Orwell's own Trish Buckley scored a superb solo victory in the inaugural Costa Autumn Classic in Moynalvey, Co Meath. It was a storming ride and a great culmination to a season where she's gone from strength to strength and emerged as one of the top riders in the domestic scene.

The Dublin based Kerrywoman held off the chasing bunch led in by Amy Brice of Phoenix CC at the end of three laps totalling 70km of a rolling circuit near Summerhill.

With a rare opportunity to race as part of a stand alone women's road race event and many riders still in fine form following An Post Rás na mBan last week, there was plenty of interest in the Costa Coffee supported race on the Dorey's Forge circuit.

Sandra Telford attacked fiercely from the gun, but was closed down. Then Charlotte McDonald and Buckley attacked together, following team instructions. As they were brought back the first significant break was initiated by Monica Marconi (Henry J Lyons) and Orla Hendron. Anne Dalton and Michelle Geoghegan bridged up to them the first time over Dorey's Forge, allowing Anne to begin working away with Orla out front. The group stretched their lead to 30 seconds before the chasing group neutralised the move on lap two.

Following the lead of their clubmates, Telford and Buckley were in the next move that stuck after a sustained period of attacking. Telford and Buckley rode hard up and overs, and opened up a lead of just over a minute going out on the final 23km lap.

While Telford, with little racing recently, dropped off the pace, Buckley raced on, her form nicely honed having finished 24th overall and fourth in the County Rider Classification in Rás na mBan last week.

The group behind tried to co-ordinate a late chase, but Buckley had enough in hand to claim victory with just under half a minute to spare.

Fair play to all the girls for having the confidence in themselves and their team mates to follow a plan to the letter. Big thanks to Eddie Lynch for hatching a plan for the race and Ronnie Brannigan for providing sterling support in the team car.

It's been a great year for women's cycling at the club and much credit should go to Aideen Collard, who's done a massive amount of work to develop the women's section of the club. She's brought so many women into the sport and worked very hard to put on races that allow newcomers gain the experience and confidence to progress to racing at a national level.

The event organisers were eager to express their gratitude afterwards to Costa Coffee and Orla McEvoy of the Women's Commission, Shanks Mare Pub along with Chief Commissaire Gary McIlroy, the local Civil Defense Corps, Brendan Culleton for his photography service and all the volunteer marshals who made the event possible.

Results

1. Trish Buckley (DTC Orwell Wheelers)
2. Amy Brice (Phoenix CC)
3. Fiona Guihen (Navan RC)
4. Hayley Priestly (U16) (La Lantern Rouge CC)
5. Michelle Geogeghan (Steeds Vooran)
6. Caroline Conway (Usher Irish Road Club)

1st Vet Vanessa Fenton (3D TC)
1st Junior Hayley Priestly (La Lantern Rouge CC)