Top spot for Cigala
THE Ciaran Harte Memorial races, promoted by Navan Road Club in Ballivor was the big attraction for local cyclists last weekend.
The race was a combined event and run on a handicap basis over three laps of local circuit, total distance of 50km. The racing was brisk from the drop of the flag with the scratch group determined to haul back the A3s and A4s prior to the finish.
This they managed to do and coming down the long finishing straight into Ballivor, almost the entire field of riders were sprinting for glory. However, it was Matteo Cigala from the Aqua Blue Academy team who crossed the line with only a very narrow margin to spare over Javan Nulty from the North Down CC. Adam Stenson from Bikeworx CC finished in 3rd place, Dermot Trulock , Lucan CC (4th), Shane Devlin, Moynalty CC (5th) and Paul Kennedy, Newcastle West (6th).
Result: Senior A2 - 1 Ollie Kelly, Longford CC, 2 Declan Keathing, Skane Wheelers CC, 3 Jason O’Callaghan, Westport; Senior A3 - Emmett Tuite, Kilcullen CC, 2 Mark Heather, Clontarf CC, 3 Rory Harvey, Emyvale CC; Senior A4 - 1 Karl McKenna, McNally Swords CC, 2 Stephen McGovern, Trim CC, 3 Gary Marron, Ardee CC
Elsewhere Newry Wheelers CC promoted the Newry 3-Day race and on the opening Stage around Warrenpoint, Alan Bingham from Cuchulainn CC in Dundalk finished in fourth place and then went on to finish fourth again in Stage 2. In the final stage which took the riders from Newry on a 72 mile race across Markethill in Armagh, and on through Newtownhamilton before returning to the finish at Newry, Niall Craven from Drogheda Wheelers CC and guesting over the weekend with Stamullen Road Club in this event, finished in sixth place on this final stage.
Although the second round of the Mark Mullen Memorial League was held in atrocious conditions, with torrential rain throughout the entire race, a very strong entry of riders lined up to contest the 5-lap event.
Judging by the number of clubs being represented, it is proving to the Drogheda Wheelers CC just how popular this League has become.
The McNally Swords Cycling Club continue with their mid-week Summer League and in the A Race, it was Finbarr O’Callaghan who took the win from Karl McKenna, followed by Brian Bolger, Malcolm Kell (SmartLamp), Pat Willett and Ian Marv Morrissey.
The B Race was won by Balrothery cyclist Conor Doyle from VCB, followed by Laura Banfield, James Willett, Ciaran McSweeney, Matt McGuinness and Alan Kelly.
The ladies race was won by Laura Banfield, followed by Bee O’Brien, Niamh Corry, Alicja Roslaniec and Fran Thompson.
Ardee CC held the fifth Round of their League on Tuesday evening and it was Gary Gorman from Stamullen Road Club who claimed victory from Barry Hughes, Drogheda Wheelers CC, Richie McMullen, Ardee CC, Emmett Gorman, Stamullen RC, Cathal McCormack and Eamonn McKeown whole completed the first six home.