The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated races of the year – the National Championships. People are travelling from all over the world to Sligo for the Road Race and Time Trial Championships.
Both defending champions will be back in town, and the rising standard in women’s cycling should add to the excitement. Both courses are relatively flat, which means that the National Championships is suitable for women of all abilities. Last year’s Road Race was attended by record numbers, and we are hoping to build on that this year.
Already over 30 women have confirmed attendance in the Road Race, including 2009 Champion, Heather Wilson, and multiple National Champion winners Siobhan Dervan and Geraldine Gill. While the entries haven’t yet closed, we urge you all to enter as soon as possible, as only those who have pre-registered can race. We have over 100 full competition holders so it would be great to see a few more of you riding. The official website and details are HERE.
Following the successful attendances at the Orwell and Bray Wheeler women’s leagues, we are hoping for strong representation from these clubs. Orwell Wheelers have more than 50 women in their club, so we are hoping to see more of the Dundrum girls on the start line. It is one of the only races where beginners get to line out alongside top International riders.
The Road Race is 80km long to accommodate Junior riders. In order for the Women’s Junior Championships to be considered a full event, we need to build on the numbers attending, so I particularly urge the Juniors out there to enter. Last year’s top Junior, Mary Costelloe, will be back again, racing as a senior. Mary won the senior bronze medal last year. This year we have a few talented Juniors racing, like Aisling Fitzpatrick, Fiona Guihan and Heather Beirne.
Last year’s Time Trial champion and silver medallist in the Road Race, Olivia Dillon, will be back in action, and bound to impress once again. The Mayo woman has been based in California in recent years, and has represented Ireland in the TT at the World Championships for the past few years. Olivia is aiming for a hat trick – going for her third national title in a row. However, she will have to beat tough competition from Heather Wilson (last year’s silver medallist) and Orla Hendron who was squeezed out of the medals in 2009. Caroline Ryan and Jennifer O Reilly are also looking to impress, following their recent venture into world class road racing in Holland, last weekend.
It’s great to see former international rider, Louise Moriarty, on the start line again, along with her 2003 teammate at the world B Championships, Gillian McDarby. Chairwoman of the women’s commission, Valerie Considine, will also be lining out, and has been flying this season. Following last Saturday’s Dublin City Crit, it is evident that Fiona Meade, Wendy Bates and Joanna Hickey are in form, and relentless attacks are expected. Ulster girl, Claire Dallat, has made the long journey back to Ireland to race the Nationals also, and guaranteed to be out to stamp her mark on the title, but she will have her work cut out for her. Local rider Collette Hennigan will have the support of the locals, flying the flag for Innisfree Wheelers.
We are very sorry to hear that Lucan’s Roisin Kennedy will not be at the start line, for the first time in many years. Roisin is revovering from a punctured lung, and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Bring on the racing….
