By Rosemary Gibson
Conditions didn't seem too bad as we flew along the 5km from sign on in Kilsaran to the start. It was only when we turned back towards Castlebellingham that the full force of the strength-sapping and bitterly cold headwind became apparent. This wall of cold air opposed us for the first two thirds of the course and seemed to be playing tricks with the speedo on the bike. .. The consensus was that the roundabout seemed further away than normal and when we finally got there and turned it was like taking the brakes off and suddenly the speedo was working properly again!
At the finish we all agreed that it had been a very tough race and we were looking forward to the tea and sandwiches that awaited in Byrnes.
Eve McCrystal (Garda CC) put in a massive effort to win the ladies time trial in a blistering 24. 47 with Cuchulainn's own Sheena Dullaghan second in a very respectable 31.50. Johanna Rogan of Ardee CC was third in 34.35. Rosemary Gibson was fourth lady and second Club woman home in a time of 36.15. Jan Conlon was third club woman home and fifth lady in 37.15, just ahead of Kathleen Byrne in 37.51. Mairead Holden came in seventh in a time of 38.22 and was followed by Siobhan Ladd Greer in a time of 39.50. Well done to all who participated today, conditions were brutal out there but you showed up and got on your bikes. Many thanks also to all who volunteered to help and organise today's event making it a great success! Photo Credit: Caroline Kerley!