As an incentive to all aspiring track athletes, the Women’s Commission are going to raffle two pieces of women’s cycling kit to all entries. 

Please check out link for more info: http://www.trackcycling.ie/

The UK based Irish Women’s Development Squad member crossed the finish line on her own with Wendy Bates (Lakeside Wheelers) leading the bunch in for second place. More noted for her climbing ability, Michelle Geoghegan was second in the bunch sprint, taking the final podium position. The top 8 finishers can be seen below.

National League Round 3 – Bohermeen 15/05/11 – Results

1. Lauren Creamer- Abergavenny RC
2. Wendy Bates- Lakeside Wheelers
3. Michelle Geoghegan- U/A
4. Sandra Fitzgerald- Lucan
5. Gillian McDarby-Usher
6. Orla Hendron- Orwell
7. Sarah Piner- Lakeside Wheelers
8. Mandy Collie- Team Basso-Todays Cyclist

This Sunday sees the third National league race held in Bohermeen. The race will be starting at 11am at the same time as the underage event with the senior men racing at 2pm.
At the top of the board we have Geraldine Gill and Sandra Fitzgerald tied on 25 points which means Geraldine will be wearing pink. Geraldine is in fantastic form this season and I’m sure her every move will be watched closely. Sandra is also going well and is currently leading the Orwell Crit league, one to watch in a sprint. Track Champ Orla Hendron lies in third place and must be feeling confident after finishing second in the Classic league race on Sunday in Roundwood.
As usual it looks to be another closely fought National League race and we hope to see a good turn out again. This will be the last league race with a time handicap for the new girls.

It was a fabulous day, the Carn Wheelers put a lot of effort in the course preparation and provided a bouncy castle for kids in the feed zone. Also the weather was in the riders’ favour.

The course started with a flat loop to spread the racers out before the first singletrack and then led them along single and double tracks, rooty forest, sandy paths, steep short climbs, bridges and through the river providing steaming racers with a bit of refreshment. It was mostly flat and very fast, with no place for mistakes ‘cause any of them would cost an unlucky rider a few spots. The racing was very close and final results unpredictable.

With the names on the podiums changing on every race, this year’s Series is getting more and more exciting and the girls need to keep pushing hard to protect their positions or to fight for better ones. With four more races to go, anything is possible.

Mel Spath (Cycleways) won S1 category. S2 category was won by Val O’Neill from Phoenix CC, with Gill Smith in 2ndand Orla McClean in 3rd position. Caroline Murphy (Epic) was 1st in S3, Claire Breslin (MAD) took 2nd and Kerry Ann Hughes (Harps CC) was 3rd.

Round 4 will take place 15th May in Tollymore Forest Park (details on
www.irishxcmtb.com).

Former elite rower Curley  showcased her obvious cycling ability as she raced clear of the other contenders on the first of three ascents of the daunting five kilometre Callowhill climb on a daunting parcours presented by race promoters Orwell Wheelers.

Curley had plenty in hand by the finish of the 60km third round of the series as, behind her, Orla Hendron and series leader Geraldine Gill engaged in a terrific scrap for the runner-up spot.

Track specialist Hendron showed that her road racing fitness is developing nicely as she prevailed over the former multi-road race champion who secured third and, with it, an enhanced series lead.

In the absence of series contender Sarah Piner, Monica Marconi (HJ Lyons) moved into second place in the points table with her fine fourth place finish.
On another great day for the fledgling Trek Classic Women’s League, Siobhan Jacob (Unattached) made her first appearance in the series, scoring fifth place points ahead of series regular Mandy Collie (Team Basso).

The series, promoted by Cycling Ireland Women’s Commission with the assistance of top bike brand Trek, is an exciting addition to the women’s calendar this year which is designed to provide an important competitive outlet for the top women riders on the national road racing scene.

The series comprises four A3 category races across the country with points allocated to the top finishing women riders in each event.

*Trek Women’s Classic League*
*Round Three,*

*Roundwood, May 8th *
1, Rebecca Curley (For Viored);
2, Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers);
3, Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC);
4, Monica Marconi (HJ Lyons);
5, Siobhan Jacob (Unattached);
6, Mandy Collie (Team Basso).**

*Trek Women’s Classic League*
*Points Standings*

1, Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC)                                   30
Points;
2, Monica Marconi (Henry J Lyons)                                  20;
3, Sarah Piner (Lakeside Wheelers)                               19;
4, Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers)                                  18;
5, Mandy Collie (Team Basso)                                         15;
6, Michelle Geoghegan(Orwell Wheelers)                       11;
6, Caroline Conway (Irish Road Club)                              11;
6, Rebecca Curley (For Viored)                                        11
9, Siobhan Jacob (Unattached)                                         7;
10, Lauren Gourley (Castlebar CC)                                   5;
10, Sinéad Roche (Castlebar CC)                                     5.

*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 Aug

Report: Declan Quigley

In race 1 Gibbons jumped away from breakaway companion Naoise Sheridan (Orwell) to give Lucan their first win in this year’s League, with Rebecca Heaney (SERC) pipping Caoimhe Ivory of Bray for third place, and Áine Keogh (Orwell) following in for fifth.

Race 2 followed much the same pattern as last week, with Eileen O’Sullivan of Sorrento setting out to make the very most of her headstart. The middle group were coached on the night by former Orwell star Kate Rudd (Wolftrap CC), and worked well enough together that it looked like they might stay away from a misfiring Scratch group, who were working under the guidance of Mick Hanley. Particularly impressive early on were young riders Aoife Sheridan (Orwell) and Heaney, riding her second race of the night, but behind them a powerful if inexperienced quartet were beginning to click. Wendy Barry of Epic, along with new girls Ania Król, Patricia Buckley (both Orwell) and Muirna Walsh (Lakeside) eventually began to work together and the time gaps started to tumble, and when the catch was made with 6 laps to go nobody was able to hang on to the now motoring foursome.

From a little over a lap to go Buckley attacked with Walsh fastest to respond, and in the mad dash to the line the lead group ended up lapping almost the entire field before the finish, with only O’Sullivan managing to hold them off to secure a well earned 5th place. Buckley comfortably took the win, followed in by Walsh, and several lengths back Barry snatched 3rd place from Król in a tight sprint with lapped riders streaming in around them.

Race 3 was an altogether more tactical affair, with the A2 group working well together to eke the most out of their headstart, while back in the Scratch group there was very little co-operation, with the other contenders hoping to push the til now dominant Lucan women into doing all of the chasing to protect their League lead.

A group of four quickly established themselves at the head of the race, including Caroline Conway (Usher), Charlotte McDonald, Rachael Kaye-Mellor (both Orwell) and Niamh Stephens (UCD), and as the brinkmanship in the bunch behind continued it looked like they might be in with a chance of staying away. It wasn’t to last though, as first Róisin Kennedy of Lucan gave in and started the chase with 8 laps to go, and a couple of laps later Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan) upped the pace in a withering effort that shelled half of the bunch and simultaneously slashed the lead group’s advantage.

It looked as if the Lucan women had mis-calculated as the remaining riders were lining up to attack them, but Kennedy still had the legs to keep the pace high enough to discourage any attacks. After a number of brave but ultimately failed efforts to break away by Anne Dalton and Ciara Kinch (both Orwell) the bunch eventually gave in and started to prepare for the coming 10 rider sprint. On current form you would probably bet on Fitzgerald taking a gallop like that, but she wasn’t prepared to leave it to the sprint, and when she launched her by now trademark attack from 500 metres out there was no response from the bunch leaving her to take the win comfortably in the end. Behind her Dalton looked to have second place sewn up, but she made the critical error of easing up before the finish, and Kennedy seized her chance to dive by and steal a one-two for Lucan, and in so doing tighten their stranglehold on the League. Ciara Kinch and Orla Hendron of Orwell followed in to give the host Club 3rd, 4th and 5th, with Siobhan Jacob taking 6th.

Once again, a big thanks to everyone who helped out and supported and we look forward to seeing you for more great racing next week!

Race 1:
1, Kayleigh Gibbons (Lucan);
2, Naoise Sheridan (Orwell);
3, Rebecca Heaney (SERC);
4, Caoimhe Ivory (Bray);
5, Áine Keogh (Orwell).

Race 2:
1, Patricia Buckley (Orwell);
2, Muirna Walsh (Lakeside);
3, Wendy Barry (Epic);
4, Ania Król (Orwell);
5, Eileen O’Sullivan (Sorrento);
6, Carmel Buckley (Lakeside);
7, Rebecca Heaney (SERC);
8, Naoise Sheridan (Orwell).

Race 3:
1, Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan);
2, Róisín Kennedy (Lucan);
3, Anne Dalton (Orwell);
4, Ciara Kinch (Orwell);
5, Orla Hendron (Orwell);
6, Siobhan Jacob (Unattached);
7, Caroline Conway (Usher);
8, Charlotte McDonald (Orwell)

Report: Aideen Collard

An Post to Sponsor Rás na mBan –

Ireland’s premier women’s stage race expands to five days in 2011

www.rasnamban.com

Cycling Ireland Women’s Commission are pleased to announce that An Post, Ireland’s postal service, has taken over title sponsorship of Rás na mBan, Ireland’s top international stage race for women.
This year’s event marks the 25th anniversary of Irish international women’s stage racing and the race promoter, Cycling Ireland Women’s Commission, is celebrating that milestone by expanding An Post Rás na mBan from three to five days.

The cream of Ireland’s racing talent is set to do battle with international teams and riders from across Europe and beyond from September 14th to 18th over six stages totalling 400 kilometres of racing.For the fourth year in succession An Post Rás na mBan 2011 will be based in the picturesque surroundings of the Ring of Kerry where the riders will benefit from unrivalled central accommodation at the four-star Sneem Hotel whose proprietor Louis Moriarty has been a long time supporter of the event.

The riders face five challenging road stages and a short time trial on challenging and often hilly roads through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.
Once again, the event carries valuable financial and personnel support from the Irish Veteran’s Cycling Association.
Race organiser Valerie Considine believes the move to five days will further enhance the status of the already popular race.
“Five days will help broaden the appeal for international and domestic teams and riders and the support from An Post, Sneem Hotel and IVCA provides an important platform to help facilitate this expansion,” says Considine.
“This event has really come into its own and developed a strong identity since the move to Kerry four years ago and we’re looking to build on that this year.
“Last year’s race had a record entry and, judging by the unprecedented interest from teams already, we’re set to top that this year.”

Last year’s winner Olivia Dillon is already making plans to return from her US base to defend her title. The reigning national road and time trial champion scored a unique treble with a dominant victory in Kerry and is looking forward to the extra challenges offered by the move to five days this year.
“My victory last year will always be special to me and I’m very much looking forward to defending my title over five days in September,” says Mayo-native Dillon. “The race has a unique atmosphere of friendly rivalry and stunning location.“Two more road stages on the tough, hilly roads around the Ring of Kerry will be an extra challenge this year and I’m sure there are plenty of riders lining up to take my crown. I’m up for the battle!”
Entry details for teams and riders, and accommodation booking is available on the official race website at www.rasnamban.com

Full details of the route and participating teams will be announced in due course.
An Post Rás na mBan is also on Twitter @rasnamban and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/R%C3%A1s-na-mBan/134361623277256

-ends-

For race organisation contact Valerie Considine on +353 86 382 5842

For media enquiries please contact Declan Quigley on +353 087 6848586

l-r: Jenny McCauley,Aideen Collard,Wendy Bates,Orla Hendron,Geraldine Gill,Sarah Piner

The National League (sponsored by Zoo Salon and Louis Garneau clothing) provided very tight racing this year, with record numbers and more strength in depth than ever before. There were 6 rounds, with the 5 best results to count, and points going down to 6^th place in each race, with handicap points for newbies and juniors.

Brief Overview:

Rd 1 was the ever-popular bohermeen race circuit, and Jenny McCauley (Bray) was the first to pull on the blue leaders jersey when she won the bunch sprint from Orla Hendron and Aideen Collard(Orwell).

Rd 2 was a fast circuit in Drogheda which seemed to suit the track girls, and Caroline Ryan took the victory out of a small breakaway group which the bunch just about failed to reel in,with Hickey(Usher) sprinting 2^nd ahead of Sarah Piner (Lakeside).

Rd 3 brought us north to Emyvale, where Fran Meehan (Tullamore) showed the form which has brought her many medals with the paralympic squad this year, jumping away halfway through and staying away, with Piner being unfortunate to puncture out of this move. Jennifer O’ Reilly (Ravens) and Wendy Bates(Lakeside) lead the bunch into the finish.

Rd 4 was in Navan, where the Lakeside Wheelers duo of Sarah Piner and Wendy Bates got away and showed the bunch a clean pair of heels, staying away and finishing in that order, while Aideen Collard lead the subsequent sprint behind.

Rd 5 was a windswept day in Carlow, and newcomer Rita Boyle(SlaneyCC) stomped away on a lone breakaway halfway through to an impressive victory, while Jenny McCauley jumped away for 2^nd, and Wendy Bates took a very tight sprint for 3^rd ahead of Piner. Every point now counted between those at the top of the leaderboard!

Rd 6 brought us to Kilmessan, where Geraldine Gill(Bohermeen) attacked with a lap to go and held the gap to get a solo win. Crucially, Wendy Bates was 2^nd, pipping Piner in the sprint, with McCauley 3^rd – and so maintained the order of the top 3 in the league.

Geraldine Gill moved up to 4^th overall with her victory, with Aideen Collard taking 5^th and Orla Hendron 6^th in the League.

Many thanks to all the clubs who hosted our National League Races this year and to our sponsors Zoo Salon and Garneau clothing.

Round 6 Kilmessan Race Results:

Geraldine Gill 11 pts

Wendy Bates 10pts

Sarah Piner 9pts

Jenny McCauley 8pts

Gillian Mc Darby 7pts

Orla Hendron 6 pts

all below 5 pts:

Rachael Withers

Catherine Devitt

Rita Boyle

Heather Beirne

Monica Marconi

Mary Brennan

Rachael Maloney

Mel Spath

Grace McNally

Kathleen Gill

Sandra Fitzgerald

Roisin Kennedy

Orla McEvoy

Laura Banfield

Cait Elliott

Ciara Kinch

Aideen Collard

Complete Final Overall Results Table is here

Wendy Bates, overall winner of 2010 National League

Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the 24^th edition of the only stage race in Ireland that is run entirely for women. This 3-day event takes place in Sneem and the roads will be familiar to anyone who has cycled the Ring of Kerry, taking in Molls Gap on friday evening, doing laps of a circuit through Sneem town on Saturday and heading out through Waterville and towards Caherciveen on Sunday.

The Ras na mBan is renowned for its friendly atmosphere as the whole race is based in Sneem Hotel and is thus a very sociable weekend. The incredible scenery, luxurious accommodation and great after-race party have proven irresistable to foreign teams and every year has attracted more and more international riders – this year we already have teams from Belgium, Germany, 3 Dutch and about 5 teams from the UK entering the event!

But WHERE are the Irish riders? To date only a few Irish teams signed up – a National squad, and regional squads from Leinster, Connaught, and Ulster. The only club teams entered are Usher and Orwell! Now we KNOW there are plenty of clubs with enough women to make up teams – there is no minimum number required, and perhaps some riders can team up together as guest riders on a club team? Individual riders are also welcome! We need Irish riders to support all the hard work done by Valerie Considine and Louis Moriarty to build up and run this event – it really is the best event on the womens calender and deserves our support. None of the stages are very long and although the racing will be hard there is no question that you will be not be able to complete the stages-the stages are 60km, 5km tt, 80km and 90km:

Friday, 17 September: Stage 1, Road Race, 60km – Sneem – Kenmare – Sneem mapmyrun.com
Saturday, 18 September: Stage 2 – 5km TT

Saturday, 18 September: Stage 3, Road Race, 80km
Sunday, 19 September: Stage 4, Road Race, 90km mapmyrun.com

Once again, Race HQ is in Sneem Hotel which offers a very generous rate for all those taking part in the race: €155 for 3 nights B&B including 2 dinners.You couldn’t live cheaper at home! You will live in 2-bedroom apartments w/ plenty of room for your gear, etc. To book your room, contact valerieconsidine@gmail.com.

Race entry is €45 for seniors and vets, €40 for juniors which you will pay along with your entry form (downloadable from the home page of this site).

Youth:
There will also be girls’ youth races, following last year’s success, this year we are planning some short fun events in the village green for the younger kids. We will cater for all riders from the very young to the under 16s. Youth races are free.

For further information contact:
Valerie Considine/Louis Moriarty email:rasnamban@gmail.com

So come on all the ladies and do your bit to support womens cycling in Ireland!

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!

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.

1-2 for Piner and Bates, photo courtesy Brendan Culleton

A one – two for Lakeside Wheelers with Sarah Piner taking the victory and Wendy Bates taking second on Sunday at the National League race in Navan

The women’s race started at approx 1.20pm – heading out on the main wide Navan/Kells road. The bunch seemed happy enough to trundle along until Jenny McCauley put in the first attack of the day; Valerie Considine – Usher IRC jumped across to her and the two worked together to maintain the gap – hoping to be joined by a few more riders….but not the whole bunch!

Wendy Bates – Lakeside Wheelers went away on her own and stayed away for a good while with nobody willing to chase her until Louise Moriarty (UCD) along with Sarah Piner – Lakeside Wheelers attempted to get across to her but the bunch was having none of it. The main move was made with Wendy Bates, Valerie Considine and Orla Hendron who were later joined by Sandra Fitzgerald – Leinster Team and Sarah Piner – Lakeside Wheelers. The five woman group worked very hard to increase the gap back to the bunch and stayed away for a lap. However, at the start of the second lap, the two ‘Wheelers’ being stronger than the rest of the break, rode away. The remaining trio were eventually caught on the main drag by what was left of the bunch – which included Fiona Guihan and Sandra Telford of the Leinster Team – great performance from the two girls. It also included Orla McEvoy who was riding her very first National League race and Mary Brennan – Castlebar who we hadn’t seen in Navan since 2006!

The bunch worked well enough to try to catch the two up the road but Sarah Piner and Wendy Bates were not going to be caught. They stayed away to the finish sprinting it out for 1^st and 2^nd place with Sarah netting 1^st place.

Meanwhile….with 10km to go on the main road heading back to Navan, the attacks started Louise Moriarty attacked several times but was chased down; Orla Hendron and Jenny McCauely put in several attacks but nothing was being let go. Mary Brennan at the 1km to go mark put in a strong attack from the back of the bunch just before the final sprint for the line. Valerie Considine was the first to charge for the line but was just caught by Aideen Collard – Orwell Wheelers and Jennifer O’Reilly. Louise Moriarty took the final placing.

Well done to the girls who rode their first National League race Sinead Calliau – junior rider on the Leinster Team and Wendy from Orwell Wheelers.

Many thanks to Navan Road Club for running a great event on a fantastic circuit…even if we thought it would never end!

Thanks to Brendan Culleton for taking some great action pics of the race, see them here.

Next Race is in Carlow – see youse there! (details to follow): Next League race Sunday July 4th part of Mark Hayden Memorial Race Kildavin Carlow, hosted by Carlow CC.

Results:

1. Sarah Piner(Lakeside Wheelers)

2. Wendy Bates(Lakeside Wheelers)

3. Aideen Collard(Orwell)

4. Jennifer O’Reilly (Ravens)

5th Valerie Considine(Usher IRC)

6th Louise Moriarty (UCD)

photo courtesy Brendan Culleton

Everyone interested in doing the women’s Dublin City Centre crit on the 19th June is invited to a skills/gears/cornering session with Paddy Doran on Monday 14th June, in the Phoenix Park. Meeting at the papal cross at 7pm… c’mon everyone – let’s get the numbers up for this crit and put women’s cycling on the map!

The exact details have still to be confirmed but as a guide: The men’s event is starting at 6pm and they get an hour beforehand on the circuit so that’ll be between 5-6ish.

The women will race for 30 minutes. The first 2 laps will be neutralised to keep everyone together and after that the racing will start.

Sign-on: will be either in Jury’s Inn or City Hall.
Sign-on time: around 3pm
Licence: Everyone must have a cycling licence – if you don’t have one, we can issue a on-day licence on the day – this costs 10euro.
Bikes: Road bikes only
Circuit: the map is on www.womenscycling.ie but in summary:

take a right at Lord Edward St – down the hill; take the second right which brings you up to Essex St – cross the road and continue on Essex St; take a right at Eustace St which brings you up to Dame St and off you go again for 30 minutes!

For safety:
When the racing starts, it can be pretty fast and with the circuit being short, there’ll be a lot of sprinting out of corners which could mean not everyone will be able to keep with the faster girls and you might find yourself off the group. This is perfectly normal BUT if the faster group come on you from behind – please stay to the right of the road and let them by on the left.
TS_Download_DUBLIN_V4

 Sign on is in Navan Rugby Club form 11am

Start time:  1pm

Winner Rita Boyle, photo courtesy Brendan Culleton

Newcomer Rita Boyle (Slaney) won the first road race of the Wicklow League tonight, riding through all the groups before her from semi-scratch. The racing was tough, with most of the groups breaking up at some stage, as a headwind and the hill took its toll over the course of the 4 laps. Wendy Barry(Orwell) hung on to take 2nd and 3rd was Mary Brady making a welcome return to bike racing. U14 Rachel Kaye-Mellor (Orwell) impressed as always, riding into 4^th place from the midgroup. The Orwell trio of Anne Dalton, Margaret Donnelly and Charlotte MacDonald rode great together to finish 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.

Many thanks as always to all the riders who support the race, and to all the marshals and helpers for keeping them safe. Thanks also to all the people who contributed cakes and goodies, it was wonderful to have such a selection afterwards!

We’re spoiled for choice with photos, thanks to Brendan Culleton (photos on www.cripsphotos.com) and facebook here) and Pat Fitzpatrick for taking pics of the event, Pats pics can be found on facebook here.  Must remember to smile through the pain next time!  ^_^

1   Rita Boyle

2   Wendy Barry                   @15secs

3   Mary Brady                       @23secs

4   Rachel Kaye-Mellor       @1:13   U14

5   Charlotte  McDonald        @1:23

6   Margaret Donnelly           ”

7   Anne Dalton                        ”

8   Jenny McCauley               @1:50

9   Mary Dawson                     @1:57

10 Catherine Devitt                 ”

11 Naoise Sheridan                 @2:26   U12

12 Caoimhe Ivory                   @3:13   U16

13 Deirdre Haverty                 @3:14

14 Eileen O’Sullivan                  ”

15 Eithe Dalby                            @3:49

16 Sandra Telford                      ”

17 Deborah Meghen                 ”

18 Fionnula ni Bhradaigh       ”

19 Orla McEvoy                         ”

20 Joanne O’Shea                     @4:18

21 Carmel Buckley                    @4:23

22 Aine Ford                                @4:15

23 Liz Ward                                   ”

24 Sadie Gleeson                        @4:43

25 Sinead Cailleau                     @4:57    Jnr

26 Ashling Fitzpatrick              @7:10    Jnr

dnf Aoife Sheridan

Winner Rita Boyle, photo courtesy Pat Fitzpatrick

Catherine, Jenny and Mary pass the 2nd group, photo Brendan Culleton

Ashling Fitzpatrick, photo Brendan Culleton

scratch,photo Brendan Culleton

Waiting to start, photo Brendan Culleton

Roisin Kennedy wins Rd 1 of Wicklow League

It was a case of Deja Vu for Roisin Kennedy (Lucan) as she won the Time Trial that was Round 1 of the Wicklow League, repeating her fine win from the outset of the Orwell League. Catherine Devitt (unattached) took a fantastic 2^nd place with a very impressive performance and it’s great to see her make such a leap of improvement since the league last year, definitely a rider that’s going places! 3^rd was the familiar name of Orla Hendron (Orwell) who concluded her unofficial tt ride from Dublin with the league tt and as usual managed to impress.

It was very heartening to have some juniors riding and Sinead Cailleau(South Dublin CC), took the honours ahead of Ashling Fitzpatrick (Slipstream). Caoimhe Ivory (Bray)recovered sufficiently from a recent bout of illness to take the lead in U16′s, while Naoise Sheridan(Orwell) rode very strongly in the U12′s.

Well done to all the women and girls who rode the TT today, for some it was their first race and we hope it’s inspired them to return and ride the next 4 handicapped races.

Many thanks to John O’Sullivan (Sorrento) for stepping into Danny O’Shea’s shoes to do the timing – all the best to Danny and we wish him a speedy recovery. Thanks to the many marshals for helping out, it’s an awkward circuit that needs quite a few people to help out and without whom we could not have run the race – Pat, Ruth, Claire, Catherine and Stephen, Brendan, Larry, Enda, Alan, Fergal, Ger, Dave, Denis and Richie, club president Ronnie Coates, and even Fionnuala who put in an extra shift once she finished her race! And big shout out to our official photographer, Brendan Culleton – these races wouldn’t be the same without the great photos to pore over afterwards!

Name            Time        Points

Roisin Kennedy        18:25.49    11
Catherine Devitt       18:53.60    10
Orla Hendron             19:06.49    9
Fionnuala ni Bh         19:12:45    8
Mary Dawson             19:12.93    7
Aideen Collard           19:24.58    6
Eithne Dalby               19:26.75    5
Deb Meghen                20:41.02    5
Sinead Caillean          20:52.73    5
Carmel Buckley         21:34.17    5
Leah Dempsey           21:36.24    5
Margaret Donnelly   21:38:30    5
Ieva Japarteite          22:18.20    5
Deirdre Haverty        22:44.72    5
Ashling Fitzpatrick   22:59.34    5
Eileen O’Sullivan        23:06.99    5
Caoimhe Ivory           23:18.07    5
Naoise Sheridan        23:32.13    5
Liz Ward                       24:01.05    5
Joanne O Shea            24:23.92    5
Debbie Crean              24:39.68    5
Anne Forde                 25:04.70    5
Sadie Gleeson             26:08.03    5
Luarena Murphy       27:02.75    5
Charlotte MacDonald -1 lap 11:96    5
Anne Doller -1 lap    19:31.83    5
Aoife Sheridan             dnf        0

For anyone who wants to dip their toe into mountainbike racing, this beginners series is for you!

Kippure Estate invites you to join their XC MTB Development Summer Race Series to be held over the next few months on the estate.

The races are open to beginners and intermediate racers of all ages. The 4 Race series takes place on the following dates:
Sunday 30th May
Sunday 20th June
Sunday 25th July
Sunday 22nd August.

After the success of the XC Championships in 2008 and K-Capital Challenge Race Series final stage in 2009, Kippure Estate has entered into talks with Coillte, Wicklow County Tourism and Wicklow Rural Partnership to develop permanent mountain bike trails in the Athdown woods opposite the entrance to the estate. Coillte are very open to the idea and in conjunction with all parties a feasibility study is to be commissioned to look into the routes available, costing, etc.

The course for the first round is approx. 3km loop within the grounds of Kippure Estate, loads of singletrack and one nice fireroad climb and will include some interesting features along the way. The climbs aren’t too hard, everything is rideable for beginners.
The relatively short loop will make it great for the spectators.

There is ample parking, acommadation & coffee shop on the grounds of the estate.

Race Categories

There will be an A and  B category for Sports:

A for riders who have reasonable experience on a bike
B for complete beginners

Other categories will be:
Women
Under 16
Under 14
Under 12
Under 10
Under 8.

Schedule
Sign On will be open from 10am. Make sure to get signed on as early as possible

11:00      Under 8/10/12
12:00      Under 14/16, Sports B & Women
13:00      Sports A

Race Entry

Entry fee will be minimal (all underage will be free entry) but one day licences will be compulsory.
Race Entry fee for the underage is free.
Race Entry fee for the sports A & B Women is €10

Day licences will be available on the day priced at €5 for underage, €10 for 16-18 year olds, €20 for adults
More information is available here:
http://www.irishxcmtb.com/Ref_docs/Irish_Offroad_Race_Licence_information.pdf

Online registration

We would really appreciate if you could take the time to fill in the online registration form. Firstly, this gives us an idea of who will be attending so that we can cater for everyone.
Secondly (and more importantly), We can put your details into the computer timing system in advance of the race to speed up the sign on process.

http://bit.ly/cEEEON

Directions

http://www.kippure.com/travel-directions.htm

Google Map – http://bit.ly/9WfkPX

More Info

Kippure Website
http://www.kippure.com

The Flyer
http://www.adventurewicklow.com/Summer_Series_Beginner_Mountain_Bike_Race.pdf

IMBRC – Post on the forum and we can answer any questions
http://imbrc.com/forum

Follow us on Facebook/twitter
http://www.facebook.com/kippure
http://twitter.com/KippureEstate

http://twitter.com/imbrc
http://www.facebook.com/pages/IMBRC-Irish-Mountain-Bike-Racing-Club/316207487946

Regards,

Development Series Team.

Every tue night in June, 5 in all, best 4 results to count.
1-Jun tt
8-Jun
15-Jun
22-Jun
29-Jun

Following on from the success of the Orwell Womens League in Sandyford, the Wicklow League will take place every tuesday night in June, with a slightly later start than the Sandyford races to give you time to drive down -start time is 7.30pm sharp with sign-on from 6.50pm.

This is a  handicapped race on a 2.9mile circuit, taking place just outside Ashford village, just off the N11.  The route is different to before as the N11 is now a motorway, but the circuit is right next to the previous one and the lap is just a tad shorter at 2.9 mile rather than the previous 3.1 mile.  Map is here
<a href=”http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/-ashford,wicklow/792127333079412180″ _mce_href=”http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/-ashford,wicklow/792127333079412180″>Wicklow League 2010</a><br/><a href=”http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/ireland/-ashford,wicklow” _mce_href=”http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/ireland/-ashford,wicklow”>Find more Bike Rides in Ashford,wicklow, Ireland</a>
As always all categories and abilities are catered for with the handicap system, ideal for all ages, first-timers, returnees to the sport and elite riders alike!  Entry is €5 per night, and free for youth and junior riders.  Points are awarded for first 6 over the line with prizes for top 3 on the night, and at the end of the league for the first 6 riders overall.  Tea/Coffee and homemade goodies will be available after the race each night.

The first night will be a Time Trial, and if you wish to take part in the league please do your utmost to attend, so we can ensure a fair and equitable handicapping system which will give every rider an equal chance for glory in the subsequent handicapped races!

To compete, a Club Racing Licence or Open Licence is required. However, unlicenced riders can purchase a one-day Cycling Ireland Licence on the night for €10. However this will bring your nightly expenditure up to €15 a race, so I would urge any riders without a Cycling Ireland licence to get one before the races begin – details on their website at www.cyclingireland.ie.

The next round of the league takes place on 2nd June. All competitors are reminded that they must have a working rear light fitted to their bike to take part.

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors TT League Results – Round 3 – 10 Miles (Woodgreen)
1. Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers) 22.49
2. Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) 24.35
3. Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) 24.52
4. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) 25.24
5. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) 25.29
6. Elle Forest (Bann Valley RC) 25.38
7. Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 27.38
8. Mandy Collie (Orchard) 28.06
9. Bernie Gribbin (Carn Wheelers) 28.18
10. Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC) 28.33

Patrick Withers (Admin Officer)