Last night saw thirty five of the fifty registered riders turn up to Corkagh Park for Round 2 of the Scott Orwell Wheelers Women's Crit League. The participants were greeted with a biting cold wind and apart from a brave few, there was a general consensus that it was not a day to ditch the leg warmers and get the legs out!
B Race
First off the starting blocks was the B- (B minus) group, who were given a 30 second head start on the remainder of the B’s. Once in motion, a steady pace ensued in both groups with the B’s not catching the B- group for quite some time. A promising junior rider from Scott Orwell - Annie Roche (B-) held her own out front for much of the race. A well deserved acknowledgment is due to two newcomers to the B group - Grainne Hanley and Aoife Hussey, who braved the elements and gave it socks in what were tough racing conditions – a big well done to you both of you. Once the B group caught the B-.
Agnieszka Samsel from Clontarf CC put in a very strong performance to take the win in style, followed by a speedy Sinead Molloy from Tullamore CC. In 3 rd place there was a closely contested battle between Susan Fagan of Clontarf CC and Julie Egan (Naas CC) – with Susan managing to get the edge by half a wheel length. Rounding off the top 6 in the B/B- group were Irene Yeriskin from Sundrive in 5th place and Megan Davenport (Unattached) in a very respectable 6th place.
A Race
For the A race, a similar handicap was given to the A- group with the A riders starting 30 seconds behind. The A- (A minus) group got off to a slower start and were very quickly chased down and caught by the A’s who were flat to the mat from the outset.
The bunch stayed together for a few laps before splintering into smaller groups with Catherine McAteer, Katie Earlie, Jennifer Bates and Orla Walsh eventually breaking free from the A- chain gang. The second group of five A- riders worked together to hold the gap at half a lap for the remainder of the race. In the front bunch, there were attacks by Jennifer, and then Katie until the duo eventually broke free and looked like they might stay away. Catherine had other ideas however and launched a chase at the end of the finish hill to reel them in.
The trio stayed away for the remainder of the race with Orla putting in a strong solo stint to stay away from the fast finishing second group of five. A sprint for the line from the leading trio saw Kate Earlie claim first place (St. Tiernan’s CC), closely followed by Catherine McAteer of Garda CC and Jennifer Bates of Clondalkin CC with fourth place going to Orla Walsh of Scott Orwell. In the chasing bunch, Rosy Temple (Scott Orwell) put in a very impressive sprint on the last lap to pick up 5th place with Beata Golczac (Arcane Cycling Team) closing off the point scorers in 6th place.
Wrap Up
Full Results and Current League Standings are available on the Scott Orwell Womens Crit League Rd. 2 Forum Post.
As always, a big thank you to the organising team from all the riders. To Eddie Lynch for the impeccable timing and general race organising. Yvonne Doran for being an excellent Director General of the league to date. Louise Keane for her support with generally everything - pouring the tay, cheering, filling in the blanks for this report and updating the FB page. Emily Brick for setting up the scoring system. Gen Sheridan for the lovely baked muffins and hang sangwiges. Luke GJ for his video and interesting discussion on the wearing of mesh vests in the modern male cyclist. A thank you also due to the photographers - Brendan Culleton, John Hammer and Brendan of Arcane Cycling who braved the freezing wind to stand and take pictures of the ladies in all their grimacing glory!
Photo Albums
A belated Happy Birthday to Jennifer who showcased the shiny Birthday Bike on the track last night. A special mention also to the rider who having finished her race and celebrated with the customary cup of tea, bun and chats, was about to head off home - when her supportive other half suggested that getting back on the bike and continuing training on the track was a more reasonable alternative.......and chapeau to her because that is exactly what she did.....!!
Well done to both groups for some great racing – all placings closely contested which will make it a very exciting league over the next 4 weeks.
