Michelle Geoghegan wins the opening round of the Classic League. Report by Declan Quigley, photo of Michelle courtesy of Ieve Japertaite.

Dutch based full time rider Michelle Geoghegan (Orwell Wheelers) took the honours as the Trek Women’s Classic League kicked off in style at the Des Hanlon races in Carlow last Sunday, 20th March.

The new series, promoted by Cycling Ireland Women’s Commission with the assistance of leading distributor Centro Ireland and its top brand Trek, is an exciting addition to the Women’s Calendar which will provide an important competitive outlet for the top women riders on the national road racing scene.

“We are delighted to have Trek associated with our league as we feel this is a perfect match for us,” says Orla Hendron of the Cycling Ireland Women’s Commission. “It’s particularly gratifying to have attracted the support of a company which knows and understands cycling and appreciates the great strides made in the women’s branch of the sport in recent years.

“With participation levels at an all time high and climbing at an even greater rate than the male side, this is the perfect time to launch a series that recognises the commitment and quality of the performances by our top level road racers every weekend.”

Paul Maher, CEO of Trek Distributor, Centro Ireland, is particularly pleased to help establish a new race series at this exciting time for the sport. “Cycling as a leisure activity and a sport has grown exponentially in the last few years, especially among women racers, and we’re delighted to be able to recognise and support that growth through our leading brand Trek,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to working with the Women’s Commission to establish this series as one of the top goals for road racers in Ireland,” added Maher.

Geoghegan, of Orwell Wheelers and the Dutch Moving Ladies squad, scored top points with her impressive ride amongst the men in the A3 race at the Des Hanlon Memorial Races in Carlow.

The Kerry-born Irish squad rider was one of a small percentage of riders to complete one of the toughest single day races on the calendar as she shrugged off mechanical problems to beat Bohermeen CC’s former national champion Geraldine Gill and Lakeside Wheelers’ Sarah Piner.

All three had particular reasons to be satisfied with their performances. Geoghegan’s transmission refused to engage the large chainring at the front while multi-national champion Gill is making great progress on her return from retirement.

Piner, meanwhile, was satisfied with her endurance after a tough track training session with the Irish development squad the day before the race.

All three are on target to contend for victory in the four-round series which offers points from six to one for the top six finishers. The next round of the series is at Stamullen, Co Meath on 17th April.

Trek Women’s Classic League Round One,
Carlow, 20th March (100kms)
1, Michelle Geoghegan (Orwell Wheelers);
2, Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC);
3, Sarah Piner (Lakeside Wheelers CC).

Trek Women’s Classic League 2011
Race Schedule
Round One                 Des Hanlon Memorial, Carlow, 20th March
Round Two                 Stamullen GP, Stamullen, 17th April
Round Three               Hammond Memorial, Roundwood, 8th May
Round Four                 Ballinrobe 2-Day,  Ballinrobe, 7th/8th August