Club Championships info & Form guide

This Saturday September 12^th the Western Lakes club championships will take place, the aim is to have everyone signed on by 4.45pm at the cycling centre and as a group we cycle around the lake (Lough Mask) to Paddy’s bar this  25k from town will be neutralised.

Anyone who does not want to race can cycle with us and once we get to Paddy’s they can continue on at their own pace and we will see you back at the finish line on the Clonbur road at the 50kph sign for the climactic finale .

The ones who do want to participate in the championship will be seeded into one of six groups based on performance of the club league and events throughout the year. The seeding is aimed at giving everyone a fair chance of been competitive, so take for example the strong racers who can average 40kph over the course and say someone new from the front group who can average 28/30kph the idea by allowing the slower riders a H/cap of a few minutes head start should allow them have a fighting chance of making the finish line before the experienced race men/women. We have added in an extra bonus of having a prize for the first home from each group as well so plenty to race for.

Prizes will be as follows, first 3 men/ females across the line plus first home from each group.

Sean Kelly once said that cycle racing was like a game of chess on wheels, make a move too early and you pay for it later, don’t make a move and you get left behind..!!!

Form guide

Based on performances to date here is how we see each group chances providing they wait away or catch the groups in front of them.

Group 1: Will get a sizable time advantage, 80 year old Sean Stagg has been chomping at the bit for this one and fancies his chances providing he can get his daughter Ann Flynn and Moya Gibbons to do up and over’s. Sean Stagg 15/1 chance

Group 2: Will have to be organised if they want to stand a chance, they will have to all work together to get over the hill and try and use each other’s strength to keep away, Michael Flannery has come close in 2 of the club leagues race’s when he was only caught in sight of the line, Marie Fraser has also shown good form but I think the dark horse in this group could be Donal O Reilly he has put in great training the last few weeks and is not afraid to have a go. Donal O Reilly 10/2

Group 3: Some very strong riders in this group and personally I think the winner may  come out of this, the 2 ladies Trish Harte and Monica Nee are cute enough to hold the wheels and both have a good sprint, the HORSE Michael Conroy has the strength to do damage or maybe the stubborn Anthony O Toole Ballinrobe might pull his reins and take the title, The Hollymount lads have the football season finished with for 2015 with this race the only thing in their sight now, with a huge winter training regime planned what better way to kick it off by taking the club Champs cup, Noel Stagg is a smooth operator who loves to poach  around the goal mouth and when he sees the white wash is bound to give it his all, Conor Gill who only took up cycling a few months back is biting at the bit and loves the hussle and bustle of bike bunch sprints, he won’t be afraid coming forward and surely has a chance. Noel Stagg 8/4

Group 4: All these guys can race but the question is can they do it together and combine forces and stay away. Martin Joyce has climbed most of the Pyrenees (missed the Col De Choula) he is a real diesel but has no sprint which may let him down at the line. John Conroy the older of the Robeen brothers did complete the full Trans France Pyrenees challenge and looks in great shape, has the power but the computer lets him down at key times, Gerry Sheridan has a real race brain and knows how to win but will be marked out of it this time!!, Joe Marrey won the last round of the league in Kilmaine with a devastating bust with 500m to go and will be keen to win this one, Noel Gibbons Partry is another one who lurks till the white wash is visable, he if can find the right wheel to suck off he will be hard to get rid of in the finale, Ollie Kelly Hollymount has the credentials and if gets a gap will be impossible to bring back, Shane Gilligan could also be thereabouts, but usually cramp puts an end to his chances but sooner or later the big Carramore man will have to get a result. Joe Marrey 4/1

Group 5: This group is full of unknowns, Janis is out as he is away, Padraic Hughes has not been seen much in the last few weeks, JJ Flaherty has also been quite of late and is away till Saturday morning,  Jerry Towey might surprise but Maam Trasna will not suit him, Brendan Butler is in great form but if the group is small may find it hard to catch the goups in front. Brendan Butler 9/1

Group 6: Sean O Malley who has been the best racer in the club this season with a string of great results all year, his 3^rd overall at the Bogman 2 day probably his best against sterling competition. He will start at the back of the field by himself, this should not deter him as he is a great TT rider but having to race the Connacht Hill climb champs early that morning may deaden the legs a bit. He also has to get catch and then get rid of everyone else if he is to win the champs outright, this is easier said that done as there are some champion wheel suckers taking part.

Others: Until the race starts there could be the likes of Michael Gilvarry, Donal Harrington, Mark Quigley, Kevin Ryan any of these men are well capable of taking the title.

On the way up over Maumtrasna
Over 300 cyclists took part in Westportif a leisure Cycle route covering an 80km & 160km via Louisburgh Doolough, Leenaun, Maam Cross, Tourmakeady and back to Westport. Proceeds from the cycle were in aid of Pieta House.
Pic Conor McKeown

The Ladies

In the ladies section it looks to be a straight battle between Patricia Harte and Leenane’s Monic Nee or maybe Kathleen Gibbons Partry might spring a surprise but with Marie Fraser Ballinrobe, Ann Flynn Hollymount and  Moya Gibbons Partry  getting a head start anything can happen, we have a ladies Champions cup so all to play for.

Like all racing events it’s not always the strongest that wins but the person who wants it most and who is willing to suffer gets the plaudits.

Prize presentation:

The league and championship prize giving will take place at Inch’s bar from 8.30pm so we hope all club members will make a special effort to attend, if nothing else it should be good banter hearing about all the racers trails and tribulations.

Seeding table below.