Training Camp for Ladies Team

Post date: Aug 17, 2014 9:42:34 PM

(By Steve Franzoni)

The ladies race team headed to Ennis this weekend to prepare for their most gruelling challenge yet.

September 10th to the 14th is Women's Ras na mBan (bure) stage race. The race has six stages covering 427km over five days. International, national and domestic teams battle it out for various jerseys and the overall win.

Mullingar has not fielded a team for some years but set out at the start of the season with it firmly as a goal. As usual fate played its hand and Aisling Flanagan was lost to illness. Some last minute negotiations ensued and three extra riders have been brought in to make a full five rider team. From Mullingar Michelle O'Halloran and Sonja O'Mahoney keep the yellow, red and blue colours flying. Domestic based Karen Robinson from Navan is joined by two UK girls Julie Erskane and Jessie Walker. Both girls bring a wealth of experience into the team.

The past few months have been busy putting the planning and support team in place to run the team efficiently and professionally for the race. A very tiring and arduous task I can assure you.

This weekend gave us a chance to check out the accommodation and some of the routes for the race which I can report will be a serious challenge.

More information will follow along with a request to borrow some kit to lend our riders for the race XS and small jerseys, gillets and summers long sleeve jackets will be required.