Inter Varsity Championships
The students male and female step up to the mark on Saturday when they face into the inter varsity championships in Batterstown.
The interest by students gained momentum following on from the success of their inaugural Cycleways Inter-varsity league hosted by UCD and DU (Trinity college) cycling clubs earlier in the year. Plus the reintroduction of the national inter-varsity championships last year. DU cycling club are in the hot seat and that they will be hosting the national inter-varsity time trial and road race championships on Saturday (13th of October) in Batterstown Co. Meath.
The road race will follow the well known Lucan GP course covering three laps totaling 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 from Louisburgh in Co. Mayo on paper has the most outstanding CV. Charles has been competing regularly on the circuit with a fair amount of success. But the Mayo student who studies in Galway University never takes anything for granted and is well aware that the likes of Conor McIlwaine from DCU, Eoin Morton of UCD and Andrew Stanley of the promoting club will be up to the challenge.
Twelve months ago, Rachel Withers took the win in a two up sprint against UCD's Niamh Stephens. Last year's silver medalist Niamh of UCD may look to clinch the title this year, however her hopes may be hinge on the form that Fiona Guihen of Trinity College who has represented Ireland at the U23 European Championships and the An Post Ras na mBan.
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, but don't rule out Morton or Prendergast.
In the women's test, the picture does look like that a number of the ladies are in the mix. Nothing will be certain with a lot of competitors coming of the back of the An Post Ras na mBan last month in the 'Kingdom' Co. Kerry.
Race organiser 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. My money would echo those sentiments.
NB-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
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CYCLO-CROSS
Many people thought the season was well and truly put to bed. But two men in particular Ryan Sherlock and Ian Richardson stepped up to the plinth. The record book will show that Ryan and his team from Cycleways CC upped the anti forever more with the promotion of the National Hill Climb Championships in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow last Saturday. Numbers in the 'championships' and the 'challenger' left me included as to how Ryan put together an event that had s all rocking in the aisles. Ryan had ordered the weather and I'm sure Ian will match the conditions. Ryan who has (wait for it) competed in 80 (EIGHTY) events this season.
This Sunday the second event in the Fixx Supercross Cup goes to post in Swords, Co. Dublin. 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.
One man continues to dominate the scene of cyclo-cross and in the opener, Robin Seymour showed the true grit and determination to come through and land the prize.
But factor into that event and two names in particular come to the top. Well, for starters Ryan Sherlock would not have got a mention in this column, firstly because I was not aware he would be a starter, but I was pleasantly surprised when his name popped in the results. And, he has confirmed to me in the last twenty-four hours that he is going again. Then of course we have Sean O'Tuaithill of the Bray Wheelers who had tongues wagging early in to the opener when he was leader, but tactics played by the irresistible dominance of one Robin Seymour was sufficient to blow out the hopes Sean.
The 'Wheeler' Sean was up in Ulster last Sunday and again showed that his form in Clondalkin was no fluke with a another fine third placing. So, is the second round in this cyclo-cross season supported by Fixx Coffeehouse on Dawson Street, going to have Robin and Roger Aiken trading their skills at cross racing in Swords.
Both Glen Wearen and Conor McGrane from the local Swords McNally Joinery CC will be on the stat sheet.
The sport is enjoying a resurgence with the increase in membership by Cycling Ireland. Steps have been taken to run two races, an A race and a B race.
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.
David O Neill, Race Organiser is the man behind the scene.
The 2nd round of the FIXX Supercross series will take place this Sunday the 14th October in Swords, North Co Dublin.
Swords is generally regarded as one of the toughest circuits for cyclocross racing in Ireland, and it rewards those who can climb, run, and descend under pressure.
Spectators and fans will also enjoy the compact size, and the challenging nature of the course. The route will feature a number of testing sections, including 2 tarmac climbs, a steep run up, and a number of twisty off camber descents, (with a surprise or two thrown in).
The ground appears to be drying out nicely after weeks of heavy rain, and fast racing is guaranteed.
Timetable Sun 14th Oct 2012
11.30 Course open for practice
12.30 B Race
14.00 A Race
15.20 Prize giving, tea & sambos.
Parking is on Rivervalley View (see map) http://maps.google.ie/maps?q=riverva...ublin&t=m&z=16 Please follow the direction of the Parking Marshals on the day. To enter, click on the following link http://fs25.formsite.com/twracing/form3/index.html For further information go to http://www.facebook.com/supercrosscup Spectators welcome. Bring your cowbells.
You have it one and David is looking forward to the action on Sunday. Hope there is no cows on the circuit. Events listed in the series to November are, Ward Park, Swords, 14th October; October 28th and November 11th both scheduled for South Dublin; St. Anne's Park, Raheny.
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LEISURE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
Tour of the Knockmealdowns
In County Cork the 'Fermoy Credit Union Tour of the Knockmealdowns' rolls out from the town also on Sunday. This event was originally scheduled to take place on the 23rd of September, but the organisation was forced to put the event on hold. The new date is this Sunday. Fermoy Cycling Club would like to advise that the event is not in aid of any charity. The emphasis is on a LEISURE cycle with the hope that anybody coming along can have an enjoyable day over 85 kilometers. HQ is at Colaiste an Chraoibhin in Fermoy. There will be refreshments at the mid point in the cycle and at the finish. Start time is 10.00am. Further information can be had from www.coolfermoy@eircom.net.
Tour of South Derry
This Sunday (14th of October) sees the fifth running of the Carn Wheelers �Tour of South Derry�. The annual charity run which has now raised over �20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support starts from Rossa Park, Magherafelt and covers a distance of 50 miles.
Following on previous years, there is now a shorter route of 37 miles which bypasses the hills near Draperstown and Maghera.
Carn Wheelers are using a secure online entry system through www.entrycentral.com and would encourage participants to use this method, although entries will still be accepted on the day there will be no guarantee of the �Tour of South Derry� T-shirt. Sign on opens on the day at 9:00am with the cyclists leaving at 10:30am. Full details at www.carnwheelers.co.uk
The entry fee for this worthwhile cause is �15.00 which includes tea/coffee before the start, refreshments during and after the event and a souvenir t-shirt. Many thanks to all current and new sponsors for their help in making this event a continued success.
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Ladies Spin 2012
Calling all lady cyclists before you put the bicycle away for the Winter, the Ladies of Western Lakes Cycling Club based in Ballinrobe would like to invite you to join them on their End of Season Spins, on Saturday 20th of October.
Some of us are new to cycling this year while others have a few miles clocked up, some of us have been out cycling with the lads all Summer while the rest of us get out when we can, enjoy being out in good company and if that means getting a bit of exercise it�s an added bonus.
There are two spins planned for the day, both leaving Ballinrobe at 9.30am and partly share the same route, the �Long Spin� is about 80km while the �Shorter Spin� is about 50km, both routes skim the southern shore of Lough Mask and touch the Northern Shore of Lough Corrib on the return leg.
There will be back up, a water and snack stop and some interesting marshalls on route! The cost is 20 euro on line with Run Ireland before 17th of October and 25euro on the day, this includes lunch. Goody-bag for the first 50 entrants.
After expenses donation to Airc, a local Mayo based charity supporting children with disabilities. For more info visit www.westernlakescc.com
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Kevin King Memorial Tour
This years tour promoted by the leisure section of Drogheda Wheelers cycling club will take place on Sun October 28th at 10am from the Opel garage in Drogheda retail park on the Donore Rd.This leisure tour is in memory of the much missed former secretary of the club.There will be two options on the day with a 50km and 90 km spin.Sponsorship cards are available from the club or register on the day for e10.
This year the proceeds will be split between two local charities.The Drogheda and district support 4 older people was set up by club member Dave Turner to offer support to the elderly citizens of the area on a daily basis.One of their many functions is the Good morning Drogheda phone call which they carry out daily just to check in on their members well being on the day.A fantastic service.
The other charity to benefit will be the St Johns Ambulance Brigade Drogheda who give excellent back up to the club throughout the season with all their events. Two excellent charities I think you will all agree.
This year to date the club have promoted ''Ras na N'og'' for the youths,the Peter Bidwell Memorial,Coombes Connor Memorial,Brendan Campbell Memorial.All top class promotions.The Mark Mullen league was as big a success as ever catering for all.In Sept our leisure section took on a 2 day trip to Monaghan and back again for local charities.Yes its been another busy year of promoting at the club and we would love to see you all on the 28th to bring the curtain down on our promotions for the year
For further info Dave at 087-2807420 or dwturner@eircom.net
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CALLING THE 'MEN OF THE RaS' for 60th GET TOGETHER
Join your colleagues next Wednesday and Thursday for a once in lifetime Gathering of �The men of the Ras� 60 years on���. in Sneem Hotel on the beautiful Ring of Kerry. Dates: 17th 18th October 2012.
Meet the men you did battle with on the roads of Ireland down the years and exchange stories of woe. For some it was about winning for the rest the finish line had to be reached dead or alive. So here�s your chance to mix with greats who made up the Ras Bunch.
For reservations or further information please tel (064) 6675100 or log on to www.sneemhotel.com
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FBD TALENT TEAM 2020
Great to see that FBD TT 2020 Squad is moving in the right direction. According to Paddy Doran Cycling Ireland Head Development Coach Paddy Doran paid tribute to those selected. "We have seen some great performances in Irish youth cycling this year. Our FBD TT2020 programme has attracted a lot of attention both within and outside Ireland.
Jake Gray of East Tyrone CC, Adam Stenson, Staggs Lucan CRC and Adam Thatcher of Slaney CC getting recognition. All three showed their mettle in the recent Errigal Youth Tour, held in Letterkenny.
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Nicolas Roche Classic from Tayto Park in Meath
The 'Nicolas Roche Classic', certainly brought out the numbers last Sunday. Philip Finegan as part of the organisation behind the event, "the weather held and despite that we only had a number of weeks to put the package together, on the day it was a massive success. Believe it or not we were back at the drawing board on Monday morning! Planning for next year. The Tayto Park in Meath was an ideal location. It was a rare opportunity to join one of Ireland's current top sportsmen on a cycle on the roads of Meath," said Philip.
Pictures from the last week's event courtesy of Ciaran Fallon
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