Lakeside Wheelers host Mullingar Grand Prix with over 140 participating
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Christopher Cox and Katie Bailey from Multyfarnham came out to watch the race. Thomas GibbonsImage 2 of 8
Paul Murtagh, Seamus Killian and Seamus Moran from Lakeside Wheelers. Thomas GibbonsImage 3 of 8
The start of the A1 and A2 race. Thomas GibbonsImage 4 of 8
Mick Butler and Paula Connolly were stewards on Sunday. Thomas GibbonsImage 5 of 8
Daire Feeley from the All Human VeloRevolution team was leading the race after the first lap. Thomas GibbonsImage 6 of 8
Brendan Kiernan on Sunday in Multyfarnham. Thomas GibbonsImage 7 of 8
Seamus Moran leading the group on Sunday morning. Thomas GibbonsImage 8 of 8
Caoimhe O’Brien and Becky Woods on Sunday. Thomas GibbonsLakeside Wheelers once again hosted the Mullingar Grand Prix with more than 140 cyclists from all over the country taking part on a beautiful sunny Sunday.
The course was the usual tried and trusted one; starting in the village of Multyfarnham, the riders headed east towards Crookedwood.
They then headed north and took the hilly drag up to Whitehall and on onto Castlepollard. From there they turned west past Tullynally Castle towards Coole, where they turned south across the bog back into Multyfarnham.
The total distance added up to a 34 kms circuit with over 180 metres climbing all-in.
There were three races on the day: A1/A2 , or as they are known, the 'big boys', who completed 4 circuits. The A3 race consisted of 3 laps, and finally the A4 race which comprised 2 laps.
The latter circuit circumnavigates Lough Derravaragh and with the heat of the day in the mid-twenties and average speeds of up to 45 kph, many of the cyclists would not have minded taking a dip to cool down after their endeavours.
Results
A1 race was won by Daire Feeley from All human VeloRevolution Cycling Team, who broke away on the first lap and stayed away all race. Aaron Wade of Team U Cube was second, with Gareth O Neill (Caldwell Cycles) in third position.
Roadman CC's Charlie Holt won the A2 race with Longford CC's Shane Quinn in second place and Alan Mackey of Spin II CC in third. Lakeside Wheelers CC's own Stuart Cox featured well in A1/A2 race in the bunch.
Patrick Ennis won the A3 race with James O’Rourke (SSCC) in second place and Tony Barnes of South East CC in third place. Brendan (Tosh) Kiernan of Lakeside Wheelers CC finished in an excellent fifth place in the race, taking the bunch sprint, with Lakeside Wheelers' Richie Lenihan and Ian Lambden also showing well in the peloton.
Daire Farrell of Swords CC won the A4 race with Michael Cafferkey of the host side in a superb second place, pipped by a tyre width on the line, with Robert Bowen of St Tiernans CC in third place. Lakeside Wheelers' Shane Grace finished in an excellent eight position in the race with Paul Murtagh, Seamus Killian, Seamus Moran and Moss Keane not far behind in the main group.
Lakeside Wheelers have shared their thanks to the cyclists who participated and to the committee from Lakeside Wheelers who organised and ran the thoroughly professional event.
"We wish to thank Grange Motors for sponsoring the races and Kenny’s Koal Cabin for providing the finishing line facilities. We would also like to thank Multyfarnham Community Centre for once again providing an excellent base for the races."
"Many thanks to the Gardai, Westmeath County Council and the Civil Defence for their logistical support. Also hats off once again to Donie Kelleher for his excellent photography on the day."