Women's Cycling League Kicks off in the Rain, Conor Kavanagh leads MTB League

Dundalk's female cyclists showed what a hard working bunch they are when they braved torrential rain for the first round of the Women's Cycling League on Tuesday night. The league, now in it's 3rd year & open only to women, commenced with a 7.5km time trial on the Castlebellingham Road. Fastest on the night was Celine McPhilips, who set a time of  13:34 for the course. In second was Annette Dawe just lest than a minute behind, with Fiona Rogers in 3rd. Newry Wheeler's Keri Campbell was first non-Cuchuainn member home with a fast time of 15:23, good enough for 4th position. Based on the time trial results the groups have been designated for next week's road race which starts from Felda Gym at 7:30.

Round 5 of the club's Mountain Bike League was held on the course used for the recent National Points Series race. First home was Conor Kavangh, leading Terry McEneaney from Fergus McCann. Conor's win and good run of results sees him jump from 3rd position to now topping the leader board, with a slim 2 point margin over Ed Lenox-Conyngham. Meanwhile 3rd position, Terry McEneaney is only a further 2 points behind Ed, making the table a very tight affair at the top. However with still some 7 Rounds to go a lot could and probably will change.

Ireland's unpredictable weather once again prevented a sporting event, with road flooding making the route for the summer cycling league dangerous on Thursday night. At this stage Jim Loughran is leading the proceedings on 30 points. On 26 points is Kenny Sullivan and 22 for Marcus O`Cuinn. again with a long way to go other riders to watch out for include Gary Morton in 6th and also Bohermeen's Chris Reilly in 7th, whom after a tough An Post Rás, should have good form in his legs.

Next on the Cycling Event calendar is a Family Fun Cycle Day in St. Helena's Park on Sunday June 17th. Also those interested in the overnight Summer Solstice Cycle trip must pre-register at www.midsummercentury.com