Last week saw the dominance of the Sunday morning ride as many racing members rested in advance of Sunday racing. Thirteen riders comprised from both leisure and faster groups rode north through Borrisokane and on towards Portumna. The leisure group headed left for Terrglass and back toward Neangh via the testing road to Templederry and Puckane which also provided opportunity for some on-the-road mentoring. The faster group continued their ride onto Portumna before looping back along the same route to Nenagh.
On Sunday, the club was represented at the inaugural ‘Deenside Cup’ open road race in Castlecomer – a short distance north of Kilkenny. Dan Hogan sprinted well in the 105km, 3 lap circuit of the A3 race to finish strongly despite a testing climb. Brian O’Neill, Kevin Byrne and David Kyle did equally well in the 70km A4 route (2 laps) securing top 20 positions. Dan anticipated the fast pace of the A3 race from the start, whereas Brian O’Neill noted that the pace of the A4 race picked up at the base of the first of two repeat climbs and continued to the end. Both Brian and David stayed with the bunch before a group of about 15 riders opened a gap of about 100 meters which was difficult to close before both riders took lead of the second group home and all finished comfortably. Well done to Pat Bergin who took his second victory in club racing this year – a 27km roadrace between the Roundhill Pub and Silvermines via the Fivealley Roundabout. All club race results and league standings are available on the club website.
Club training and leisure rides continue this week – Tuesday 6pm from Moynan’s Bike Shop, Nenagh; 9am Saturday from Woodies Car Park (Streame retail park) for the race training ride; and 9am on Sunday from Moynan’s for both the leisure and faster rides. Club members are asked to support these rides.
There will be no club race this week. Instead, there will be a training ride details of which will be posted on club facebook. For further details of the club events, training rides or for any comments then please contact Pat Bergin on 087 6744400 or email info@northtippwheelers.com
