Leagues Round Up, FLood on Leinster Team & New Welcome to Cycling Course

After months of domination the Cuchulainn Mountain Bike League sees big changes at the top of the table. Round 8 was held over 2 laps of the purpose built circuit at Bellugan Park and saw a new name take the win with Gary Morton making the most of his handicap to be first across the post. Niall O`Flaherty posted the fastest lap time of the night while charging through the field to take second position ahead of Terry McEneaney in 3rd position. Terry's third spot on the night now sees him top the leader board, with Stephen Kennedy moving into 2nd position. Former league leader Ed Cunningham has dropped back to 3rd having failed to score any points of late. Conor Kavanagh in 4th position in the league would be higher up only for a mechnaical on Tuesday night, while he was in a good position to challenge for a podium spot.

The Women's League was run off in terrible weather conditions when the competitors completed a 16km time trial to Castlebellingham and back. fastest on the night was Celine McPhilips, ahead of Annette Dawe and Fiona Rogers. Once the handicaps were applied it was Nuala O`'Donoghue who took maximum points on the night, while Celine still took second position, further consolidating her place at the top of the leader board with 3 races remaining.

Meanwhile Round 13 of the FPM Accountants Summer Cycling League finished at the Long Woman's Grave, a tough route that always favours the strong riders. Despite the harshness of the course over 60 riders signed on to start . It was therefore no surprise when Ray O'Shaughnessey left the scratch group at the bottom of the climb and rode past all ahead to take the win. Cathal Clarke came home 2nd, with Ray's Rás teammate Colm Quinn in 3rd. With his most recent win Ray tops the leader board on 30 points alongside Jim Loughran, and in 3rd position  a further point behind is  Kenny Sullivan. Val Gargan is also very much in the thick of the action on 26 points, only 4 off the top.

In open racing news, 2 time winner of the Summer League Jordan Flood has been selected to ride the Junior Tour of Ireland with the Leinster Team. The Junior Tour is an International 5 day cycling event which has launched many successful racing careers with past winners including Nichloas Roche, whom is not riding high in the Tour de France.

Finally a new beginners 6 week cycling course kicks off this Wednesday (July 11th) from 6:30 at Felda Gym. Experienced coaches will be on hand to show newcomers all aspects of cycling from basic bike maintenance to riding safely on the road.