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Post date: Mar 17, 2014 7:25:32 PM
(By Billy Cunnane)
On Sunday 16th March Navan Road Club hosted the Boyne GP in Co. Meath. With the Dunboyne race cancelled on St. Patrick's day numbers were high across all catagories. A hilly 12km circuit with some fast descents awaited all the riders. The weather was windy with persistent drizzle all day. First race off on the day was the A4's who had to complete 5 laps. We were represented here by Brendan Lynch, Eoghan Kevlihan, Matt Burke and Niall Fagan. A breakaway of 6 riders went clear on lap 4 with all the Wheelers finishing in the chasing bunch.
Next off was the Womens race which was also the opening round of the National Womens League. Myself, Stuart Cox and Eoin Lynch were on hand to do support for Aisling Flanagan and Michelle O'Halloran and were called upon when Aisling got a puncture just before the start. The race was characterised by high speed from the start, with plenty of attacking and counter-attacking lining out the bunch from the gun, with some riders shelled out the back as early as the opening 5km in the 48km contest. Halfway through the first of four 12 kilometres laps, Michelle was unfortunate to get caught up in a crash that took down around fifteen riders. The pace was maintained in the whittled down bunch, with those lucky enough to avoid the crash especially keen to maintain a place at the front, in a group now numbering 20. Aisling positioned herself perfectly for the sprint and was awarded with 8th. Well done Aisling.
After the Womens race was completed the A1/A2's lined up for 8 laps of the 12km circuit. An early breakaway on lap 1 took all the placings in the sprint with Stuart Cox finishing in the Chasing bunch. The last race off on the day was the A3/Junior and was to be contested over 6 laps of the 12km circuit. A breakaway of 8 riders went clear on lap 4 and stayed away to the finish. I managed to finish in the chasing bunch of around 30 riders and happy enough with my days work.
A mention must also go to Peter Rimmer who is flying the flag for the club in the USA. Peter was competing in the Tucson Bicycle Classic in Arizona over the weekend. He reports that the heat is a big factor with Hydration being a top priority. He was lucky enough on stage 3 though as it was a 6.30am start. Can't see it catching on here Pete.
Next weeks races are the Lucan GP in Batterstown and the Markievicz Cup in Co. Sligo on Saturday 22nd. The Des Hanlon Memorial in Co. Carlow is on Sunday 23rd.
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