception to every rule and this proved to be the case with the Lacey Cup being the only race that beat the “Beast” last Sunday. This annual early season event is one of the top races in the country. Despite the distance from Mullingar, Lakeside Wheelers had one its top riders in action with Aaron Wade persuading his dad Phil (how did he do it?) to make the journey south.

This was not only Aaron’s first race of the 2018 season but it was also his first outing in the A3/Junior category. No matter what techniques Wade Jnr. used to get Wade Snr. to drive to Tralee, he certainly rewarded his chauffeur with a fine performance. Despite the extreme cold there was a strong pace from the drop of the flag but the young Mullingar man was well up for the battle and took a fabulous 3rd place in the King of the Mountains and 4th overall in the A3/Junior category. This is a great result in what is always a very competitive race so well done Aaron, and Phil.

Next weekend sees the Youths travel to Westport to participate in the two-day Rás Mhaigh Eo which is one of the highlights on the calendar for this age group.

The Junior racers will stay closer to home as they take to the start line of the Ras Naomh Finian promoted by our neighbours at Clonard Road Club. This race always draws a huge crowd from all categories for the out and back route taking in Kilbeggan and back to Clonard village for the finish so best of luck to all Wheelers taking part.

Aaron Wade collects his prize for 3rd place in King of the Mountains at the 2018 Lacey Cup.