Round 14 of the Bike Station League

By Roesmary Gibson

There were plenty of Cuchulainn CC ladies involved in the action on Thursday night in the Bike Station League. Round 14 was the infamous Long Woman's Grave circuit with a fast downhill start from the Sportsmans to the Ballymac, along the rolling straight to Carlingford and Omeath with a tough final climb from Davy's to the finish at the Long Woman's Grave. Two of the Ardee women, Johanna Rogan and Claire Ludlow were unable to race because of a recent crash in the Mullingar GP, all the best for a speedy recovery ladies from the Cuchulainn girls! Celine Mc Phillips was holding her own in group four, while Rosena Lynch, Nuala O Donoghue and Mairead Holden were contesting for points in group 1. Group 1 was caught between Carlingford and Omeath by groups two and three, and managed to hang in along the straight. The climb soon broke the groups up and Rosie came in first in group 1, followed by Mairead and Nuala.Claire Ludlow, Rosemary Gibson and Debbie Lundy were marshalling for the night, and it was lovely to see Kathleen Byrne and Sandra O'Hagan at the finish line giving their support. Next week sees a return to the Ravensdale circuit, which is varied with fast downhill, flat and long uphill sections for two laps. This race is often decided in the tough last drag up from the Major's Hollow roundabout with riders overcoming the tiredness in their legs to sprint up the last hill by the Sportsmans. Come over to support the women as we head towards the last few deciding rounds!

Photo Credit: Caroline Kerley