The Orwell trackies of Daniel McElroy, David Swift and Conor Murnane were out in Sundrive competing in the Duane Delaney Memorial on Saturday, but it was Seán Murnane who took the overall honours! He shares his experience of the day below, with a few additions from McElroy.

Duane Delaney Memorial

Seán Murnane

I was in action last weekend at the Duane Delaney. Different to most track races you compete against riders of similar ability and accumulate points. Your total points in all events calculate the overall result. I had not been on the track yet this year so was unsure how well I would perform. My legs felt strong after Mondello but I was still nervous about my form.

Fionn Sheridan was head commissaire on the day, despite his foot injury. He helped with tactics and equipment choice. Jen Sheridan was also on hand helping out with sign on, taking placings and timing. Racing started with a flying 200m. Conor Murnane got off to a good start coming 2nd in his B category. I got a new PB and after others had been upgraded to other categories won the C category. David Swift was racing in a very competitive A category and almost held on for a top four in the scratch race after being recently promoted from the Bs.

Sean starting the 200m

Next race the kilo a fast sharp effort. I was marking all the moves knowing I could count on my sprint. With 200 to go I accelerated on the outside of the track and passed two riders on the home straight to take the win. Daniel McElroy was on the wrong end of a very close sprint for places 1-3 in his kilo.

A scratch race followed, at 12 laps it was the longest race but still relatively short. After a few laps at a leisurely pace the attacks started. Being my best race and knowing a 500m TT was next (my weakest race) I would need to win to have some breathing space. Not wanting to do too much work I took the risk of looking to others to chase the break. It paid off when I had the energy to take another sprint win.

The top eight in each category qualified for the 500m TT. I needed to finish in the top three to ensure the win overall. After motivational speaking from fellow Orwells and a good warm up I was ready. Fionn was operating the starting gate. My start was fine but I never got on top of the gear yet still finished second.

Conor in the Scratch race

It was a great day and it was good to get my first open race win under the belt. Conor came second in the B category and was delighted.

Orwell's Track Riders last weekend

Duane Delaney Memorial, Sundrive (13/6/15)

1 Seán Murnane (Orwell Wheelers) U16 31pts
2 Sarah Gunn (Sundrive Track Team) 29pts
3 Shenna McKivergan (Banbridge) 29pts

Full results available at www.trackcycling.ie