Wins for McCrystal & Dolan in New Year's Carrick Cycles Time Trial

 

 

Over thirty riders turned up on a cold and blustery New Year's Eve for the annual Carrick Cycles Time Trial. The 10mile route is a straight forward out and back course, starting at Felda Gym, going out to Castlebellingham and back. Riders faced a stiff head wind on the way out, making the second half a much faster affair with the wind on their backs.

 

Eve McCrystal had an outstanding ride, to cover the distance in 24:53. This meant Eve claimed the women's prize for the third year in a row, but more impressively it was the second fastest overall time of the day. Annette Dolan was second fastest of the day, which was also the third year in a row she has occupied the second spot on the podium. Lisa Neary was third fastest, adding another bronze medal to the two national medals she claimed earlier in the year on the track. Newcomers Rosemary Gibson and Martina Carey both had their first attempts at a time trial and enjoyed the experience, despite the wind and cold temperatures.

 

In the men's race fastest on the day was Liam Dolan with a 23:24. Dolan last won the Christmas time trial back in December 2005 and this year was only his second time participating in the event since then. Next up was Patrick Withers, a visiting rider from West Tyrone Wheelers, in 24:55 and Thomas McCabe rounded out the podium in 25:08. As it was a club event the 3rd spot officially went to Richard Murphy with a time of 26:09. League winner Stephen Clancy made his way into the top ten with a time of 27:24. The fastest junior on the day was Nathan McGreehan, ahead of Ultan Stokes.

 

With the dawn of 2014 Cuchulainn will soon be in action when it promotes it's first open race of the year the annual Trader's Cup on Sunday February 23rd. The race is run on a handicapped basis and 2014 will also see a separate women's race.