By Aideen Collard
The Orwell Ladies Racing Team was out in numbers for Round 1 of the Joe Daly Cycles & Louis Garneau Women’s National League, kindly hosted by Cuchulain CC in Dundalk last week.
With 40 ladies racing and teams from Lucan CC, Lakeside Wheelers and IRC, the Orwell Ladies Team comprised of twelve riders, eight of whom were making their debut at this level. The Team was very well looked after with a support car and crew, thanks to Ger McNamara and Patrizia Mingardi, which proved invaluable. Aidan Collins of Off Beat Print & Design also kindly provided some super signs for the Team car, which looked great and ensured a real sense of presence at the race.
All the debutantes rode a great race, with almost all finishing in the bunch on a tough 2km draggy finish following 3 laps of the 17km circuit. In particular, Anne Dalton and Eilis Connery did a great job of manning the front of the bunch, marking attacks and getting into breaks. Sinead McBreen went on the attack with Orla Hendron and Joanna Hickey (Earl of Desmond CC). Although Sinead paid a price for her effort when they were brought back , she showed her strength by digging in and getting back onto the bunch for the finish. Sandra Telford and Charlotte MacDonald both demonstrated their sprinting ability finishing well up in the bunch, with Sandra gaining valuable League and Team points. Caroline Martinez, Limerick-based Jeni O’Regan, Johanna Dinn, Patricia Buckley and Rachel Glendon also rode very well, both within the team and the bunch. Although the race was a steep learning curve for some as they contended with the attacks and consequent changes in speed and close bunch-handling, all were agreed that it had been their best race ever and they couldn’t wait for the next one!
Gillian McDarby (IRC) won the race with Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC) 2nd, Roisin Kennedy & Sandra Fitzgerald of Lucan CC in 3rd & 5th places, Mandie Collie (Team Basso) 4th, Orla Hendron 6th, Aideen Collard 7th and Sandra Telford in 8th place. With points for the top 10 riders, Team Orwell are now very well-placed both in the League and the Team Prize standings going into Round 2 in Drogheda this Sunday, where team tactics will surely come into play. With many riders who began in the Orwell Crit League last year racing the Womens National League this year, it is very heartening to have so many stepping up to this level. It is hoped that the Orwell Ladies Racing Team will provide invaluable experience and support to all involved, especially those seeking selection for Provincial and National squads.
Photos thanks to and copyright of Amy-Norah Farrell
