The second National Single Grade race took place yesterday, as Sliabh Luachra hosted the Sliabh Luachra Clasaici in Knocknagree, Co. Cork.
The Women’s Sliabh Luachra Classic and C3 John Fleming Cup were off first, with both races taking in two laps of the circuit. The Women’s race played out as a tight affair, with the top three riders coming to the line together, with fourth placed rider Stella Smith just seven seconds behind the podium riders. Team On Form rider Mia Smith ultimately took the win, with Longcourt Hotel – NCW Wheelers’ Ellen Ni Cleirigh in second and Panduit Carrick Wheelers’ Amy Kinsella third. Dungarvan’s Ami Flavin was the highest placed Junior, taking fifth.
The C3 race saw a substantial field take to the start, and was ultimately won by Junior Tony Kenneally, with the Dungarvan man taking the win just ahead of O’Leary Stone Kanturk rider Stephen Gillman and fellow junior, Orwell’s Matthew Lane in second and third respectively.
The C2 Willie Reen Cup took in five laps, and saw Dan Morrissey Pissei’s M50 rider Dermot Radford blow off three strong Junior riders to take the win. The three Juniors were left to dice it out for the remaining podium places, and the battle ultimately saw Newcastle West’s Diarmuid Collins take second ahead of teammate John O’Mahony in third, while Kanturk’s Kristupas Martinkus had to settle for fourth.
The six-lap, 94km C1 race for the Denis Sheehan Cup resulted in a late on five-way battle. Orwell’s Evan Keane took top spot in the end, with Con Scully, riding for Dan Morrissey Pissei taking second and Eoin Clifford, of VeloRevolution / Speed Queen third. Rory Condon and Paul Kennedy had to settle for fourth and fifth respectively, just behind the top three.
Full results from all races are available HERE.
National Single Grade racing stays in Munster with Blarney hosting the Donal Crowley and Kay Stratton Memorials on Sunday, March 15th. Entries can be found HERE.
