Club Notes June 22, 2014
Photo: Pictures (L-R) at the Kieran McMahon Memorial Classic Race
Gary Rowan, Mikey Connors, David Kyle, Liam Callaghan, Pat Bergin, Kevin Byrne and Dan Hogan.
The combination of the summer solstice and warm conditions allowed for a full compliment of cycling this week which included leisure and training spins, sportives and open racing. On Tuesday evening, a group of 8 covered 60km on a familiar but highly popular route that included Army Hill, Templederry and Dolla before returning to Nenagh on the old N7. The club was also represented that evening in numbers at the Limerick summer league with fastest personal times being recorded for some on that 35km handicap circuit on the old N7.
The club race calendar continued on Thursday last with the introduction of a brand new 30km roadrace route that started at Lisbunny and travelled in an anti-circular route to Cloughjordan before finishing on the old Birr Road, Nenagh. This week the spoils went to Benny Delaney who rode a great tactical race to finish ahead of Pat Bergin and Liam Callaghan in that order. Vital league points secured for numerous riders from the three separate race categories. Mikey Connors still leads the overall club league standings though there are changes to other standings Full race and league results are available on the club website (www.northtippwheelers.com). On Saturday, Aidan Kileen, Donnachada Floyd and Sinead Oakes travelled to Ballyvaughan to take part in the 160km annual An Post Tour de Burren. While the boys enjoyed the now famous post ride ice-cream, Sinead dismounted and went for a run – all as part of her rigorous Iron Man training.
On Sunday the leisure, intermediate and senior groups took to the road heading west of the Shannon to Co. Clare. On the same morning, seven Wheelers took part in the Kieran McMahon Memorial Classic race in Clonlara Co. Clare riding in both the A3 and A4 categories. A hot sun high in the sky made conditions tough on what was a short but on a continuous undulating course that could only be found in Co. Clare. In the short 44km A4 race, the small field would split on the final climb with David Kyle managing to stay with the lead group and secure 10th position despite a recent injury that has kept him off the bike for four days. Well done David. In the A3 race, Pat Bergin, Liam Callaghan and Dan Hogan did huge work driving the bunch well into the final lap of their two lap 70km race. However the combination of hot conditions and twisting route clearly took its toll when a small group managed to breakaway and take the spoils. Many lessons learnt for both experienced and novice racing riders.
Training continues this week at the same times. Tuesday Nigh at 6pm and Sunday at 9am both from Moynans and 9am Saturday from Woodies carpark for the race training ride. Further details of routes and Thursday nights club race will be available on facebook/northtippwheelers and the club welcomes new members on these rides. For further details of any club events or club membership please contact club chairperson Pat Bergin 0876744400.