Cuchulainn Takes Two Road Race Victories

Cuchulainn’s All Ireland 100 mile record holder, Bryan Mc Crystal pushed his endurance skills to the limit to claim victory in the Tour of the Mournes on Sunday. He rode clear of the eighty-strong field in the opening miles of the event promoted by Newry Wheelers and as the race sped along the coast he gradually built up a clear advantage on the chasers. Despite the strong winds and the best attempts of the chasing groups, Bryan was never in any danger of getting caught and crossed the line with over 2 minutes to spare over the second placed Belfast rider, Gary Crory.

 

The Noel & Kieran Hammond Memorial race was held last Saturday in Wicklow, with the A4 race won by our own Dermot Keelan. The race was run over 2 x 25 km laps. Dermot, and team mate Sean Loughran, were in the thick of the action all day but despite this a bunch sprint looked inevitable. However, Dermot managed to foil the sprinters by attacking into the last bend and getting enough of a gap to hold them off to the finish-line to take his very first win. This achievement means Dermot will now be promoted to A3 status.

 

In the FPM League on Thursday 5th May, Chris Reilly of the Bohermeen club managed to escape from the scratch riders and steal Declan Gray’s thunder to win the fourth round:  1st Chris Reilly, 2nd Declan Gray, 3rd Paul Dagg, 4th Tim Murray, 5th Martin Gray, 6th Declan McCabe, 7th Gerry Kenny. This week’s race is on the Greenore Circuit, with the start, once again, from Major’s Hollow at Mount Pleasant.

 

The first round of the Mountain Bike League kicked off in Bellurgan Park last Tuesday with riders tackling one lap of the circuit in a time trial. Stephen Kelleher caused a shock when he used his extensive knowledge of the course to set the fastest time piping multiple National Champion Aidan McDonald into second place:

1st 20.00 Stephen Kelleher, 2nd 20.02 Aiden McDonald, 3rd 20.52 Niall O’Flaherty, 4th 21.28 Aaron McCann, 5th 21.45 Seamus McAvoy, 6th 22.24 James McGuinness

 

For those interested in the more leisurely side of things The Tour of Louth has now opened for entries. The event is now in its 5th year and was voted by the members of Cycling Ireland as Leisure Event of the Year in 2010. The event covers a 100km route taking cyclists to Dunleer and Ardee before tackling the much feared Jenkinstown Hill and Cooley Mountains. All finishers are awarded a bronze medal, but those seeking an extra challenge can try for the silver or gold standard. Further details can be found on www.touroflouth.com