Orwell’s women’s membership will be represented at the 24th annual running of the three-day event by a six rider team combining experience and developing talent. Super vet Orla Hendron has set national records on track and road time trial this season and will be using the event as preparation for next month’s World Masters Track championships in Lisbon.
European Masters track medallist Aideen Collard is also looking forward to Portugal and after a fine season on the road which included joint leadership of the National League at one point, will be looking forward to the four challenging stages in County Kerry next weekend.
The rest of the squad will be making their debuts in Rás na mBan.
Sandra Telford has had a stellar first full season of road racing, honing a powerful finishing kick in a series of strong results in the Orwell, Bray and Swords leagues.
Ciara Kinch has also emerged a strong road racer with third overall in the IVCA Two day stage race and a fine fifth place in the Women’s National League event in Emyvale.
Eilis Connery’s stunning medal performance in the World Duathlon Championships last weekend suggests that any road racing experience deficit will be amply compensated by athletic ability in Kerry.
The final member of the sextet is guest rider Catherine Devitt of Bray Wheelers, a strong hill runner and mountaineer who has shown well in her road racing debut season.
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