Bryan McCrystal collects the Dundalk Traders’ Cup from Cuchulainn’s Gary Neary
It was a day to remember for the McCrystals and brother and sister pairing Bryan and Eve won the men’s and women’s races at the Dundalk Trader’s Cup on Sunday.
Having started with just six fellow A1 riders for company in the scratch group, McCrystal – who rides for the Aquablue team – had dropped three of them inside the first 8km and with the other three soon following suit, the Dundalk man began to work his way up through the field.
Upon catching each group, he recovered briefly before attacking again and finally jumped clear of the front group to take the victory with over four minutes to spare in a race promoted by his former club, Cuchulainn CC.
In winning the race, McCrystal – who runs Mint by Baldwin jewellers on Earl Street – became the first local winner of the race since Karl Dolan in 1991.
Oriol Carbo of the Henry J Lyons club lead home the remnants of the day’s break to take second place ahead of Martin Caddow of Dublin’s St. Tiernan’s Wheelers. Karl Dolan still going strong was first clubman home in 9th place just ahead of the main bunch.
In the women’s race, Bryan’s sister, Eve McCrystal, won in a similar fashion by simply riding away from everyone else.
The race, which had a huge showing of Cuchulainn women making their racing debut, had over 20 riders sign on. Ann Dalton took second place, with Monica Merconi in third. Fiona Rogers was the first clubperson home.
In the A4 race Michael Stafford made the long trip from Wexford, but made it a worthwhile one by taking the chequered flag ahead of Clontarf’s Gavin Duffy. 2013 FPM Accountants Summer League winner Stephen Carrie was an excellent third in his first open race. Garry Gorman was first clubman home.
Over 60 people were involved on the day, which was outstandingly co-ordinated by the Neary family, from standing at junctions in the rain, to serving hot soup and sandwiches after. Cuchulainn also extended a thank you to the local Red Cross and Gardaí, who provided support.
Eve McCrystal collects the women’s prize in the Dundalk Traders’ Cup from Cuchulainn’s Gary Neary
