Tomas in frame for the top prize
THE Bike Station League in north Louth reached its conclusion on Thursday evening last and it was Tomas McCabe from Ardee Cycling Club who won the overall prize.
This league, promoted by Cuchulainn Cycling Club, has been running each week since late April and has grown to be one of the most popular events for cyclists in this region, with aggressive and tactical racing on alternating circuits. After 15 rounds spread across 17 weeks, McCabe came through after taking several victories over the last three months.
A cancellation in Oldcastle last weekend meant that most local riders were quite eager to take on the two days of racing available in Kilmessan on Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of success.
It began on Saturday evening when Julianstown native Javan Nulty, who rides as part of the North Down team, powered to victory in the Beechmount Cup, slightly ahead of Stamullen veteran Craig Sweetman in fifth.
On Sunday Lenny McManus (Drogheda Wheelers) silenced any rivals when he sprinted to victory in the A4 race in the Collins Christie event. This race, which was four4 laps of a 15km circuit, stayed intact for the entirety of the distance, but McManus was too strong when it came to the crunch, winning the bunch sprint and even having time to raise his hands in salute at what was a tremendous achievement. The victory sees McManus upgraded from A4 to A3.
Earlier on Sunday morning, the Leinster Youth Championships took place and with Ciaran Connor starting off the day on the back of a run of strong form, he was always going to be one to watch for a result. The race split from the off, as many small groups became visible on the road, but the Drogheda Wheelers man battled his way towards the front to finish in fourth place.
Although disappointed to just miss out on a provincial medal, Connor continues to show strong form and with the National Championships in just a week’s time he very well could grab a medal in Ballymoney.
With a string of recent cancellations, including the pulling of a major stage race next weekend, Drogheda Wheelers have taken it upon themselves to promote the Leinster Autumn Classic this coming Saturday in Bellewstown.
Competitors will race over a 12.5km loop, commencing at 10.30am, and more information can be obtained on Droghedawheelers.ie.