A big day’s racing for Wheelers

National Masters and A3 Road Race Championships

This year Lakeside Wheelers had riders in the A3, M40, M50 and M60 road races which were held just outside Castlebar on an extremely tough hilly course, where a strong headwind also played a huge factor.

In the first race of the day the A3 riders departed Castlebar on a rolling start. Conor T Farrell made it home in a very credible 10th place while Ian Lambden came home in the pack. Ian was heard to comment later: “We don’t have hills like those around Mullingar”, and indeed he was right, as the gradient on this course was by all accounts fairly savage.

The next race, M50, was where the club had most representation with four riders lining out. In the same race last year Brendan (Tosh) Kiernan placed fifth and was hoping to go a few places better this time around.

The race was marred by a crash less than 10km after the start, which put paid to Aidan Daly’s racing. Things were held up until the riders dusted themselves down and after the recommencement of racing the pace was flat out until the end.

Tosh got over the line in seventh place, which considering the talent in this group was a wonderful achievement. There was even better news when it was announced that Lakeside Wheelers won the team prize in this category which each of the riders receiving a medal - a nice memento of their achievements.

Well done to Ronan Bracken, Paul Murtagh, Tosh Kiernan and Aidan Daly.

In the afternoon races we had Mick Walshe and David Lally competing in the M40 race. The M60 Race was the last of the day, and here PJ Carey and Seamus Moran were taking part in Wheelers colours. The wind had by this time picked up, and while it was dry, racing conditions were definitely tougher than in the morning.

A crash during lap one unfortunately involved our own Mick Walshe. We all wish him a speedy recuperation and look forward to having him back out on club spins very soon. Everyone else got back safely with the experience of another national race under their belt.

Well done to everybody who decided months ago to put in the necessary training to be able to compete at a national level in their age category.

And after seeing how well this year’s riders have done there could be even more Wheelers booking their place with a view to getting on the podium in the 2021 Nationals.

Finally, thanks to Billy Cunnane and Moss Keane for their role as rider support in this long but enjoyable day in Co. Mayo.

Saturday D Group Spin, September 12

A large group assembled at O’Brien’s for the regular Saturday spin. It was windy but nice, a little chilly and a gentle reminder that it will not be long before the winter gear will be required.

Under the capable hands of Ulrika and Pat the first group were dispatched heading for Loughnavalley. Tom and myself took charge of the remainder and headed in the same direction.

The route had been pre-arranged and the coffee stop was scheduled for Tuar Ard in Moate. Needless to say, Ulrika put the hammer down and her group had most of the fresh scones demolished by the time we arrived.

With both groups refreshed the first group headed home via Horseleap. Our group took the scenic route along the Greenway with a nice breeze in our backs. It is great to see how popular this amenity has become.

All arrived home safely after a very steady 70km. From next week it has been decided that a designated C group will be formed. The very capable Ulrika and Pat will arrange the routes and tea stops.

Regrettably it will no longer be possible for the two Saturday groups to converge on the same place for the customary stop. The success of the Saturday spins and the number turning up has led to this decision. In view of social distancing we are concerned for all of our members and your safety is paramount. Looking forward to seeing one and all next week.