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Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 3:10:13 PM |
There was no repeat performance of a gold medal from the World Championships of 1998. But still there was stirring performances from all the Irish participants.
For many the performance of Sam Bennett in the under-23 was the highlight of the championships. It was evident from media circles that the An Post/Sean Kelly team mentors were critical of the management of the Irish team as to the deployment of Ronan McLoughlin in the event won by Philippe Gilbert of Belgium. It was interesting on the eve of the Elite event at a Press Conference which was dominated by doping queries (179 press present) that President Pat McQuaid when asked as to who he would nominate the winner. "No problem Philippe Gilbert."
One problem I had with viewing the races was the Irish kit. Believe it or not there were three types of jersies worn by the Irish team during the various events. I was not alone in observing this problem. I would HATE to be a clothing supplier to Cycling Ireland.
The Cyclo-Cross series gets under way this weekend and it is time for the students to take to the road for their Championship.
BENNETT AND McLOUGHLIN FOR TOUR OF WALLONIE
Irish duo Sam Bennett and Ronan McLaughlin, who have only recently returned from the World Championships in Holland, face another tough outing as they line up as part of an eight man An Post Sean Kelly team to take on the Tour de Wallonie –Picarde (1.2 Franco-Belge). The four day stage race will see the team take on many of the world’s top cycling teams including SKY Procycling and Radioshack.
Lithuanian strongman Gediminas Bagdonas is joined by Belgians Pieter Ghyllebert, Kenneth Van Bilsen, Roy Jans and Nils Wytinck, while Mark McNally completes the team which will race through France and Belgium.
Team manager Kurt Bogaerts has set the team a goal of winning a stage of the race, but he is under no illusions as to how difficult this will be, as his An Post side will be the lowest ranked team to start the event.
“We will be racing against a very competitive line up of riders and teams so it will be difficult for us, but the way we have been riding recently will ensure that we have a big chance of making an impact on the race.
I have set the team a goal of winning a stage, so we’ll make sure we are part of the breakaways and then hopefully we will get a little bit of luck along the way” he said.
Bogaerts also commented on his riders’ recent performances at the World Championships, which saw three Bennett, McLaughlin and Sean Downey take part.
“Sam was really unlucky not to finish in the top three in the Under 23 race. I felt he was barged out just before the sprint but he still managed 10th which was an excellent result. I was also very pleased with Sean’s (Downey) performances in that race and the time trial.
With Ronan, I was a little disappointed that the team’s tactics didn’t allow him to go out in the first breakaway. He proved at the Tour of Britain he has the legs and is more than capable so it would have been nice to see him go out with the early break, still he had a great race.”
Tour de Wallonie –Picarde (1.2 Franco-Belge) 27th – 30th September)
- Sam Bennett (IRL)
- Ronan McLaughlin (IRL)
- Mark McNally (UK)
- Niels Wytinck (BEL)
- Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU)
- Pieter Ghyllebert (BEL)
- Roy Jans (BEL)
- Kenneth Van Bilsen (BEL)
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CYCLO-CROSS
With the road season virtually done and dusted, cyclo-cross this weekend will be up and running. The first event in the upcoming season is due to start on Saturday in Castlepark Business Park in Clondalkin.
Team WORC are the club behind the series over five races and is titled the Fixx Supercross Cup.
The sponsors are Fixx Coffeehouse on Dawson Street and I'm sure the cyclo cross aficionado would enjoy the facilities.
In the recent past one name tops the agenda when it comes to 'cross/ racing. Naturally Robin is delighted that this branch of the sport is enjoying new found fame. Numbers are steadily on the increase and with the announcement in recent weeks, that Cycling Ireland's' membership has shot up dramatically.
“We’ve taken it to the stage now where we had to start having two races each time last year; an A race and a B race. So we’re hoping now we’re going to build on that,” he said.
An innovation in the recent past catered for participants with an option to choose the event they would race in. It is envisaged this coming season that A events will be open only to 1and 2 with the lower. Also those in charge of the results will be able to move participants up.
The use of 'Park' facilities is an added bonus for all those willing to engage in the sport.
Events listed in the series from September to November are: Grange Castle, Clondalkin this Saturday (29th); Ward Park, Swords, 14th October; October 28th and November 11th both scheduled for South Dublin; St. Anne's Park, Raheny.
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AMAZING FEAT
Whilst many of the cycling fraternity were keeping their eyes and ears on the World Championships in Holland, a young man was staking his claim for the future.
Last Sunday (23rd), Joshua Francis and World Masters bound Sean Custis of the IVCA won the IVCA Sanyo Cup in a time of 43.23. The field had among others, Stephen Halpin with his vet partner, as well as many other top class vet testers. To put it mildly this was an amazing achievement as one of the best TT's by the youngster who has not reached his fifteenth year.
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SHIMNA WHEELERS-no registration required
A fundraiser for NICFC (Northern Ireland cancer fund for children - Shimna valley) Its the annual Paul McKibbin Memorial Cycle which is organised by Shimna Wheelers C.C and La Lantern Rouge C.C. Its taking place this Sunday 30th September 2012
There are a choice of 2 routes (40 mile or 80 mile) with the first starting at 9:30 from Brennan's Petrol Station, Loughinisland, Co.Down Registration is £10 per cyclist and no pre-registration is required.
TOUR of MONAGHAN
The annual Tour of Monaghan takes place this Sunday 30th September starting from Emyvale leisure centre at 9.30 am sharp and finishing in Emyvale. This is one of our most popular club events and we are hoping it will be a huge success.The tour will cover approximately 100 kilometers and the route is as follows: Emyvale, Glaslough, Castleblaney, Lough Egish, Ballybay, Newbliss, Clones, Monaghan, Tydavnet and back to the finish in Emyvale village. There will be a shorter route of about 60 kms which will start from Emyvale also. It will go to Glaslough, Castleblaney, Cremartin and back to Monaghan to finish in Emyvale. €10 entry fee.
A lot of preparation has been taking place to make sure it will be a success. There will be refreshments available for the cyclists during and after the event and we are expecting a good crowd as it is one of the last touring events of the year.
---- UPCOMING EVENTS ----
STUDENTS TAKE NOTE
Following on from the success of the inaugural Cycleways Inter-varsity league hosted by UCD and DU (Trinity college) cycling clubs this year and the reintroduction of the national inter-varsity championships last year. DU cycling club are delighted to announce that they will be hosting the national inter-varsity time trial and road race championships on the 13th of October 2012 in Batterstown Co. Meath.
The road race will follow the well known Lucan GP course covering three laps totalling 60km. It is a fast course with sections lending itself open to strong winds which could split the group to pieces as it did last year. Reigning champion Charlie Prendergast will certainly be looking to defend his title, however he won't have it easy with Conor McIlwaine from DCU, Eoin Morton of UCD and Andrew Stanley of the promoting club all getting very good results this season.
In last year's women's event Rachel Withers took the win in a two up sprint against UCD's Niamh Stephens. Last year's silver medallist Niamh Stephens of UCD may look to clinch the title this year, however her hopes may be dashed by Fiona Guihen of Trinity college being in good form this year after representing Ireland at the U23 European champs and Rás na mBán.
The time trial is an out and back 9km course starting and finishing from the Batterstown GAA club. Defending champion in the discipline Ian Richardson is hot favourite having come 9th in the national TT champs back in July. Conor McIlwaine is also a contender for this title having had a good TT at the Ballinrobe 2 day.
In the women's TT nothing will be certain with a lot of competitors coming of the back of Ras na mBan in September and all will be in good form.
Race organizer Ian Richardson hopes that the growth in college cycling over the last two years will continue (over the coming years) into the future and (hopes) is confident that this will lead to a team being selected to represent Ireland in the world student cycling championships in Poland in 2014.
Students are eligible if they are/were registered with a recognized college/university during the 2011/12 term or the 2012/13 term. Valid student ID and cycling Ireland licence are necessary to race, however one day licences will be available on the day.
Sign on will be open from 10am in Caffrey's Pub, Batterstown. Time Trial begins at 11am. Road Race begins at 1pm For any further information please contact Ian Richardson e-mail: ian@richardson.ie
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“PEDAL FEVER 2012” - CYCLING IRELAND CONFERENCE
Cycling Ireland is delighted to announce that “Pedal Fever” is once again coming to town. Pedal Fever 2012 will take place on the 17th of November in the Radisson Blu (Dublin City Centre). This conference is aimed at coaches, managers, cyclists and indeed anyone else who might be interested in attending.
Conference Details
Date: 17th November 2012
Venue: Radisson Blu, Golden Lane, Dublin 6
Time: 9am to 6pm (may be subject to slight change)
Full details of our speakers and themes will be communicated in the coming weeks. I can guarantee that the conference will cover a multitude of themes and there will be something for everyone. Here is just a sample of what we have in store.
Register early for the conference; Cycling Ireland Members - €40 / Non Cycling Ireland Members - €50
Numbers for the conference are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Check out the Pedal Fever website for more information www.pedalfever.net.
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Nicolas Roche Classic from Tayto Park in Meath
Nicolas Roche Classic - Join Nicolas Roche on a cycle from Tayto Park in Meath on the 6th of October 2012. This is a rare opportunity to join one of Ireland's current top sportsmen on a cycle on the roads of Meath
Tayto Park Family Cycle - Why not bring your family to the cycle or let them enjoy Tayto Park while you are enjoying the spin. Family Ticket €20, 50 and 90 Kms Cycle - Why not take advantage of location and let your family enjoy Tayto Park while you cycle the roads of Meath Online Entry €25
More info here www.nicolasrocheclassic.com
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Please send us up to date information on your open racing events and leisure runs and we will include them on our fixtures calendar. Email us at: news2012@irishcycling.com
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