The Leinster Junior Podium from last week’s race. From left, second placed Ray O`Shaughnessey, first placed James Davenport, and David Whearty and Brian Aherne, joint third
Cuchulainn Cycling Club hosted its last open event of the year with the staging of the Leinster & Louth Hill Climb Championships last week. Over 50 riders signed up for the unenviable task of trying to get up the 2kms of Jenkinstown hill as fast as possible. Before the event kicked off, the official record for the climb stood at 4:37, set in the early 90s by then junior rider Alan Bingham.
Fastest on the night and setting a new record for the climb in a time of 4:35 was South Dublin CC rider James Davenport. James edged out Cuchulainn’s Ray O’Shaughnessey by seven seconds, with Stamullen rider David Wherty in joint third with Orwell’s Brian Aherne. The women’s Leinster title went to Isabel Cogan in six minutes flat, ahead of Bohermeen’s Geralinde Gill and Calire McEntee in third. The women’s race was a very tight affair with only four seconds separating second through to fifth.
Cuchulainn had a clean sweep of the Leinster Junior podium with Aimhirghin O’Brannagin winning ahead of Nathan McGreehan and Ultan Stokes. The vets category saw the club take another medal with Johnny McCabe taking bronze, the gold going to Philip O’Flaherty of Swords.
In the Louth Championships the podium for the ladies was taken by Breda Dawe, edging out sister Annette by a mere second and Eve McCrystal in third. The senior medal went to Ray O’Shuaghnessey ahead of Colm Quinn, with Thomas McCabe in third.
Also in action recently at the Junior National Track Championships was Lisa Neary, winning a bronze in the 2km Pursuit and backing that up with another bronze medal in 12 lap scratch. Lisa also competed in the 500m time trial, where she missed out on a third medal by less than three seconds.
Another lady from Dundalk going well is Eve McCrystal, who has been selected for the Leinster Team for the upcoming international stage race the An Post Rás na mBan. The 4 day event features six stages in and around Ennis in Co Clare and attracts some of the best female cyclists from across Europe.
Finally the club will be running it’s annual overnight trip on October 5th to Monaghan. Details can be found at www.dundalkcycling.com
