|
|
|
Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
WOMEN'S NATIONAL LEAGUE - Final Round Pictures
By Peter Purfield
22 Aug 2010,
|
Email this article
|
Geraldine Gill wins Ann Behan Trophy in Final Round of NPS
C/o womenscycling.ie
With only a handful of points seperating the top positions going into the final round of the womens NPS, it was always going to be a very tactical race with the overall contenders keeping a very close eye on one another.
Orla Hendron (Orwell) attacked from the drop of the flag and the two mountainbikers Mel Spath (Cycleways) and Cait Elliott (UCD) went with her, a dangerous trio, but on the fast flat circuit around Kilmessan it was difficult for a breakaway to establish itself, and so it proved for the first few laps, despite lots of kicks from riders trying to get away – this initial move was countered by Ciara Kinch (Orwell). Sarah Piner (Lakeside Wheelers) lying 2nd overall in the league,attacked numerous times as she had overall victory in her sights, as did Jenny McCauley (Bray Wheelers) lying in 3rd overall, but leader Wendy Bates (Lakeside Wheelers) did a sterling job in defending her lead and pulling back any danger women. Sandra Fitzgerald (Leinster), going from strength to strength, put in a good attack on the 3rd lap, as did Mary Brennan (Castlebar) on the last lap, but no-one was breaking the elastic until Geraldine Gill jumped with a lap to go, and as the overall contenders marked one another Geraldine put the head down and stomped home to take what was essentially a home win, to cross the line with about 40seconds to spare.
Wendy Bates had enough left in the tank to win the bunch sprint for 2nd, despite all her work defending her position, consolidating her victory in the NPS league. Piner took 3rd and McCauley 4th, to hold their 2nd and 3rd positions in the overall league. Gillian McDarby (Usher) was 5th home and Orla Hendron 6th, holding her 6th place in the league.
Geraldines victory jumped her up to 4th in the league, just edging out Aideen Collard who came 5th in the league.
Some pictures from the event taken by Peter Purfield
Results
1 Geraldine Gill, Bohermeen CC
2 Wendy Bates, L.O.W.
3 Sarah Piner, Lakeside Mullingar CC
4 Jenny McAuley, Bray Whlrs.
5 Gillian McDarby u/a
6 Orla Hendron, Orwell DTC
|
|
|
|
