News

Riders battled the heat in the streets of Limerick City this weekend as Greenmount Cycling Academy hosted the Criterium National Championships.

With temperatures of over 20 degrees from early in the day, a tight course with cobble sections, the day provided a tough challenge but produced fantastic racing throughout the day.

It was two Ulster riders came out on top – as Aine Doherty and Dean Harvey secured the national champion jerseys.

Doherty was in a break of four from the start of the women’s Elite race, which was quickly whittled down to two. The three riders fought hard but stuck together for the 35 minute plus five lap race. A sprint for the line saw Doherty edge out Westport Covey Wheelers’ Abi Conway, as host club rider Gabrielle Fox from Greenmount took third.

The Open race saw a blistering pace from the start, with a large field splintering into smaller groups. Coming into the final 5 laps, eight riders made up the leading group, which further splintered towards the end. A crash coming into the final turn saw Leo Doyle from Atom 6 Bikes – Decca Continental Team have his hopes dashed, as Dean Harvey powered up the final short incline to the line. The Martigues SC ride was followed by Jack B Murphy of Kilcullen in second, and Moynalty’s Luke Smith in third. JEGG-DJR Academy rider Max Fitzgerald was the highest place junior, taking 6th.

The non-championship Masters race saw Greenmount’s own Keith Walsh take top spot, followed by Spellman-Dublin Port rider Stephen Hanna in second and Burren CC’s Alan Brigdale in third.

Dan Morrissey Pissei Rider Tom Lane took an early lead in the U16 support race, and powered to the win ahead of Dungarvan’s Tony Kenneally and Fermoy’s Shane O’Brien in second and third respectively.

The large traveling contingent from Sliabh Luachra were delighted to see their own Ethan Real take the win in the U14 support race, as he beat out Cullen Murphy from O’Leary Stone Kanturk in second, and Breffni Wheelers’ Ava Baker in third. The trio worked hard together, putting in a strong performance to break from the next group of four riders – all from Sliabh Luachra.

Greenmount’s Nuadha Walsh took the win in the U12 support race, ahead of Sliabh Luachra’s George Cleverly in second, and Breffni Wheelers’ Nathan Baker in third.

A full list of results is available can be found HERE.