Wheelers Among the Prizes in Clonard
Post date: Mar 11, 2014 8:49:25 PM
Racing News by Billy Cunnane
Lakeside Wheelers were well represented at the Rás Naoimh Finian open race on Saturday 8th March hosted by our neighbours Clonard Road Club. A total of 240 riders across all catagories took to the start in four separate races.
The weather was dry, but strong cross winds made it hard for the cyclists, and of course kept the Commissaires busy, especially on the outward leg where the southerly winds played havoc with the larger peletons.
First race of the day was the A1/A2. A break of three riders went clear in the first 10k. A chase group of about 10 riders which included our own Stuart Cox formed but they could not bridge across on the way back from Kilbeggan. The 3 man break took the top placings with Stuart Cox finishing 12th.
Next race off was the A3. A Four man break went clear after just 5km and stretched their lead to 2 minutes at the turn point in Kilbeggan. A Chase group went clear but could not bridge across to the 4 Leaders. Well done to Charlie Sheridan and Tosh Kiernan who finished comfortably in the bunch in their first A3 race.
Next weekends races are the Rás Maigheo 2 Day and the Boyne GP in Co. Meath. The St. Patrick's day race in Dunboyne on Monday has been cancelled.
On Sunday 9th March Alan Nevin travelled to compete in the A3 race of the Newbridge GP. Alan finished comfortably in the bunch after a tough days racing.
The biggest club representation was in the A4 race with 8 riders taking to the start line. A lone rider went clear of the bunch from the gun and stayed away for the 77km race to take the win. The remaining points were to be got in the bunch sprint with Wheelers newcomer Brendan Lynch getting 7th and all the remaining Wheelers finishing in the bunch. This is a great achievement for Brendan on his first A4 open race.
The final race of the day was the women's. This was the first year Clonard road Club held a separate women's race and it was over 44km. It was also fitting as it was international woman's day. We were represented here by Aisling Flanagan, Michelle O'Halloran and Sonja O Mahony. The bunch stayed together until 15km to go where lone rider Ann Dalton attacked the bunch and rode strongly to pull out a gap of 20 secs which she maintained all the way to the line for an impressive win. A counter attack of 2 riders including Michelle O'Halloran went clear of the bunch and stayed away to the finish with Michelle claiming 2nd for her efforts. Well done to Aisling and Sonja who put in a strong ride and finished in the bunch. A special word of thanks must also go to the service crew on the day.
Lakeside Wheelers team at Rás Naomh Finian