Louis Garneau Joe Daly Cycles Women’s National League Round 4
Emyvale, co. Monaghan - Sunday 22 May 2011
Emyvale was the venue for the 4th round of the ever popular Louis Garneau Joe Daly Cycles Women’s National League. Although missing a number of women on Ras duty there was still a great showing of over 20 women including former National Champion and previous winner of this race Heather Wilson. Fiona Meade, last year's bronze medallist in the Nationals, had also made the long trip up from Cork. And so with other notables such as world class para pilot Fran Meehan, it had all the makings of a tough day at the races.
Round 4 of the Women's National League
How it unfolded
Sandra Fitzgerald was wearing the pink leader's jersey taking over the lead from Geraldine Gill after last weekend's race in Bohermeen. Sandra wasn’t about to rest on her laurels and after a flurry of attacks, notably from Fiona Meade and Francine Meehan, Sandra launched her attack with only Heather Wilson recovered enough to bridge over to her.
This duo were a formidable force and soon built up a sizeable lead with the rest of the bunch attacking each other and trying to bridge across. When it became obvious no one was going to be allowed to cross on their own, a concerted effort to reel the two leaders in developed, but in the windy conditions this relatively flat course became more difficult and it took some time before they were eventually hauled in.
Caroline Conway of Usher had the bad luck to puncture just before the catch so now the lead group was seven and with a strong group chasing, the leaders still had to plough on. Although there were a few attempts to leave the group on the fast section with the wind behind, it wasn’t until the last 7 or 8 kilometres that the lead group was split. Orla Hendron of Orwell attacked just before the sharp left-hander onto the fast section leading to the run to home with Heather Wilson and Fiona Meade bridging across to her. These three worked hard together and opened up a decent gap to stay away from a strong chasing group of Mandy Collie, Julie Mulligan and Tonya Moran. At the finish Heather took the win from Fiona with Orla claiming third to record her best placing for the league to date. Sandra holds on to her pink jersey by coming in 4th and team-mate Roisin Kennedy must be moving up the rankings with her fine 5th. Fran Meehan took the final prize of the day in 6th place.
Once again, Mickey McKenna and his team put on a great day with a very safe and well marshalled course. Emyvale CC will host this year's National Championship so if you would like to show your appreciation for their support of women’s cycling over the years, please come out and enter the National Championships. This year it is to be run over two days for the women: the TT on Thursday evening the 23rd of June and the Road Race on Saturday morning the 25th of June at 11am.
Many thanks to Emyvale CC for a fantastic day and awarding prizes in depth.
Full results
1. Heather Wilson (MaryLand Wheelers)
2. Fiona Meade (St Finbars)
3. Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers)
4. Sandra Fitzgerald (Lucan CC)
5. Roisin Kennedy (Lucan CC)
6. Francine Meehan (Tullamore CC)
7. Ciara Kinch (Orwell Wheelers)
8. Monica Marconi (Henry J Lyons and Partners)
