Opening Weekend of Racing

Last weekend saw the start of the racing season for most of our clubs racing members. First up was a trip to Dublin on Saturday for Sean O'Malley where he took part in an event hosted by the Dublin wheelers. A handicapped race over 87km. It didn't take long for the break to establish but on this occasion Sean didn't make the break and crossed the line in the bunch.

Sunday saw three of our riders in Navan, racing at the Seamus Kennedy cup. Again Sean had the numbers pinned, and had club members Janis Blinovs and Ainars Maskalans for company. 115k of racing which went out hard from the gun. When the break away went up the road, there was
a lot of attacking in the chasing bunch, and this is where Sean finished, about a minute back from the leaders with Janis crossing the line shortly after. In the A3 race Ainars had a good day just finishing outside the top 10 in a chasing bunch of 15.

Also on Sunday Western Lakes were represented in Ràs Maigheo in Westport in the A4 race. Four of our riders took part in a shortened version of the race of 38k. Jerry Towey, Mike Kelly, Mathew Gill and Noel Jennings were all in attendance. With strong headwinds from the start a break was
unable to develop despite Jerry’s best efforts. It wasn’t until the return leg with a tailwind and massive speed two riders got away. The break stuck and crossed the line ahead of a chasing bunch which included Mike, with Mathew and Noel just behind. No podiums this weekend, but a good leg opener to start the season for the lads.