Big Turn out at Newcomers league

Race report

Cycling in the South Mayo area has boomed into life with the introduction of Western Lakes cycling league, the aim of the league is to entice newcomers to the sport to have a go at racing very much like the fit for life project for running.

The Western Lakes club have organised weekly Sunday morning spins for newcomers over the Spring and winter months and are now continuing this on Thursday evenings at 7pm at the Cornmarket Ballinrobe.

The league was set up as the next step, to give these newcomers a chance to try out racing in a relative safe environment with experienced cyclist helping with mentoring.

On a wet and windy night 36 turned up for round one at the cycling centre Kilmaine road Ballinrobe split into 4 groups based on previous experience at training sessions.

With ten minutes separating front to back groups, everyone was nervous especially with most been first time racers.

After a wet 31k Andrea Heneghan fresh from a week training in Majorca won by 40 seconds from Alan Stevens 2^nd  with Kieran Heneghan winning a hard fought sprint for third.

At Round 2 the handicap and groups will be adjusted to suit abilities, see group/ average speed column re-adjusted after Rd1. Full results below.

The club would like to thank all the Marshalls, drivers and stewards for keeping the race safe and for Inch’s bar for the refreshments.

Round 2 takes place on Wednesday the 16^th of May, sign on at the cycling centre from 6.45pm race start 7.30pm

 The top 10 Areas where newcomers can make improvements.

• Pedal faster (easy gear at 85-100rpm) use the right gear at the appropriate time( easy gear up hill, medium gear on the flat, big gear down hill)
• Keep knees in when cycling (more power to pedals)
• Use the group for shelter by staying close to rider in front (40% power saving)
• Use the group by combing together to go faster and catching groups in front or staying away from groups behind
• Bike skills (riding a straight line), corning, descending, cycling out of the saddle.
• Been aware of opponents (Evaluate strengths, weakness and use tactics)
• Evaluate route, windy conditions, see where you can safe energy.
• Proper bike setup, (no rocking on the saddle, correct saddle height put your effort into the pedals)
• Wear proper cycling shoes and pedals
• Try and get as aerodynamic as possible (get low on bars, wear tight fitting clothing, keep back flat.