Huge Numbers turn out for the Tour of Louth

The Tour of Louth Cyclosportive was held in superb sunshine on Sunday Last, June 2nd. This was in stark contrast to the previous 2 editions that saw wind & rain. The sun surely did bring the riders out with over 250 singing on to tackle the 105km route leaving Dundalk towards Dunleer, across to Ardee, back into town & finally completing a lap of the coast over the Long Woman's Grave.. The weather, coupled with a very still day, made for very fast times with almost 50 riders achieving a "platinum" time, which got them around the course in under 3hrs 10mins. Amongst these were Cuchulainn ladies Debbie Lundy & Gretta O'Connor, who were well fit to mix it with the men driving the pace.

Round 3 of the Galibier Time Trial league was another 10mile time trial. Series leader, Des Woods of Newry winner of the first 2 rounds had a disappointing night to finish in 5th. It was the Louth Rás riders who dominated with Bryan McCrystal taking the win ahead of team mate Colm Quinn.  Niall Clarke took his second podium of the league in 3rd. The league concludes on Wednesday June 12th with a 25mile Time Trial starting outside Carrikmacross, heading towards Ardee & back.

The Women's Cycling League was held over a tough course on the old Newry road. The 8km circuit is very demanding as the rider's are always either climbing, descending or cornering, which makes it tough for a group to settle into a rythym & chase those setting off before them. Navan Road Club's Hazel Hall used the course to her advantage to break away from her compatriots in group 2 & stay away to take the win. Behind them group 3 had caught all those reaming & in a tight finish line sprint Ciara Kich of Dublin's Orwell Wheelers edged out Annette Dawe of Cuchulainn to take 2nd position. Bohermeen's Geraldine was in 4th with Fiona Rogers in 5th. For next Tuesdasy (June 11th) the league will take a short sabitcal & instead the club will host the Women's Louth Road Race Championships, open to all female cyclists resident in the county or riding with a Louth club.

Finally preparations are being put into place for the National Championships being held in Carlingford from June 20th - 23rd. First up is the elite time trial on Thursday, June 20th, The elite women and vets take to the road on Saturday June 22nd & finally on Sunday June 23rd the elite men are competing for the Irish Champions jersey. All eyes in the men's race with be on Dan Martin following his outstanding start to the season. The national jersey presented on the day could be next seen the following weekend in France's Porto-Vecchio  for the start of the 100th edition of the Tour de France. Hyundai Ireland and Carlingford's Four Seasons Hotel have both signed on as sponsors for the weekend.