The FPM Accountants Summer Cycling League is now at the half way stage with 9 rounds completed. The new format of 2 separate divisions competing for one overall winner is making for a more exciting event. Round 9 in the A League it was Cathal McCromack who took maximum points. Cathal, who rides with Ardee, was part of group 3 whom caught the 2 groups starting in front. He beat Brian Begley into 2nd & Stephen Carry into 3rd. Aidan Leonard, also in group 3 with Cathal got 4th, to bag a couple more points.
At this stage Bryan McCrystal still has a healthy lead of 8 points over Stephen Carry. Third & 4th spot have only a point in the difference between Aidan Leonard & Karl Dolan, so the top 4 is comprised of 2 from the A section & 2 from the B section. With another 9 rounds to go, as always it will be consistency that wins out, the smart money would be on those who have their holidays planned for after the league ends in August. So for those heading out to watch the professionals tackle the Tour De France, their league ambitions may have to be put on hold until 2014.
In the women's league it was the speedy Swede Gro Hylen, who took the latest win. Herself & Michelle Dolan broke away from the combined group 1 & 2, for a 2 up sprint for the win. Dolan opened the sprint with 250meters to go, but Hylen came off her wheel to take a fine win. Bohermeen's Kathlen Gill came home in 3rd. The Women's League table is a much tighter affair with only 5 points separating the top 5. Fiona Rogers has only a point to spare ahead of Hazel Hall, with 3rd place Louise O`Hagan another single point back.
On the road racing front the Cuchulainn Team had a good outing in the Newry 3 Day, with new riders gaining valuable experience in stage racing. Also involved in another big stage race is Jordan Flood, whom for the 2nd time is tackling the 5 day Junior Tour of Ireland as part of the Leinster Development Squad. The race takes place in & around the Clare town of Ennis & sees a number of UK & European teams compete against Ireland's finest underage riders.