So we’re almost at the weekend again – we nearly forgot to report on what went on last Saturday in Banbridge, Sunday in Dundalk (ahem.. yes – it was my first win..) - and we are looking at Saturday and Sunday races.
On Saturday morning (10.30am) the members of the Development Squad will gather at the Track on Sundrive Road, Crumlin. (see directions below). The session will involve accreditation for the track, interval training, and cornering – all skills that will be very beneficial to those heading to the Belgium races this summer.
On Sunday most of the action will probably be in Stamullen. See full details on the irishcycling.com website here . We hope to enter a Leinster Team in the Corkman on the May Bank Holiday weekend – and selection will be based on how this race unfolds.
For a great report on the tandem race in Banbridge last weekend have a look at this - it sounds like it was a fantastic race. The Paralympic Team always welcome anyone interested in trying out tandem cycling, it’s a great squad to work with – and exciting to be part of their Beijing preparations. If you are interested in going out for a spin on a tandem contact us at queries@womenscycling.ie and we will point you in the right direction.
As for the Dundalk Traders Cup on Sunday – it was a good race, a nice rolling course, without any really tough climbs.. but this also meant we raced at a good solid pace for the 86km.
The Ladies started off with first year Juniors and Vets over 50 – and there was no way we wanted the bunch to catch us, so we headed off on a mission straight away. Working together a group of 7 of us managed to hold off the main bunch until we were just coming into the last lap.
Although it was a good buzz knowing we stayed away from them for so long, I have to admit it was a relief to sit in once they came along – we really had worked hard until then. Great training for sure!! Anyway, lucky for me I was the only girl in the bunch, so it was a nice feeling to know that in order to hold onto first place, all I had to do was stick in the bunch.
You know what – easier said than done sometimes!! It wasn’t easy to switch quickly from the strong steady rhythm we had going on, into the sprinting, and striding that you had to do to stay in there!! Still, nice to hang on in there… and a bit of a relief to finally win a race.
Michelle Geoghan came second – with a super performance. Orwell’s latest recruit is in her first season on the bike, and has taken to it like a pro – you heard it first here!! I’d say it was lucky for me that she just popped out the back of the bunch just before they caught my group. Maybe there was only room for one bird in the bunch (I hope you’re all laughing at my “Raven” joke here…)
Directions from Heuston Station to Sundrive for the track… I got this from google maps here so if you type in sundrive road, dublin you might get a better idea!!
Head northeast on N4/
Continue to follow N4
Turn left at R101/
Continue to follow R101
Turn left at S Circular Rd/
Continue to follow R111
Turn right at Crumlin Rd/
Turn left at Sundrive Rd
Congratulations on your win Heather!!