Yeats Riders on form in Connacht
THE Connaght TT and Road Championships for youth riders was held recently in Oranmore and Athenry.
Yeats Country Cycling Club had 3 youth riders racing with Diarmuid Gallagher in the U12 races, Marcus Devins racing in the U14 races and Matthew Devins racing the U16 races.
First was the Time Trial of 6.5 kilometres, all riders had to complete the same distance. Diarmuid was up first, he put in a great performance to finish just outside the medals by a hand full of seconds.
Next up was Marcus, he did a brilliant TT to take 2nd in the U14 race losing out to Rory Gallagher who is in his 2nd year as an U14.
Matthew was 2nd from last off in the U16 race with reigning Connaght TT Champion Keith Mulroy Westport Covey Wheelers off last. Matthew scorched the course to cover the 6.5km in a time of 8 minutes 54 seconds with an average speed of 44 km/h,finishing more than 24 seconds ahead of Keith with Darren Foy Westport Covey Wheelers at 45 seconds further back for 3rd on the day.
Next up was the road race with a change of venue to Athenry. The same format was used with the U12s starting first with 2/3rds of the 15km lap to be covered totalling 10kms. This race lined out straight away on rolling roads with the group quickly breaking up.
Diarmuid made it into the selection with 5 riders breaking away from the main group. It stayed like that to the finish with Diarmuid pipped on the line to finish 4th. But it was a great experience for this young lad.
Next up was Marcus his race was 30km, it start- ed with Rory and Marcus attacking from the gun. Showing their strength from the TT Marcus and Rory worked hard to put a big gap into the other riders. They stayed together for 1 and a half laps,with Rory attacking Marcus and soloing in for a fine victory. Marcus came in 30 seconds later happy with his efforts. Eoghan Hopwood Galway Bay Cycling Club lead in the main bunch for the last podium position.
The U16 race was 3 laps totalling 45km. This race was more of a wearing down process with riders losing contact with the pace being set by Matthew and Keith Mulroy.
After 30 kms it was just Matthew and Keith at the front. Darren Foy Westport Covey Wheelers had lost his place at the front on the last climb. Matthew and Keith continued riding together until 5km to go but started messing around and slowing down.
This enabled Darren to catch and attack the 2 lads at 2km to go. Matthew had to react as Keith and Darren are teammates. Matthew closed the gap on Darren with Keith tucked in.
With 1km to go Darren attacked again forcing Matthew to chase once more Matthew closed up on Darren. Keith then took his chance and attacked hard into the last corner at 500 metres to go. Matthew had anticipated Keith’s attack but still had a gap of 25 metres to close on him,which he did at 300 metres to go.
Matthew stayed in Keith’s wheel until 200metres to go then opened up his sprint. Sailing in for another fine victory and his 2nd U16 title in 2 years. Darren took the remaining podium position.