The limit group consisted of Ciara Long, Breda McNally, Jackie McNally, Eileen O’Sullivan, Caroline Conway, Siobhan Moore, Lorraine Flanagan, Mary Crosbie and Rachel Mellor. This group split from the start line. Many of the ladies who had taken it easy in the first race were keen to race harder this week. They were caught by the semi scratch, Caroline Martinez, Kathleen Gill and Charlotte Mac Donald, towards the end of the first lap.

The scratch group consisted of Roisin Kennedy , Geraldine Gill, Aideen Collard, Laura Banfield, Catherine Devitt , Sandra Telford, Hazel Hall, Grace McNally and Sandra Fitzgerald.

Scratch set off working well together to catch the other groups. But after a couple of minutes a few attacks went from Sandra Fitzgerald, Geraldine Gill and Roisin Kennedy but all were drawn back by the bunch including promising rider Catherine Devitt.

Grace McNally and Hazel Hall have shown they clearly have what it takes to compete in the scratch group, working relentlessly to catch the groups ahead. Both have shown huge improvements this year.

Close to 3km out from the finish Scratch, SS and limit came together with some strong riders from SS and Limit holding their own among some of the more experienced riders.

After catching all the groups, Kathleen Gill launched an attack on one of the last corners, both Sandra Fitzgerald and Catherine Devitt responded. With the finish line fast approaching, Kathleen was caught and it made for an exciting uphill group sprint finish with Sandra Fitzgerald taking the bunch win, followed by Geraldine Gill who took a savage win in Kilmessan on Sunday at the last of the Womens National League Races.

The race ended in a hotly contested bunch sprint with Sandra Fitzgerald taking the win followed closely by Geraldine Gill, Catherine Devitt and Aideen Collard. Another impressive performance by Orwell rider Charlotte McDonald who is already producing great results in her first racing season! She just nabbed 5th spot off fellow teammate Sandra Telford.

1. Sandra Fitzgerald
2. Geraldine Gill
3. Catherine Devitt
4. Aideen Collard
5. Charlotte MacDonald
6. Sandra Telford

Well done to all the ladies who gave racing a go for the first time during these 2 races. Thanks to everyone who generously helped out on the night, to Grace for the sandwiches, Hazel for the buns and Caroline for the crepes.

Report byt Bernie McNally

The limit group consisted of Eileen O’Sullivan, Nikki Walsh, Vanessa Fenton, Teresa Murphy, Rachel Mellor, Lorraine Flanagan, Mary Crosbie, Marie Lord, Fiona Gilsenan, Breda McNally and Jackie McNally. Vanessa rode away from the bunch at the start line, with Breda and Rachel not too far behind. As this group split at the start line, Marytn Irvine got the remainder of the bunch working together. For many of these ladies, this was their first race and they all did an incredible job!

Group 2 started off with 6 riders; Hazel Hall, Caroline Martinez, Grace McNally, Sandra Telford, Charlotte Mac Donald and Katherine Gill. With the encouragement and advice from their mentor, Stephen Barrett, the group worked extremely hard to keep scratch at bay. Going into the second lap, 5 riders remained and kept riding until there were 4. Despite their efforts they were unable to catch Vanessa Fenton who time-trialled to victory. The sprint for second place opened up with Hazel Hall leading the group, however, Sandra Telford kicked hard and edged out Grace McNally to take second place with Charlotte MacDonald and Hazel Hall taking 4^th and 5^th. Breda McNally was caught in the final kilometre and took 6^thplace despite slipping a chain during the race.

Scratch consisted of Aideen Collard, Catherine Devitt, Roisin Kennedy, Laura Banfield and Sandra Fitzgerald. Despite these ladies working together, they narrowly missed catching group two and battled it out for the remaining places.

Thanks to; all the marshals without whom we would be lost, Joe McNally for doing time keeper, our mentors and podium boys; Stephen and Martyn,  Grace for the sandwiches and Hazel for the fab buns! A special thanks to all the Swords members who generously gave their time to help out and McNally Joinery for the prizes.

Hope to see you all there on Tues 24th for the next race!

Bernie McNally

Banfield Laura Swords CC

Beirne Heather Navan CC

Boyle Rita Slaney CC

Mc Evoy Orla Bray CC

Manager Coleen Foley Swords CC

It’s been a challenging process for all squad riders who have worked to training and racing programmes geared towards getting them in best condition for Ras Na Mban. There have been a number of specific training sessions with Gillian Mc Darby who has done sterling coaching work with the squad during races and training. These training sessions will continue right up to Ras Na Mban.

While we have selected these riders there are other squad riders who have worked very hard and also made progress and we look forward to these riders making further progress in the future. Fiona Guihen the Navan CC junior who was showing excellent improvements was unfortunate to sustain an injury in the last few weeks and unfortunately can not race Ras Na Mban this year, we wish fiona a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her making further progress in the future.

We would like to say a big thank you to all squad riders who have very worked hard during the process and to Leinster Cycling commission for their support.

Coleen Gillian Paddy Valerie

McNally Joinery Swords CC Ladies race

Tuesday August 24th

Sign on at 7pm for a 7.30pm start

This event will be a 30k handicapped race (3 laps of a 10k circuit) to give all participants a fair chance. The circuit is relatively flat with only 1 sprint hill.

Refreshments afterwards at the Ring Commons Sports Centre

Entry €5 Cycling Ireland Licence €10, per race

For further information contact Bernie McNally 087 617 2828
If you are coming from the south side or the city, take the M1 North.
Take exit 5 for Balbriggan and Walshestown
At the top of the slip road, take third exit off the roundabout and drive over the motorway bridge.
At the next roundabout take the second exit (the first exit is for the Applegreen garage)
Drive straight through another small roundabout and after a few hundred metres, take a left.
Go around a bad bend, over the bridge and the ring commons sports centre is on the LHS.
Parking and sign on will be here, more than likely in the car park.

If anyone needs directions on the night, they can call me on 087 617 2828

The Ben McKenna open race signs on at this same venue.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/80503 – Here is a link to the circuit. It might help you get there if you make the map larger.

Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) claimed maximum points for the fourth time in the Caldwell Motor Factors Ulster Women’s Association Time Trial League at Toome today. The Omagh teenager was the only rider to break 26 minutes, recording 25.55. Second place went to Bann Valley’s Elle Forest with a time of 26.19. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) maintained her strong challenge for overall victory with third place in a time of 26.41.

The UWA would like to thank East Tyrone & Island Wheelers for promoting the seventh round in their TT League after they had to cancel Wednesday evening’s planned event for Woodgreen due to roadworks.

Having completed seven of the eight time trial’s in the series and with a riders best six results to count, Fullerton is leading with 108 points, Julie Mulligan (Omagh Whs) is 7 points behind in second. Withers is in third on 98 points but as she has only taken part in five events, any points gained in the final round will be added to her total. Details on the final round will be made available by the UWA as soon as they have made a decision on the date and location.

Full results of Round 7 and UWA TT League table can be found below.

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors TT League Results – Round 7 – 10 Miles (Toome) 1. Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) 25.55 2. Elle Forest (Bann Valley RC) 26.19 3. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) 26.41 4. Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC) 26.49 5. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Whs) 27.09 6. Mary Boyd (Roe Valley) 27.17 7. Sheena O’Neill (Island Whs) 28.52 8. Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 28.56

Overall Standings After Round 7 (Best six results to count) Louise Fullerton 108 Julie Mulligan 101 Rachael Withers 98 Maeve Savage 83 Hannah Francis 63 Kay Hack 54 Gillian Orr 54 Jo-anne Kee 54 Elle Forest 33 Mandy Collie 29 Tonya Moran 20 Caroline Patterson 16 Mary Hunter 15 Mary Boyd 14 Sheena O’Neill 13 Bernie Gribben 12 Linda Tomb 11

 Patrick Withers

Hotel Proprietor and Ras na mBan race sponsor Louis Moriarty may have provided us with comfortable modern apartments with every amenity, a fabulous choice of breakfast and most excellent coffee in a silver coffee pot, but he could not hold off the rain on saturday morning when the girls headed out from Sneem Hotel on their first training spin of the weekend, when they recce’d the first and second stage of the Ras na mBan. Luckily it dried up very quickly and the girls soon got to grips with the first mountain of the day, the famous Molls Gap, which most agreed that with its good surface and gentler than expected gradient was not such a fearsome monster after all. All riders managed to restrain themselves from succumbing to the temptations of the conveniently placed Avoca handWeavers coffeeshop at the top of the climb, and regained their breath on the undulating road back towards Sneem.

A slight detour took in the climb used on the lap of Stage 2, before heading back to a welcome lunch and as an extra treat, Louis surprised us with a round of cakes – I think he’s trying to fatten us up!

After lunch, ex-pro Paul Griffin shared his vast store of knowledge when he gave advice on training and stage racing and answered all the varied questions put to him by beginners and experienced riders alike. The evening was free to spend how we wished and some took advantage of the beautiful surroundings and borrowed the kayaks available to hotel guests and paddled out on the inlet, around to the village for a coffee stop and back in time for dinner!

Sunday was the type of day that Bord Failte waits all year for so they can shoot their ads for The Heathers to sing to – incredible views of wild irish hills dropping into azure seas with rocky outcropping islands – simply magnificent. As on day one, the girls split into 2 groups, with the less experienced riders being drilled on group riding, pacing and gearing by coach Gillian McDarby, and coach Paul Griffin leading the more experienced riders with a faster paced spin. Today the route was that of Stage 3 of the Ras, completing the recce of the entire race route.

The incredible scenery was a welcome distraction on the slope of coomakiste, on which all groups rode hard and got a taste of how it might feel on race day. The groups kept up a strong tempo on the flatter roads after Waterville before tackling coomakiste from the opposite direction-all agreed it was a harder climb from this side, but a much more fun descent! Before long we were back eating sambos in Sneem Hotel again before reluctantly heading home – I think we all wanted to spend more time in this beautiful corner of Kerry, and are looking forward to returning in 4 weeks for the Ras na mBan!

Many thanks to Louis Moriarty of Sneem Hotel for his hospitality and making us feel so welcome, to Valerie Considine for her work in organising the training weekend and to coaches Gillian McDarby and Paul Griffin for all their advice and help. Thanks of course to all the women who came training for the weekend, it was wonderful to see some new faces and hopefully all are encouraged to enter Ras na mBan!

RACE ROUTE

Sponsored by McNally Joinery and hosted by Swords cc.

At the Madigan GP on Saturday 7th August, the final round of the Martin Birney sponsored SportActive Ulster Women’s League was won by Ciara McManus (U/A) who came in 15″ ahead of Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann), with Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC) taking third.

Team Madigan hosted the final round of the SportActive Ulster Women’s League at Kilroot near Carrickfergus. For the 22nd year the race is kindly sponsored by Mr Ronnie McKeegan of Madigan Cycles in Carrickfergus and also for the second year by Carrickfergus Borough Council.

The Madigan GP was held over 2 laps of the 18.5 mile circuit which includes two tough long climbs that always break the race up. From the start Ciara MacManus (U/A) set the pace along the coast road. There was quite a strong breeze which slowed things down a little, but also showed that no-one was willing to work too early due the the climbs further round the circuit.

When the race hit the first climb the scene was set for the remainder of the race. MacManus attacked early at the bottom of the mile long climb taking Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) with her. There was reaction behind with Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) and Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) closing on the two leaders.

After the brief descent and then some less steep roads leading to the next climb, the carnage of the first climb could now be seen. MacManus and Mulholland are the 2 lone leaders. They are being chased alone by Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) who was ahead of a small  group of Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard), Anne Paul (East Tyrone) and Mary Hunter (Dromara CC). This trio were being chased by Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks), Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) and Therse Smyth (Phoenix CC). Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) unfortunately punctured on the descent. Thanks to Kathleen Gill and her support for getting our chief back to the start.

Ciare Mulholland then took the KOH prime going over the next climb.

Over the course of the final lap, the race positions stayed the same, with the main significant move coming from MacManus with an attack over the second climb which opened up a gap Mulholand was unable to close. In doing this, MacManus also took the second KOH prime of the day, and secured her a solo victory in the 2010 Madigan GP.

However today’s result would not effect the overall standings in the SportActive Ulster Women’s League as Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) had done enough to secure her second league title in a row. Mulligan was presented with her trophy by Stephen Burns on behalf of Martin Birney.

Thanks to Team Madigan for a fantastic event.

Thanks also to Dany Blondeel (Ards CC) for the photos. Dany would love everyone to check out The Belgian Project and become a fan. If the project continues to grow, future plans could be to try and get women placed on teams in belgium….  www.facebook.com/thebelgianproject

Report Warren Francis

SportActive League – Madigan GP Race Results

1 Ciara MacManus (U/A)

2 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

3 Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen)

4 Mary Hunter (Dromara)

5 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

6 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

7 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

8 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

9 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

DNF Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen)

DNF Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

Support Team Summit

Ciara MacManus will be competing in the 2010 Breck Epic Challenge Colorado in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The high altitude challenge consists of 6 days non-stop MTB racing with 380km of trails and 13,000m of vertical climbing!

For full information on Ciara’s challenge, training and race progress, or to make a donation, visit www.teamsummit.org.uk

Final SportActive Ulster Women’s Road Race League Results

1 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

2 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

3 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

4 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

5 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

6 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

7 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

8 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

9 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

10 Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

11 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

12 Caroline Patterson (Dromara)

13 Trudy Brown (Northern)

14 Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

15 Ciara MacManus (U/A)

16 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)

17 Mary Hunter (Dromara)

18 Antje Otto (Phoenix)

19 Valerie O’Neill (Dromara)

20 Maria Shannon (Ballymena)

21 Rachel Mitchell (NDCC)

22 Emma Kerr (Phoenix)

23 Aileen Togher (Four Masters)

24 Mary Boyd ( Roe Valley)

25 Nicki McBride (Roe Valley)

26 Amy Brice (Phoenix)

27 Cheryl Cardwell (East Tyrone)

28 Elle Forrest (Bann Valley)

29 Claire Oakley (XMTB)

30 Heather Campbell (U/A)

31 Kathryn Bell (Northern Dave Kane)

32 Sheena O’Neill (Island Wheelers)

McNally Joinery Swords CC Ladies races

Tuesday August 17th

Tuesday August 24th

There will be 10k and 20k options. All levels catered for. For those who have not raced before there will be an experienced rider with the first group who can provide tips on racing in a bunch.

Sign on at the Ring Commons sports centre at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Entry is €5. A cycling ireland licence will be required. A one day licence can be purchased at sign on for €10.

A map of the race can be found here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/80503

This event will be handicapped to give all participants a fair chance

Refreshments afterwards in the Ring Commons sports Centre

For further information contact Bernie McNally 087 617 2828

berniemcnally00@yahoo.com

Irish Riders Perform Well In UK: The Irish National Development Track Team were in Uk Track Action this Weekend (July 10th / 11th).

The Team performed above expectations, coming home with a win and some good performances against tough UK opposition.

Click Here For Official Report And Results From British Cycling

===================================

10th/11th July Dudley GP  (Men Jun/U25 & Women)

Report By Stephen gibbons:

The Track Commission selected a team of 10 cyclists to compete in the Dudley Grand Prix at the Manor Abbey Stadium in Halesowen on the 10th and 11th of July.

The team consisted of Enda Connoly, Tigerneach Murphy, Enda Ryan, Mark McCullough, Andrea Fagan, Claire Oakley, Rachael Mitchell, Sandra Fitzgerald and Racheal Withers, with team managers Stephen Gibbons and Anthony Mitchell.

We arrived at the Halesowen velodrome with the sun shining and the team raring to go. With the team ready we picked our spot singed on got our bikes ready and got up on the track which was similar to Sundrive. Warm up over we waited to be called for the first event which was the 200TT.
With a large field of 20 plus of top sprinters our work was cut out with each of our riders giving 100%. When it was announced that the top 12 sprinters was posted we went to have a look to our delight Eoin Mullen qualifying in 12th with a time of 12.73 this was seen as a major result by the team and you could see their confidence growing.
Eoin was in heat 1 drawing against Callum Skinner Edinburgh RC who set the fastest 200 at 11.67 and Steve Cronshaw Brerton Wheelers where he just finished in third place going into the repecharge.

Eoin was up against local sprinter Jim Varnish HA & CC and Rowan Elliot VC St Raphel where Eoin took full advantage of Jim and Rowan playing cat and mouse to launch an attack just before the bell – only getting caught on the line by Jim Varnish and finishing in 7th place overall.
In the B sprint we had three riders in heat 1 Enda Connolly, Enda Ryan, Rachael Mitchell And Ted Bate HA&CC with Ted Bate winning in a photo finish from Enda Connolly – 3rd Enda Ryan and 4th Racheal Mitchell.

Heat 2 saw Andrea Fagan take on Keith Williams Port Talbot Wheelers CC, Neill Withington VC St Raphaell and Steve Pulford Sherwood pines with Andrea coming 4th. 

Heat 4 Saw Mark McCullough take 3rd behind Alex Cogwell HA&CC and Geoff Cooke Sherwood Pines. Enda Connolly was drawn in the second Semi Final which took place just after the scratch race up against Kith Williams Port Talbot Wheelers, Alex Cogswell HA&CC, John Williams Team Terminator and with a speed race to the line Enda took 3rd to finish 6th overall.  
The Open Scratch had a large field of very experienced riders, and with our confidence up,  our riders dominated this race with Enda Connolly, Enda Ryan, Mark McCullough And Tighernach Murphy covering any break,

Tighernach went clear, and  the team worked hard to slow the bunch down.  Tighernach took full advantage to lap the field and launch another attack  to win with ease.
The Team then contested the Senior Points Race, and the Irish riders tried to win as much points as possible to aid Tighernach .

Enda Connolly took up the race from the gun , driving at the front and taking the first points before a small break away went clear with Tighernach in it.

The Irish team did their job by picking up points where they could and finished in the top 10 with Tighernach Finishing in a very credible 2nd behind Neil Withington VC St Raphael.
Course De Prime 10 Laps .  Enda Ryan went from the gun taking the first prize of the day before rejoining the bunch where Tighernach and Steve Cronshaw (Brecton Wheelers) worked with each other to take one prize each, before Cronshaw dropped back and Julian Pearson Team Wallis Came up to join Tighernach at the front .

Tighernach came home in 1st place overall with Enda Ryan taking 3rd.
Day one was a great success for the Development Track Team with some great results and team work with the girls omnium on day two the boy’s could take it easy on day two with their job done.

======================       

• Enda Connolly U25 (Lucan)
• Tighernach Murphy U23 (Sth Dublin)
• Enda Ryan J (Sorrento)
• Eoin Mullen J (Sundrive)
• Mark McCullough U23

 Womens Team:

• Andrea Fagan U25 (Sundrive)
• Clair Oakley J (XMTB)
• Rachel Mitchell U23 (North Down)
• Sandra Fitzgerald U25 (Lucan)
• Rachel Withers U23 (Fintona

.

The Dudley Grand Prix at the Manor Abbey Stadium in Halesowen, was organised by HA&CC’s Geoff Dingley, the third round of the British Cycling Sprinters League was held along with many other support races. The riders were greeted at this well used outdoor velodrome by glorious sunshine with a gentle breeze to keep the high humidity and temperature tolerable.

Sprinters League
The day got under way with the Sprinters Time Trial to establish the fastest 12 times to go through to round 1 of the Sprint. The windy conditions in the back straight kept the Time Trial times down with only three of the top riders achieving sub 12 seconds times.

Flying 200m Time Trial Result
Callum Skinner City of Edinburgh RC 11.63
Kian Emadi Tunstall Wheelers 11.84
John  Paul City of Edinburgh RC 11.95
Thomas  Gregory Halesowen A & CC / Wood & Loines 12.08
Tom Powell Newcastle RC 2001 12.13
Jim  Varnish Halesowen A & CC 12.39
Rowan Elliott VC St Raphael 12.44
Steve Cronshaw Brereton Wheelers 12.46
Barnaby Swinnerton Swinnerton Cycles 12.48
Tom Baker Halesowen A & CC 12.57
Alexander  James Halesowen A & CC 12.65
Eoin Mullen Irish Development (Track) Team 12.73

Round 1
The first round of the Sprinters League was well contested with each of the heats going to form with the strongest riders winning

Heat 1 Time 12.16
1. Callum Skinner City of Edinburgh RC
2. Steve Cronshaw Brereton Wheelers
3. Eoin Mullen Irish Development (Track) Team

Heat 2 Time 12.41
1. Kian Emadi Tunstall Wheelers
2. Rowan Elliott VC St Raphael
3. Alexander  James Halesowen A&CC 
 
Heat 3 Time 12.44
1. John  Paul City of Edinburgh RC
2. Jim  Varnish Halesowen A & CC
3. Tom Baker Halesowen A & CC

Heat 4 Time 12.59
1. Thomas  Gregory Halesowen A & CC / Wood Loines
2. Tom Powell Newcastle RC 2001
3. Barnaby Swinnerton Swinnerton Cycles

Repecharge 

Heat 2: There was a slow tactical cat and mouse start to the next heat which only came alive with the sound of the bell. Eoin Mullen took full advantage of the tactics to lead the race but Jim Varnish coolly powered up the finish straight and past Mullen to take the win on the line.

1st  Jim Varnish HA&CC
2nd  Eoin Mullen  Irish Development (Track) Team
3rd Rowan Elliot VC St Rapheal

Open Scratch Race
Irish Development (Track) Team’s Tighernach Murphy dominated the Open Scratch race. The alternate race for non qualifing riders of the Sprinters League. The Irish rider’s lone attack after only 8 laps enabled him to not only lap the field but he attacked again to win the race.

1st Tighernach Murphy Irish Development
2nd Julian Pearson Team Wallis
3rd Jason Streather VC St Raphael
4th Tim Lawson Science in Sport
5th Ian Cooper Planet X

Open B Sprint – Non Sprint League riders
With only the first two from each heat going through to the semi final later in the day, the heats of the Open B Sprint were each closely fought with the exception of the last heat where Halesowen A&CC rider Alex Cogswell went for the long sprint. At the bell, he was still way ahead of his nearest rival leading all the way to the finish line to win.

Heat 1
1st  Ted Bate  HA&CC
2nd  Enda Connelly Irish Development (Track) Team
3rd Enda Ryan Irish Development (Track) Team
4th Rachel Mitchell Irish Development (Track) Team

Heat 2
1st  Keith Williams  Port Talbot Wheelers CC
2nd  Neil Withington  VC St Raphael
3rd Steve Pulford  Sherwood Pines Cycles/Co-op Motor Grp
4th Andrea Fagan  Irish Development (Track) Team

Heat 3
1st  Helen Scott HA&CC
2nd  John Williams Team Terminator
3rd David Rutherford Solihull CC

Heat 4
1st  Alex Cogswell  HA&CC
2nd  Geoff Cooke  Sherwood Pines Cycles/Co-op Motor Grp
3rd Mark McCullough  Irish Development (Track) Team

Open B Sprint

Semi Final 1
A class ride from Masters champion Geoff Cooke (Sherwood Pines/Co-op Motor Grp) took him to the final in a superbly timed ride. On the last lap, Ted Bate (HA&CC) went for a long sprint gaining a good lead, but the three reamining riders turned on the speed and as Bates legs died, Geoff Cooke over took them all in the finish straight by a good bike and half length

Semi Final 2
Port Talbot Wheelers rider Keith Williams secured his place in the Open B Sprint final with a full speed race to the line.

1st  Keith Williams  Port Talbot Wheelers
2nd  Alex Cogswell  HA&CC
3rd Enda Connolly Irish Development (Track) Team
4th John Williams Team Terminator

Course De Prime
The Irish riders dominated the course de prime, Enda Ryan went on the first lap to gain the first prime of the day, but soon dropped back. Steve Cronshaw then took the lead and the next prime as the race splintered. Tighernack Murphy went for a long lead, taking the next two primes and was joined by Julian Pearson who took the next prime and they worked together over the next four laps, alternating the primes until 3 to go when Pearson tired and Murphy continued to power ahead on his own a good half lap ahead of the main field.

Senior Points race
Enda Connelly took the first points after taking the lead early on but was soon caught. Jason Streather attacked to take the points on the next sprint resulting in the race fragmenting. Robert Lambton took advantage of the situation and put himself at the head of the race gaining more distance with every lap. T Murphy kept his pace high to try and bridge the gap but couldn’t and eventually dropped back to the main field. Lambton’s lead was now 100m and he kept up the momentum right up to the last lap, only easing up as he crossed the line in first place.

1st  Robert Lambton Brook Cycles
2nd  Tighernach Murphy  Irish Development (Track) Team
3rd Jason Streather  VC St Raphael

Open B Sprint

Minor Final
The riders watch each other all the way to the start of the last lap. Neil Withington (VC St Raphael) used the height of the banking to overtake the other riders and won by 10 yards wagging his finger in salute with 80m to go all the way to the finish line.

1st  Neil Withington  VC St Raphael
2nd  Enda Connolly Irish Development (Track) Team
3rd John Williams Team Terminator
4th Ted Bate  HA&CC.

Open Danish – Points Race followed by a Devil
Irish rider Enda Connolly drove the Points race from the start taking the lead early on. He was soon reeled back in by the bunch when the first sprint for points was signalled. After the first sprint, Tim Lawson (SIS) attacked from the front gaining a 1/4 of lap over the bunch but when the bell went for the next sprint, again the bunch reeled the lone race leader back in

After the sprint Jason Streather (VC St Raphael), Tom Gregory (HA&CC) and Tim Lawson (SIS) pulled away from the bunch however this attack fell apart when no-one wanted to commit to the break. Upon seeing this, Robert Lambton (Brook Cycles) took full advantage and in a lone attack, passed the three riders and managed to pull away with every lap.

Unfortunately Lambton was finally caught with 5 laps to go by Tom Gregory (HA&CC) and Neil Withington (VC St Raphael) who worked together well to gain a healthy lead for the rest of the race where Gregory took the final points. The race was now neutralised for a few laps to allow everyone to come together before the final “Devil take the Hindemost” race eliminating a rider a lap until there were only three riders remaining for the final sprint.  The final sprint was won once again by Tom Gregory from Ian Cooper (Planet X) and third spot to Tim Lawson (SIS).

Richie Byrne, from Epic, is organising a skills day for any kids interested in giving cycling a go.. its basically a skills loop in and around the start/finish Area , in and out of Cones, a see saw..a couple of Ramps..they all get a Cert for completing it and any age from 0 to 16 . A lot of kids turn up at races, afraid to have a go..this might encourage them
HERE – EPIC MTB

All levels of cyclists will be catered for at the fully coached weekend in Sneem, on August 14th and 15th. Read on for full details and application form.

Cycling weekend in the beautiful Ring of Kerry, based in Sneem Hotel. This weekend will be fully coached, and should provide good cycling skills for riders in their personal goals. The timing will fall well for those training for sportifs like the An Post Tours, and for the racers among you, it will be super preparation for Rás na mBan in September.

There will be groups of riders travelling from all corners of Ireland, and we are particularly appealing to Munster women.

Sneem Hotel proprietor, Louis Moriarty, is offering a super deal to the riders, bed, breakfast and one dinner for €159.

Application form – APPLICATION FORM WOMENS CYCLING WEEKEND IN SNEEM  Return WITH cheque to address on form.

DATE: Aug 14th and 15th

WHERE: Sneem, Co Kerry

WHAT: Fully coached weekend for riders of all abilities (minimum requirement:cycle 20km)

DISCIPLINE: Road cycling, helmets must be worn.

COACHES: Paul Griffin, Gillian McDarby, Richie McCauley

Round 5:

1 Naoise Sheridan (Orwell) U12

2 Rachel Kaye-Mellor (Orwell) U14

3 Eileen O’Sullivan (Sorrento)

4 Sinead Cailleau (South Dublin CC) Jnr

5 Caoimhe Ivory U16

6 Deirdre Haverty

7 Leah Dempsey (Orwell)

8 Fiona Duggan (Bray)

9 Jenny McCauley (Bray)

10 Joanne O’Shea (Sorrento)

11 Sadie Gleeson (Sorrento)

12 Orla Hendron (Orwell)

13 Eithne ni Chinneide (Bray)

14 Wendy Barry (Orwell)

15 Charlotte McDonald (Orwell)

16 Sandra Telford (Orwell)

17 Fionnuala ni Bhradaigh (Bray)

18 Anne Dalton (Orwell)

19 Ailbhe Ivory (Bray)

20 Aoife Sheridan (Orwell) U16

21 Carmel Buckley (Lakeside Wheelers)

22 Liz Ward

23 Fiona Madden (South Dublin CC)

FINAL OVERALL STANDINGS

1st  U12 Naoise Sheridan

1st U14 Rachel Kaye-Mellor

1st U16 Caoimhe Ivory

2nd U16 Aoife Sheridan

!st Junior Ashling Fitzpatrick

2nd Junior Sinead Cailleau

SENIORS

1 Eileen O Sullivan (Sorrento)       33 points

2 Joanne O’Shea (Sorrento)             29

2 Wendy Barry (Orwell)                   28

4 Fionnuala ni Bhradagh (Bray)   25

5 Mary Dawson (Bray)                      25

6 Charlotte McDonald (Orwell)      22

We will bring you for a hilly spin in Wicklow to give you an idea what to expect in Sneem, with coaches along to help you and give advice and encouragement. On returning to Bray, there are washing and changing facilities available in the clubhouse, and lunch will be provided. Afterwards there will be a talk on training and race preparation for the Ras and an opportunity for you to have any questions answered.

No matter what level you are at at the moment, this is the day to come along and get top advice on what you need to do to get through a stage race, you will have plenty of time to make a plan and put it into action before September!

This day will be a precursor to a more intesnsive weekend of training we have planned in August on the race course itself, so please come along, get motivated and get training and we will do our utmost to help you get into the best possible shape for the Ras na mBan in September!

Cost of the day’s instruction is €20, including lunch at the clubhouse, payable on the day.  Please contact jenzerwoman at gmail dot com to book your spot.

Winner Fiona Madden, photo courtesy Pat Fitzpatrick

Tough racing for the ladies tonight, with small groups and strong winds making things difficult.  Former international rider Fiona Mdden (SDCC) reminded us all of her class as she rode to victory in Round 4 of the Wicklow League tonight- in the absence of her daughter Sinead she upheld the family honour riding a mostly solo race into a strong wind to finish a minute clear of 2nd placed rider, one of our most promising young riders the always impressive Rachel Kaye-Mellor (Orwell).

Anyone who has ever seen Eileen O’Sullivan (Sorrento) race knows what true grit and determination looks like, and tonight it paid off when she rode into a podium place, taking 3rd spot.  Great rides by our young riders saw junior Ashling Fitspatrick (Slipstream) take 4th place, U14 Naoise Sheridan (Orwell) take 5th, with U16 Caoimhe Ivory (Bray) taking the last of the points in 6th place.

All the riders tonight finished within 4 mins of each other, testament to how hard they rode to stay in contention.  Well done to all who raced, and many thanks to all the volunteer marshals and spectators who came out support the racers.  Thanks also to the ladies of Bray Wheelers for providing us with homemade goodies!

In the absence of Brendan Culleton this week, John Shiels of www.actionphotography.ie kindly came out to take pictures of the race -  you will find the photos up on his website shortly, and here on facebook..  Pat Fitzpatrick also took great shots of all the action, you can find his pictures up on facebook here – many thanks for the pics Pat!

Next week is the last round of the league, then it’s all over for another year – please come along and make it the best race yet!

Results Rd 4 of 5

1  Fiona Madden            37:45
2  Rachel Mellor        38:48
3  Eileen O’Sullivan        38:59
4  Ashling Fitzpatrick        39:38
5  Naoise Sheridan        39:46
6  Caoimhe Ivory        40:06
7  Jo O’Shea            40:19
8  Sadie Gleeson        40:19
9  Wendy Barry            41:01
10 Mary Brady            41:03
11 Deb Meghen            41:03
12 Aoife Sheridan        41:17
13 Deirdre Haverty        41:33
14 Eithne Dalby            41:42
15 Mary Dawson            41:43
16 Siobhan Duggan        41:45
17 Anne Dalton            41:49
18 Charlotte MacDonald        41:49
19 Fionnuala ni Bhradaigh    41:49
20 Leah Dempsey            41:49
21 Kayleigh Gibbons        41:59

Aine Ford dnf
Caroline Martinez dnf