Cliften Kings take the Crowns in Hollymount
The second round of the WLCC club league was held in Hollymount on Friday night last, the local riders did not know what to expect when a van load of 12 Bens riders showed up, led by A1 racer JJ Flaherty, one suspects they did a lot of spinning over the winter. Never the less the assembled riders were split in to groups with John King the eldest of the out of townees in the first group with an 8 minute advantage. There was a fierce stiff breeze blowing but the roads were dry. John King took off like a cut cat and had dropped his companions by the end of Roundfort, if he kept that pace up he would be hard caught. Scoop who has retired from racing to work at lead car driving and commentary could hardly keep up.
The rest of the groups set off in to the side head wind, at such a pace that a few were dropped at the top of the village. The next group set away and local favorite Noel Jennings in this group with a eye on the top prize.
The scratch group and John Gill was under pressure the win his local race, another favorite John O Holleran retired after a few KM with the red engine light badly flashing.
After the first lap John King had a commanding lead followed by Anne Flynn (Stagg), Dave Connolly another local favorite pulled out due to engine management system failure.
The scratch group caught the next group after the first lap in the village of Hollymount and this group held together for most of the next lap. Anthony O Toole, Tomas Hughes and Noel Jennings doing well to stick the pace.
The marshals waited in holly and were doing a great job and expected a bunch sprint at the finish, when the lone figure of John King rounded the corner in Hollymount to secure the top spot on the podium and full points, the next group around the corner was made up of Hollymount and Cliften lads and the two Cliften lads showed a clean set of cleats to the local lads and filled the remaining places on the podium. It looks like the handicapper was well and truly hood- winked. The Cliften lads spoiled the local party but this is bike racing.
There was tea and food in the village hall afterwards and prize giving. Special thanks to Anne Flynn who made the Chocolate Biscuit cake, it was worth all the cycling torture for this cake.
Once again thanks to all the locals who worked at sigh on, road marshals and drivers, without these hard workers the events can’t take place.
After the points are added up for the two rounds it looks like Hollymount man Ollie Kelly is leading the league with Anthony O Toole, Conor Gill, Sarah Canny and Aiden Flynn filling out the Top 5 placings.
The next round of the WLCC league will take place in Tullycross on July the 26TH, keep an eye on FB for details, hopefully the South Mayo lads can return the favor to the Galway lads.
Last round of Western Covey League July 6th
Thursday July 6th is the final round of the Western Covey league.
Sign on at Partry soccer club from 6.30pm, first group off at 7.15pm, the route is 5.5 laps of the Srah circuit. (45k)
The club need to get as many members out as possible to have a chance of winning the league and team prize.
Prize giving afterwards in the Village Inn Partry.
Here is the Overall after Rd 2
| Position | Name | Club | Total |
| 1 | Anthony O’Toole | WLCC | 48 |
| 1 | Niall McLaughlin | Covey | 48 |
| 2 | Lorraine Mulchrone | Covey | 44 |
| 3 | David McDermott | WLCC | 34 |
| 4 | John O Halloran | WLCC | 33 |
| 5 | Mike Kelly | WLCC | 32 |
| 5 | Liam O’Suillibhean | Covey | 32 |
| 6 | Noel Mulroy | Covey | 31 |
| 7 | Eoghan Carr | Covey | 29 |
| 7 | Mike Flynn | Covey | 29 |
| 8 | Keith Mulroy | Covey | 25 |
| 9 | Colin Loughrey | WLCC | 22 |
| 10 | Martin Jennings | WLCC | 21 |
| 10 | Yannick Scheerer | Covey | 21 |
| 10 | Robert Coakley | Covey | 21 |
| 11 | Noel Gibbons | WLCC | 20 |
| 11 | Eammon Marrey | WLCC | 20 |
| 11 | Brian Glavey | Covey | 20 |
| 11 | Aidan Gill | Covey | 20 |
| 11 | Sean O Malley | WLCC | 20 |
| 11 | Philip Staunton | WLCC | 20 |
| 12 | Neill Wilson | WLCC | 18 |
| 13 | Paul Feeney | WLCC | 16 |
| 14 | Shane Gilligan | WLCC | 12 |
| 15 | Anthony Murray | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Padraic Furlong | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Noel Jennings | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Pat Flannery | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Jerry Towey | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Scott Towey | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Padraig Marrey | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | James McGreevy | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Shane Gill | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Martin O’Donnell | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | John Hughes | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Keith O’Connell | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Ryan Scott | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Declan Gallagher | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Joe Moran | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Francis McGreal | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Darren Foy | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Walter Lyons | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Patricia Harte | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Keith Hastings | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Karen Regan | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | David Conway | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | Yanis Blinov | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Mark Gannon | Covey | 10 |
| 15 | David Connolly | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Mark Kelly | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | John Murphy | WLCC | 10 |
| 15 | Tom Hughes | WLCC | 10 |
Western Lakes Cycling Club Report 23-06-2017
Lesiure and MTB Reports
Hi Folks, we are slap bang in the middle of Sportif season and there are a great number of events around the area and in the west. A good few members took part in the Explore Mayo and Cornamona 50 mile cycles in recent weeks.
The Great Lakes Sportif take place this Sunday the 25th of June, starting in the cycle center at 09.00. Its €20 to enter and proceeds will go to the Order of Malta who provide great cover for all our events and races in the west. If all members could attend it would make it a good day out, we will keep the group together for the first half of the event if traffic permits.
The Ladies Sportif will take place in the coming weeks so like and share the poster on Facebook to all local clubs. https://www.facebook.com/WLCC-Ladies-Sportive-797159530403528/
Racing Report
Well its back to the local scene for Sean o Malley after his heroics in the RAS in recent weeks, Sean even managed the break in the final stage in to Skerries and his name was heard over Radio Tour, Chapeau to SOM in his great efforts.
The Galway Bay Criturium took place over the last weekend and WLCC had a few podiums and a great 2nd place for Gerry Towey son Scott Towey in the under U12 race, a budding racer in the making like his dad eh, who himself came 5th in the A4 category.
The Mayo league is coming to the last few races and round 7 took place in Ballyhaunis on Wednesday night. Seanie O Malley is leading the proceedings and will look for a few club members for help him in maintaining his lead in the league.
As it happened WLCC had two members on the podium, with Tom Hughes and Anthony O Toole taking 2nd and 3rd place. Tom a budding club racer form the fields of Hollymount, a part of the Hollymount Wheelers group, young Tom’s racing career is finally taking off. Sprint King Anthony O Toole is also a A4 in the making.
The Hollymount round of the WLCC club takes place on Friday the 30TH of June, this will be two 19km laps of the local area, a great turnout is expected. Keep an eye on FACEBOOK for details of the race.
http://www.strava.com/routes/9263178
#Fullgas
Western Lakes Club League R1 “Robeen”
Marrey makes it two in a row in Robeen
Robeen was the location of the first round of the WLCC club league in which 30 riders togged out. The handicapping was carried out by P.Marrey and the bunch was broke up into five separate groups. The first group consisted of 7 riders with a few new racers in the group Eimear Flannery, Martin McDonald, Sarah Canny and Karen Regan. This group was given 9 minute on G2 and and 12 Mins on G3 14 Mins on G4 and 16 mins on the scratch group. The racing was fast and the first group was down to 4 riders by the end of the first lap. The second and 3rd group joined forces to make a big bunch. By the last few Km’s it looked like the first group would stay away but as they approached Robeen crossroads the big bunch came over the hill. In the last KM Sarah Canny pushed on and Ann Flynn and Dave Connolly tried to fill the podium but in the final 100 meters the bunch caught and passed the group, Padraic Marrey took the sprint to take another victory in the Robeen race, he sure like this circuit,
Special thanks to John Conroy who put on a great race and to all the road marshals and thanks to all the Conroy family who put on a great feed after the race in Fr Paddy House. It sets a hard precedent for the next race directors.
Please see league table and pics in Facebook and on the website
WLCC Summer League 2016 R1 25-05-2017
Western Lakes Summer League 2017
The WLCC Club League consists of 5 races and these are all well handicapped so everyone has a chance to win or finish in the points. Everyone that takes part get 10 points for attendance and this helps to ensure everyone has points on the board. Points will be issued to the first 10 across the line. This league will carter for everyone in the club from beginners to seasoned pros. All safety precautions will be put in place to ensure everyone will be safe. All participants must hold a LC Limited Completion Cycling Ireland license or greater. If you only have only a Lesiure license and wish to take part you can upgrade on the cycling Ireland website. All participants shall have a race number and wear safety helmets.
The Western Lakes Club leagues begins next Wednesday the 24th of May, with the first race in Robeen, the Race Director is John Conroy, this will be a two lap race starting in Robeen. It is a nice course and suitable for all abilities. All participants should wear Club or Group cycling gear, this is a good way to show the club on the road. There will be sign on in Robeen from 6.30 pm and the race starts at 7.30 pm Sharp. There is a 5 euro entry fee and refreshments will be available afterwards.
Check Facebook for updates.
Western Lakes Club League 2017
The WLCC Club League consists of 5 races and these are all well handicapped so everyone has a chance to win or finish in the points. Everyone that takes part get 10 points for attendance and this helps to ensure everyone has points on the board. Points will be issued to the first 10 across the line. This league will carter for everyone in the club from beginners to seasoned pros. All safety precautions will be put in place to ensure everyone will be safe. All participants must hold a LC Limited Completion Cycling Ireland license or greater. If you only have only a Leisure license and wish to take part you can upgrade on the cycling Ireland website. All participants shall have a race number and wear safety helmets.
The Western Lakes Club leagues begins next Wednesday with the first race in Hollymount, this will be a two lap race starting in Hollymount, up through Roundfort, over to Annfield cross, down to Scardawne and back to Hollymount, this is a 38km course.
It is a nice course and suitable for all abilities. All participants should wear Club or Group cycling gear, this is a good way to show the club on the road. There will be sign on in the Hollymount Dressing rooms from 6.30 pm and the race starts at 7.30 pm Sharp. There is a 5 euro entry fee and showers and refreshments will be available afterwards. Check Facebook for updates.
| Date | Race | Race Director |
| 17 May 2017 | Hollymount | Noel Stagg/Dave Connolly |
| 24 May 2017 | Robeen | John Conroy |
| 26 July 2017 | Tullycross | JJ Flatharty |
| 16 August 2017 | Kilmaine | Gerry Sheridan |
| 23 August 2017 | Partry | Noel Gibbons/Philip Staunton |
Western Lakes Cycling Club News 28-04-2017
Leisure and MTB Report
Please see Link to Mayo Day promotional video, proud to be Mayo
Hi all bike fans, the bright evenings are here again. The Club spins are going well. Sportif season will be picking up in the coming weeks. The KM should be increasing now to prepare for longer Sportifs rides.
The cycle for suicide will be passing Ballinrobe on Sunday, please see information below and all support would be appreciated.
Please see extract below form Ken McCarthy emails to all members.
The Annual Cycle Against Suicide (CAS) comes through Ballinrobe on Sunday 30th April.
Taken from the Cycle against Suicide Web page:
“Everyone has some connection with suicide, self-harm or depression. The Cycle Against Suicide movement believes that the best way to help fight the Battle Against Suicide in Ireland is to do it together. Our Mental Health is just like our physical health – it is something we have to be mindful of – and from time to time we have to ask for help – and that is OK. Exercise helps…Talking helps…So together let’s Cycle Against Suicide. Together, shoulder to shoulder, we can Break the Cycle of Suicide on the island of Ireland”
The cycle leaves Castlebar Sunday 30th at 10:30 from St Gerard’s School making its way to Ballinrobe racecourse for 12:00 where there will be a short talk and some refreshments.
Registration in Castlebar on Sunday 30th is between 08:30 and 10:00 in St Gerard’s School .
It would be fantastic if as many people as possible from our club could show their support on the day by either cycling from Castlebar to Ballinrobe (and beyond if you feel up to it).
Or come to Ballinrobe Race course from 11:30 and show your support for the cyclists who are taking part in Cycle Against Suicide.
James Vahey from Ballinrobe is completing all 14 days of this cycle so it would be great if the club and the town could come out in support of this cycle and of James.
If you want to register before the day the link to the Cycle Against Suicide web site is http://www.cycleagainstsuicide.com/cycle-suicide-2017/
We might organise to cycle from Ballinrobe to Castlebar on Sunday morning and join the CAS for their cycle from Castlebar to Ballinrobe..
Racing Report
The racing was in Boohomore last weekend with a few WLCC members taken part, fair play to any one who traveled to the race.
The third round of the Mayo League was held on Wednesday in Ballinrobe, Race Directors Sean O Malley & Martin Joyce put on a great event and all finished safely. Sean o Malley is back from his recent layoff and he is in good form, he made it in to a 6 man break which broke up over Mam Transa to a three man break and he took the sprint, the coverage can be seen on Facebook.
Winner Sean O Malley and his Domestiques
Fair play to all who took part in the race and all that helped out with the driving or did Marshals on the night, these events can’t be held without help from the club members. Brilliant results by all !
#Fullgas
Western Lakes Cycling Report 21-04-2017
Leisure and MTB Report
The Tuesday and Thursday evening spins are gathering pace with the fine evenings we have been having. Please ensure we have members with front and rear lights on the bike and wear Hi-visibility clothing as its gets dusk around 8.30 at the moment.
Great numbers on the Thursday night bunch this week with a good bunch finish outside JJ Burke Garage. It will be Sportif season shortly so lets get out and about on the bikes.
The 3rd round of the Connacht MTB league was held in Moorehall on Easter Sunday. A great turn out by WLCC members with lots of podiums places.
Round 3 of the Connacht MTB League in Moore Hall today!!
Great results by all:
Robert Flannery came 1st in the U10 after an exciting finish.
James English O’Brien came 2nd in the Junior category.
Eimear Flannery came 1st in the Novice Ladies
Sinead Waters came 1st in Sport Ladies
The online shop for Club Gear will be closing on the 23rd of April. Check Facebook for details.
A reminder to all members to get the Cycling Ireland licence and select the LC racing licence so you can take part in the WLCC club league that will be starting shortly.
Racing Report
The final two round of the Western/Covey league have been changed to Thursdays nights to facilitate the Connacht TT league. The dates are Round 2 Thursday 1 June Round 3 Thursday 6 July” Keep an eye on Facebook for details.
Sean o Malley took place in the Ras Muham and did very well in Stage 1 and finished with same time of the winning group. This was good considering the average speed for Stage 1 was 44km per hour. Sean lost time in Stage 2 and retired with tendonitis and drove the last two stages. Good effort, get well soon SOM. Keep an eye on Instagram for his progress.
Training is continuing for WLCC club leagues with all the racers putting in the hours now.
Western Lakes Cycling Club News 07-04-2017
Leisure and Mountain Biking report
The open night for the Leisure group was held in the cycling center on Monday the 3rd, there was a great turn out and well run by Ken McCarty and helpers. The first Tuesday night spin will be held on Tuesday the 11th of April. Keep an eye on club website or Facebook page or Whatsapp group for information on the cycles.
The Cunga Ram cycle will take place from Cong this Saturday the 8th of April leaving Cong Village at 10.00am. The weather is looking good for the weekend so lets get out on the bikes.
The off road crew are still heading out on Tuesdays evenings, fair play the the commitment for the MBT scene. Rumor has it that Sinead Waters will be looking for road race podiums now since she has got new Orbea Orca race bike.
WLCC attended the Twelve Bens Cycling Club opening night in the station house in Cliften last Friday night, there was a great turn out by the all in Cliften. Twelve Bens are a group affiliated to Western Lakes Cycling Club and will be a great addition to the club with about 50 members signed up.
Paul Feeney of Western lakes cycling club with JJ Flaherty of the Twelve Bens Cycling club and John Gill of Hollymount Wheeler’s enjoying the opening night.
Welcome form Paraic Marrey to all in the Twelve Bens Cycling Club
Racing Report
The busy season of road racing has started with the WLCC Time Trial league, this is been organised and held in Hollymount by the Holly Wheeler’s. A great crew turned out for the first night last Saturday the 2nd of April. John Gill took first place with a 30.52 time. Check Facebook for the league table. There will be two more events run throughout the year so plenty of time to improve on those times.
After the open race of the Ras Maigheo, it was time for the domestic league season to kick off with the first round of the Mayo League, a TT race in Swinford which was won by WLCC Sean O Malley.
The first round of the Western/Covey league took place in Partry on Wednesday the 5th of April. There was a great turnout of 40+ riders, check club Facebook pages for results and placings. Round 2 & 3 will be held later in the year. 
Keep her life race fans
#Fullgass
Western Lakes Club News 27-03-2017
Beautiful Weather bike fans
Leisure & MTB Reports
The mid-week spins will commence on Tuesday evening’s for Leisure groups, please check the Facebook page for times dates and routes. These are great spins to start cycling or to improve on the Bike. Please see poster for leisure Information Evening on Monday April 3rd at the cycling centre. Tuesday evening spins will commence on the 11th of April.
Congrats to Sinead Waters who took place in the Mountain Bike Battle on the Beach race in the UK at the weekend. She took the 1st lady home on a 2 lap 28km course. Well done to Sinead.
Also Kudus to all WLCC members who took part in the Westport Spring Duathlon on Saturday
Race Report
The Ras Maigheo took place at the weekend in Westport, with a 3 stage race, John Gill and Janis Blinovs took part in the A2-A3 race. Well done to the lads and they finished well on each stage. There was an A4 race on Sunday and many WLCC lads took part in the race, some of which for the first time in a open road race. The lads did really well and finished in the bunch. It was great to see new young faces on the road racing scene. Noel, Connor, Tom & Mike starting their A4 racing careers.
Congrats to Patricia Harte who won the ladies race on Sunday, she is going from strength to strength.
Congratulation to John O Holleran who finished 2nd in the A4 race, life in those legs yet, showing the young lads how its done. This is a great achievement for sure. Thanks to all who helped out with club car and provided support to the racers.
The Mayo league is starting on Wednesday evening with a 16km time trial, it would be great to see WLCC riders take part in eth Mayo league this year. A 16km TT is achievable by most riders. Check Facebook for details of the races.
Please see details below for Round One (TT) of the Mayo League this Wednesday, March 29th.
Sign on: Amenity Park, Kiltimagh Road, Swinford (adjacent to Tesco)
Sign-on Times: 5.30pm to 6.15pm
(No entries will be taken after 6.15pm)
Please arrive early and remember as this is the first race, please ensure you are in possession of your Cycling Ireland Licence.
Changing and showering Facilities: Amenity Park
Race Time: First rider off at 6.30pm sharp
Route Distance: 16km
Route Details: Starts on the N5 approx 1km east of the Charlestown turn and adjacent to the new link road. The race will proceed east for approximately 7km and then veer left onto the Old Charlestown Road and head towards Carracastle. After approximately 1Km race will go left at Regans pub, travel under the N5 and then veer left again onto slip road and left again onto the N5. The race will finish approximately 500 meter west of the start on the opposite side of the road.
Refreshments and results in Cambell’s public house afterwards.
http://www.westportcc.ie/2017/03/27/mayo-league-round-1-tt-wednesday-march-29th/
The Western/ Covey league starts on Wednesday the 5th of April, sign on in Partry & 18.45. Check Facebook and Website for further details of this league.
#Fullgas