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SEAN KELLY TOUR OF WATERFORD

Brian Kilbride sent in this report. More pics to follow..............

Report on the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.
 
Five riders made a worthwhile visit to Waterford for the second running of what is perhaps the now the premier cyclosportive in Ireland. The event is run on scenic roads through the Comeragh mountains and up four memorable climbs over 160km .

The event is now the largest in Ireland. 2,024 riders did the event and it was strongly backed by Waterford County Council and had Beijing style numbers of workers manning the registration, water stops and food stops . On the morning registration was done in 5 minutes. A mass start of about 1,500 riders insured that you always had a wheel to follow for most of the ride. Food at the feed stops was accessible and surprisingly palatable. Fresh sandwiches and plates of pasta along with bananas and the coup de grace, cola bottles.

At the finish there was again food for everyone with tea, sausages, sandwiches and pasta and brack in the sports hall and there seemed to be 3000-4000 people hanging around and generally savouring the event. To my mind it was the best organised event I have attended here or abroad and if I had to choose one event in Ireland to do next year it would be top of my list.
 
A welcome return for our prodigal son Gar who was in sparkling form. It seems he has been spending plenty of time in the saddle of late and his cycling wasn't too shabby either.  Kevin, myself, Eoin, Dave and a sometime fellow traveller from Limerick CC, Seamus (who has spent many an hour sheltering behind Tiernan's riders) made up the rest of the party and we all did the full trip. A nice flat first 40Km followed by the brute of a trip up Seskin Hill, 2 Km on slopes of 10-20 percent. We were happy that it came early in the day otherwise more would have been walking up - no Tiernan's men can I clarify. Then along rolling roads above the Suir on the way to the first feed stop in Clonmel. A few of us needed the service vehicles for tubes and running repairs and then we were off again for the Nire Valley again on beautiful quiet roads to the Nire Valley and then up a lovely 5 percent steady climb for 8 km to Powers the Pot where we were rewarded with a view over Waterford and Cork. A nice descent to the feed station at Rathgormack where, fortunately, the only shower of the day passed over while we were refuelling. On then along the base of the mountains knowing that the ascent to Mahon Falls was awaiting  us . Roughly 6 Km at 5-10 percent and then the final gruesome kick in the teeth over the last 300m which had the overexuberant cramping up. There was a general regrouping and after 10 minutes we were finally able to speak to each other again. A tricky descent with certain riders recreating the antics of that South African chap coming off the Restefond this summer with their aggressive attacking into gravel strewn corners. Thankfully nothing other than pride was dented.
The final climb of the day came with 135kms in our legs and a nice 5 % drag up 5 Km of the Maum before a nice reward of a fast descent into Dungarvan. The last 15 km were done in 18 minutes and were a real buzz . The trip down along the harbour through the town and around the coast gave us a chance to savour the day.

A 160 km spin in a little over 6 hours for an average speed of 26kmph left you tired but not destroyed and could be comfortably done without relying on too much extra training other than a few long Saturday spins in the preceding weeks to get the stamina up. The climbs while having tough sections were not long enough to have anyone in real difficulty.
A big congratulations to Eoin who lost his cherry with his first imperial century.  The rest of us were also pleased with the trip and hope to make it back for next year.
 
BK

INTER-CLUB LEAGUE - TEAM TIME TRIAL (20th AUGUST)

This week's race was the Team Time Trial. Tiernan's main team consisted of four strong riders; Mark Hughes, Mark Dunne, Alan Killian and Eamon Peregrine. They took 4th on the night against tough opposition.

The updated league results has three of our lads in the top 20 overall.
8th Mark Hughes
15th Mark Dunne
16th Alan Killian

More details to follow.....

IMPORTANT INTERCLUB LEAGUE NOTICES

from the committee

ANDRE 5th in BELLOWSTOWN GP 

1 Ryan Connor, Ballymena
2 Daniel Kirwan, Stagg Lucan CC
3 Greg Swinand, Usher IRC
4 Fiachra O'Mhuire, Usher IRC
5 Andre Engerman, St. Tiernan's
6 Craig Sweetman, Stamullen M Donnelly

MARK DUNNE IS CLUB 25 MILE TT CHAMPION.

Mark Dunne finished a fantastic 3rd overall in the Inter-Club 25 mile Time Trial Championships and easily claimed the title of St. Tiernan's Club 25TT Champion. Mark posted a time of 56'06" in a hotly contested race. Alan Killian and Brian Kilbride took the next two places on the podium for the St. Tiernan's CC Championships.

St. Tiernan's CC Club 25TT Championships 2008 

Gold - Mark Dunne

Silver - Alan Killian

Bronze - Brian Kilbride 

Overall InterClub 25TT Championships 2008

1 Colm Cassidy Usher 53.07

2 Shane Baker Usher 55.16
3 Mark Dunne Tiernan 56.06
4 Daniel Kirwan Stagg 56.53
5 Robert Lawless Orwell 57.47

6 Brendan Hessman Stagg 57.57

NEW ARRIVAL!!!

Congratulations to Audrey and Mark Hughes on the arrival of their new baby boy. He arrived safely yesterday (Thursday 24th) and weighed in at 7lbs 3oz (similar to his dad's current weight). Mother and son are doing well. 

TUAM ROAD RACE (20th JULY)

Andre Engemann claimed 6th place in the Tuam Road Race. Charles Prendergast (Mayo Wheelers) won the event which was 1 hour plus three laps of a circuit. Andre finished in 6th place to continue his incredible run of results this year.

L'Etape du Tour 2008

by Alan Killian

The stage ahead

I awoke on Thursday morning to find that the Irish weather had not
changed – it was still raining. But it hardly mattered today as I was
leaving for the sunnier climes of France to compete in L’Etape du Tour.
This annual event gives amateur riders a chance to cycle a stage of the
Tour de France.

I was all packed. I had everything necessary for the trip. My bike was
safely packed away in a bike box kindly lent to me by Brian Kilbride.
Every other piece of kit was checked and double checked – shoes, helmet,
bidons, sunglasses – I wanted to get it right for this 169km mountain
stage(slightly longer than the actual Tour stage!).

After a fairly pleasant flight I arrived in Biarritz airport to be met
by our tour organiser Sean O’Leary of Trailseekers, Cork. He quickly
loaded our bikes onto the truck while us riders climbed onto a waiting
coach and began to get acquainted. The friendly bunch, hailing from
various parts of Ireland, and a few from Britain, began to discuss the
course. Starting in the Mid-Pyranean city of Pau, the stage rolled out
fairly flat towards Lourdes at 67km meeting a couple of short but steep
hills. The real climbing, however, started at about 100km where we would
find ourselves on the foothills of the revered Col du Tourmalet. This
20km climb had been the host of much drama over the years in the tour.
Here, a young Eddy Merckx had shown his rivals what he was capable of
back in 1969 where he attacked beginning a 90 mile solo break putting 8
minutes into his nearest rival.

From the top of this, the highest paved road in the French Pyrénées at
2115m, we would decend down the bumpy west side through the towns of
Barèges and Luz-St-Sauveur towards the bottom of the Hautacam, our final
climb of 13km. This, I was to soon discover, would be much tougher than
the Tourmalet.

Sean had chosen our accommodation well. We would stay in the town of
Argelès-Gazost just one kilometre from the bottom of the Hautacam. This
meant that after finishing the event we could simply roll down to the
comfort of our hotels. The rooms at our hotel were comfortable and a
generous continental breakfast as well as an evening meal would be
provided daily.

The Friday of the weekend would provide time to cycle some of the stage.
The plan was to do the Tourmalet, and if you felt like it, you could go
on to tackle the Hautacam aswell. So at about 9am our large group of
about 70 riders set out in a few different groups down the specially
built cycle track to Lourdes – a cycle track, sunny weather and folk who
love and respect cycling – France is the place to be if you like to ride
a bike! From Lourdes, we headed on to Bangères-de-Bigorre where we
stopped for a coffee on the terrace and some snacks to keep us going.
 From there it was onto the Tourmalet. I found this climb long but very
manageable. Once you find your rhythm you can just spin up in
consistently. We stopped for lunch at the top before spinning down
towards the Hautacam. A lot of riders left ahead of me and so I put the
pressure on to catch them. I reached the bottom of the climb and began
the tough ascent. This mountain was a lot more winding and undulating
that the previous one and so it was hard to get a rhythm.


These road signs were on all the major climbs

I thought I’d have caught some of the lads in the group by now but it
seemed like they had gone straight to the comfort of the hotel. I was
finding it very tough towards the end. I turned around to see another
rider coming up behind me. So I stopped for a breather and to let him
catch up. We chatted as we spun up to another ski resort finish.

That evening, I was felling a bit wrecked. I probably should not have
tackled both climbs. But at least I knew what I was in for the following
Sunday. The next day I just spent recovering and walking about town. We
had an early dinner and then prepared our gear as we would rise at 4am
the following morning.

Some of the food and gels that we would need on the day

Our bus ride up to Pau at the start of the stage took about an hour.
Once there, we took our bikes from the truck and went to our assigned
bay from where we would roll out. I was in the sixth one and so would
start over 20 minutes after the first group.

Finally we left off. Not a great day weatherwise with light rain on and
off. Initially, I got onto the wheels of some faster riders, making a
train up the left to pass plenty of slower guys rolling along on the
right. But I was also aware that it would be a long day and so I started
to hang back about 30km in. Again the French were demonstrating their
support of cycling, lining the streets to encourage even us Etape riders
at 8am on a rainy Sunday morning. The initial two short climbs were fine
but I had not taken a lot of food and was a bit worried I would not
reach the food stop soon enough. But after about 67km we arrived at
Lourdes and at our own stop where Sean’s wife and family had the pack we
made ourselves the night before ready for us. I also stopped at the
official food station just around the corner. This was well stacked with
water, sandwiches, cakes, gels and fruit, all of which I shoved into
myself. I was soon back on the road where the gradient was slowly taking
us upward. The rain had finally stopped and so I took off my cape to
reveal my full St. Tiernans team kit - with this boost of morale, I was
ready for the Tourmalet!

Me and a french chap teamed up to get over the Tourmalet

I felt fairly good here and spun up at about 12kph until the second and
final food stop at La Mangie, just a few km before the summit. I stocked
up again quickly and got back on board teaming up with a French chap to
pace each other to the summit. From there we would just roll down to the
final climb. The descent was not so easy though. It was fairly cold and
the misty rain only allowed for 20m of visibility. But I got down and
joined a bunch until we hit the Hautacam where more locals were out to
support us – it felt like we were in the actual Tour, the way they
cheered us on.

I was still feeling good on the Hautacam and began the long spin up this
classic climb. It was made more difficult by an already narrow road
being halved as we has to share the road with riders who had finished
and needed to come back down. About half way up, I looked at my watch
and noticed that if I went hard, I could complete the stage in under
seven hours. I was starting to feel a bit cooked now but tried to keep
the pace up. I was passing some of other riders and this encouraged me
on. I passed the 5km to go sign and was digging deep. The road kept
changing direction as did the gradient. I crossed the cattle grid
knowing that I had only 2km left. I then saw an inflatable over the road
and so I pushed on to what I thought was the finish. But there was a 1km
sign on it. So I gave it one last dig and finally I crossed the line,
exhausted, cold, wet but overall I had had a really enjoyable day. My
watch read 6:59:30, so I had made it within the seven hours, though
officially, my time was 7:02.

I descended back to the hotel taking corner after corner down the climb.
It must have taken 15 or 20 minutes. It was time for a shower and I then
blacked out for a couple of hours in bed. That evening we discussed the
stage over dinner. A few beers sounded good but no one really had the
energy. That would have to wait until tomorrow. We also learned that
Sean, our tour leader, had fallen in Lourdes and broke his wrist as well
as fractured a vertebrae. Such were the perils of the wet conditions.

The next day a few of us headed into Lourdes for the afternoon. Not much
there from what I could see besides the religious attractions. That
afternoon, I headed out for a final spin up to the Col du Solour. It was
a nice winding climb made nicer by the quiet roads. Up close to the
summit one could only hear the cowbells ringing in the distance.

On the way to the Col du Solour you meet some nice quite towns


That night we gathered for dinner followed by a few drinks, in fact
several drinks! It had been a great trip and one that I would highly
recommend to any cyclist. It's great to actually get over to France to
experience these great climbs for yourself.

ST. TIERNAN'S RIDERS SPOTTED USING TELEPATHY

In the recent Ashford GP, Mark Hughes and Alan Killian were spotted telepathically receiving team instructions before the race. Luckily, Brian Kilbride was on hand to take a photo as proof. Either that, or they were simply adjusting their shades.

The truth is out there.......................... (Photo by Brian Kilbride)

ANDRE WINS IN PORTLAOISE - (13th July)

Congratulations to Andre, who won a hotly contested race in Portlaoise today.  

E'TAPE 2008

Alan Killian successfully completed the E'tape in a time of just under 7 hours.

(Report and photos to follow.......) 

KERRY TRIP A RESOUNDING SUCCESS - 4th-7th JULY

Thanks to Martyna Susek who took this picture of Brendan and Oisin during the spin.

(Report and more pictures will be posted soon...........) 

ANDRE 3rd IN BETTY D'ARCY MEMORIAL - 6th JULY

Andre finished in 3rd place in the restarted event on Sunday. The race was initially stopped following a crash. Luckily, the rider concerned wasn't seriously injured. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 (3rd JULY)

by Brian Hayden

The rain just would not stop and that was a major factor in the numbers that did turn up for the Inter Club League 2008 Club Championships.  They turned up not in their hundreds or thousands but tens.  After all riders signed on and the marshals were distributed to the various corners it looks like we had a grand total of 29 riders taking part in the Club Championships.

On the night, a brief meeting with the mini committee it was decided to lengthen the course by 6 miles.  This may have seemed a bit harsh but it was important that the riders earned the right to be called club champion.

The course started on the far side of Blessington.  It went out over the Pholaphoca climb, turned right towards Valleymount and took in the back of the lakes.  It was planned to turn right towards Ballysmutten Bridge but at the last minute the committee decided to add in a lap of the “Little Lakes”.  This brought the total distance up to 25 miles of a respectable hilly course.

With the low turn out it probably felt like a 250-mile race but this was an important race due to the bonus points being offered.  Over the next 8 races it will become evident how important the bonus points are.

The eventual winners were as follows:

Usher IRC – 1st Shane Baker, 2nd Paul Dolan

Orwell DTC – 1st Stephen McNally, 2nd Dylan Raffter, 3rd Myles Kirby

Stagg Lucan – 1st James Kirwan, 2nd Paul Henehan, 3rd Enda Connolly

St Tiernan’s – 1st Mark Hughes

Due to the hilly course, bad weather and low numbers some clubs did not have enough finishers to make a top 3 placing.  Well done to all of the riders who competed in and completed this event.  It seems to me that the committee of the 2008 league seem to enjoy the climbing routes; will this continue?

Thanks,

Brian.

THURSDAY NIGHT LEAGUE CHANGES (1st JULY 2008)
After the meeting on Thursday 26th June it was decided to mix up the groups in the league.  We have decided to move riders around to ensure all groups have an equal amount of strength and riders.  This will hopefully allow riders to race more competitively and where possible get places.
 
The groups have been mixed up according to ability not open license category.
If you have any queries with these groups please contact your club rep.

THURSDAY LEAGUE – CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - 3rd JULY 2008

 
The finish of the Thursday League Club Championship race has been changed. 
 
Sign on will take place at Brittas at 7.00pm.  All groups will then make their way to just beyond Blessington.  There is an Industrial Estate on the far side of Blessington were all groups and lead cars will gather. The race will begin at approx 7.20pm.
 
The route will include one climb over Poulaphouca and turn right at the bottom of the climb to take in the back of the lakes like previous years.  Once riders make the approach towards Manor Kilbride the race will take a right turn up towards Ballysmutten Bridge.  The right turn is just before the decent that will bring you home towards the finish on the “Little Lakes” circuit.  There is a signpost for Liffey Valley and Sally Gap at the left turn. The road climbs, descends (this is quite a narrow descent) and climbs again over a 1.6mile section.  This year the finish will be a hill top finish. There will be a marshal on this corner.
 

STEPHEN ROCHE CRITERIUM - NICHOLAS ROCHE TAKES VICTORY (25th JUNE)

NIcholas Roche won an exciting edition of the his father's race last night. There was a good turnout on the night. Kevin McNamee kindly sent in these photos.

Brian Kilbride and Alan Killian before the start 

Mark Dunne, Alex and Brian Hayden with Dylan Rafter 

Stefan Engemann with Joe Lakes 

Alan was off in the C group 

Eamon keeps up at the front of the bunch 

He was very active throughout the race 

Alex explains race tactics to Brian 

Relieved to be finished. Eamon and Alan. 

Eamon, Alan and Brian afterwards. 

RESULTS AND NEWS 24th JUNE

In the John Drumm Memorial in Currow, Andre finished 2nd behind Tom Shanahan (Limerick CC) to claim yet another fine placing. Up north, Mark Dunne finished a solid 22nd Overall in the Newry 3 Day in what was another highly competitive event. In other new, the Stephen Roche GP is on this Wednseday evening and will be run on the usual Meadowmount circuit. A great event. Why not pop up and give the lads a cheer?

THE RAID PYRENEAN

By Kevin McNamee

I made my way to Biarritz Airport on Monday 16th June and was met there by James & Cathy Thompson of Marmot Tours with whom I booked the trip. Before long a group of about 12 lads with bike boxes and bags had assembled in the arrivals hall. We were all taken to our hotel in Hendaye where we assembled our bikes, had a few beers and dinner and got ready for the Raid.

The Raid Pyrenean is a cycle from Hendaye on the Atlantic coast to Cerbere on the Mediterranean coast  over a set route taking in most of the big cols in the Pyrenees en route and must be completed in under a 100 hours in total. Each participant carries a bike tag and a registration card which must be stamped at 7 strategically located points along the 720kms route. There are over 10,000m of ascent with some of the most fantastic scenery in France and Spain not to mention the breathtaking, fast descents .

Taken on top of the Col du Tourmalet

If you want get away from everything for 5 days, cycle the great Cols in the Pyrenees, talk bikes, test your stamina and relive the highs and lows of the day over a few beers and some red wine in the evening then this is a trip for you.
 

RESULTS AND NEWS 16th JUNE

It's been a busy and successful week for our riders in the various events around the country. Mark Hughes started the week off with a fine 8th place on Stage 3 of the Stagg Lucan 3 Day. Mark also rode consistently throughout the event to claim 1st Unplaced C in the Overall classification. There were injuries to some of the lady riders in the event and we wish them a speedy recovery. Mark Dunne was back after a short break, to ride the Wicklow 40km TT. He rode the course in 56min 55secs which claimed 7th overall and 2nd in the B Category. On Saturday we had a large group yet again on the club spin and we headed into Wicklow, up the Long Hill. There are a number of endurance events over the next few weeks and everyone was putting the finishing touchs on their preparation. Kevin McNamee is first away as he takes on the Pyrenees. If his recent form is anything to go by, he'll fly around the route. 

On Saturday, we had a team of three riders in the Ashford GP. Alan Killian and Mark Hughes were joined by Brian Kilbride for this handicapped event. The event saw a large handicap for the Lady riders which some riders weren't aware of. Brian sent in this report and pictures from the event.

Ashford GP

By Brian Kilbride

(pictures to follow......)

The three of us went racing on Saturday in the Category 3 race organised by Bray Wheelers. 12 laps up a 2.5K drag on the N11 and then back down the old N 11.

Mark, Brian and Alan enjoy the sunshine before the race. 

Alan and Mark were very strong throughout the race . A group went away from laps 6 to 10 building up a lead of about 30 seconds but never getting too far out of sight . Mark attacked at the top of the circuit and on the technical descent through the roundabouts  but the bunch realised he was too dangerous to let go and dragged him back . As soon as the 4 escapers were caught another two went away and were still away as we went up the final drag by about 15 seconds . At this point I knew I had to take matters into my hands. I went to the front to try and drag things back for the lads if we were to have a shot at a bunch sprint . I subsequently heard that I must have taken at least 3 seconds out of the breakaway before blowing up in a blaze of glory after 300 meters at the front putting the hurt on the peloton struggling to hold my wheel ( I found I had been closely marked all day).

Unfortunately the lads did not quite get the breaks in the final shakedown but the form is there and it is only a matter of time. As for me, a lot of clubs have been coming in with offers after a promising debut . I won't be giving any comment as to my future until after July.

Regards

Brian

Stefan left the club spin at Roundwood to pop down to give the lads some encouragement. 

INTER CLUB LEAGUE 12th JUNE

Thursday 12th June League Race.

Report by Brian Hayden

After three days of racing in the Stagg Cycles Leinster 3 day the numbers were still up for Thursdays race.  Approximately 60 riders signed on for the race and nearly all of the marshals turned up for their duties.

The race was a DMS and due to the low number of limit riders it was decided to combine the Limit and Semi Limit groups.  The scratch riders were the first to head out on two laps of the commonly know “Green Sheds”, a great name for a circuit that has no sheds and if there were any they probably wouldn’t be green.  The race was run over 26 miles and thankfully there were no accidents.

I joined the Scratch race as lead car just before it turned back onto the main Trim – Batterstown road.  Alan Carey from Usher IRC broke away and was chased down by Stephen Surdival - DTC Orwell and Cian Crowley - St Tiernan’s.  This group got a break for the next 5 miles but as they turn towards Dunsany on the back circuit a jump was made from Shane Baker Usher IRC and Brendan Whelan Stagg Lucan and they closed the gap.  This group stayed away till the end.  As they approached the finish Cian Crowley had a small gap and was thundering towards the line but the sprinters were too much for him.  Brendan and Shane passed him just before the line and finished 1st and 2nd respectively.

The semi scratch group crossed the line a few minutes later again with a bunch sprint. Stephen McNally of DTC Orwell took the win, Enda Connolly Stagg Lucan in 2nd and Mark Hughes St Tiernan’s was 3rd.

The Limit/Semi Limit followed shortly behind with another bunch sprint. Paul Tansey - DTC Orwell took 1st beating Romano Morelli – DTC Orwell into 2nd by the width of a tyre. Robert Dunne - Stagg Lucan came home third.

The next race will be on in Brittas on the 19th June. This race will go out around the Lakes similar to the last race at Brittas.

The full results for last night are

Scratch group
1st Bredan Whelan Stagg Lucan,
2nd Shane Baker Usher IRC,
3rd Cian Crowley St Tiernan’s,
4th Alan Carey Usher IRC
5th Stephen Surdival DTC Orwell
6th Myles Kirby DTC Orwell

Semi Scratch
1st Stephen McNally DTC Orwell
2nd Enda Connolly Stagg Lucan
3rd Mark Hughes St Tiernan’s
4th Barry Remond
5th Sean Bracken
6th Eddie Lynch
1st Lady – Orla Hendron

Limit/Semi Limit
1st Paul Tansey DTC Orwell
2nd Romano Morelli DTC Orwell
3rd Robert Dunne
4th Philip Browne
5th Mark Yondale
6th Valerie Considine

1st Lady – Valerie Considine
2nd Lady – Aideen Collard
3rd Lady – Roisin Kennedy
 

DUNLAVIN- ANDRE 4th (8th June)

There was a strong lineup for the Kevin McInerney Memorial in Dunlavin today. We had three riders in the event. Andre Engemann was joined by Eamon Peregrine and Alan Killian. The race split early with numerous groups on the road and as the day wore on, Andre made his way across to the leaders. Alan and Eamon are showing signs of good form over recent weeks. Eamon was unlucky to puncture but still got some quality miles done. Martin O'Loughlin won the event with Andre finishing in 4th.   

GATORADE DUBLIN CITY TRIATHLON ON 24TH AUGUST 2008 

The Gatorade Dublin City Triathlon is open for registration. This race is the largest Olympic distance

triathlon in the Irish race calendar and is widely considered to be Dublin’s premier triathlon. Registration

has opened early this year both to avoid disappointment and to encourage participation at all levels of

triathlon by giving plenty of preparation time for race day.

All entrants will be entered in a draw to win an Aqua Sphere XP wetsuit to the value of €300, and

on race day there will be spot prizes of individual coaching sessions. A relay team of Olympians will be racing

for charity (not prizes) and participants will be able to compare their times against the dream team to see

how they compare!

The 2008 Race will be held on the 24th of August and Entries will be via Active Europe for the same price as

last year (€50) for individuals and relay teams (€80). For entry go to the following link:

http://www.activeeurope.com/Events/index.cfm?AC=EventDetails&E=59313

For more information about the race (a video outline of the course will also be available here shortly)

please see the link below:

http://www.dublincitytriathlon.com/

INTER CLUB LEAGUE AFTER ROUND 9 (5th JUNE 2008)

A tough race on a hard circuit last night saw Romano Moreli from Orwell Wheelers hang on to take the win.

Shane Baker is in yellow heading into next week's DMS races in Batterstown. 

 League Table after Race 9

 ANDRE 2nd IN ROUNDWOOD

Andre pictured in the Cork 3 Day. Photo courtesy of Rose Marie Engemann.

Andre Engemann came second in the tough Christy MacManus race in Roundwood today (Saturday 31st). It was a new circuit for the race and came as a surprise to many riders expecting an easier edition from recent years. Andre was beaten by Ritchie McCauley who many riders will know from some excellent results some years ago. Ritchie was a popular winner from the host club Bray Wheelers. Andre rode strongly throughout the race to claim a fine result. 

WEEKEND PREVIEW (29th MAY)

Mark Dunne makes the long trek to Donegal this weekend for the 4 stage Tour of Donegal. This is a very tough hilly race and it heads up the famously tough Glengesh climb on Sunday.  Mark has been climbing very well this season and is a formidable Time Trial rider. We wish him the best of luck. Meanwhile back in Dublin, Leisure Co-Ordinator, Brian Kilbride has planned a long, flat(ish) spin for Saturday. The spin will head south and feature Enniskerry, Ashford, Rathnew, Laragh and Roundwood. Great preparation for the Wicklow 200.

CIAN FINISHES RAS AND ANDRE CLAIMS 3rd IN EMYVALE (SUNDAY 25th MAY)

As David O'Loughlin (Pezula Racing Team) claimed victory on today's final stage of the FBD Insurance Ras in Skerries, Stephen Gallagher (An Post M. Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly team) raised his arms as overall winner. Our own Cian Crowley finished safely in the bunch in what proved to be anther tough event. Cian was riding in a composite Orwell Wheelers team and it was great to see them all complete the race. Meanwhile, in Emyvale, Andre took a fine 3rd place in the combined event on a very blustery day. Well done to everyone who participated in events over the weekend.

CIAN STILL BATTLING THROUGH RAS (THURSDAY 22nd MAY)

While race leader Mark Cassidy crashed out of the FBD Insurance Ras yesterday, David McCann took the stage victory and the Yellow jersey as the race arrived into Tralee. Cian Crowley is still battling away against stiff opposition from home and abroad. Meanwhile, in the current issue of the Dundrum Gazette, Mark Hughes has his photo on the back page and Andre gets a mention in an article about the recent Noel and Kieran Hammond Memorial races in Ballyboughil. Well done lads for keeping us in the limelight.  

RAS GETS UNDERWAY & B NATIONALS IN MULLINGAR

Cian Crowley safely negotiated yesterday's 1st Stage of the FBD Insurance Ras along with his Orwell Teammates on a very fast day. The average speed was over 45kph for a speedy introduction to this year's race. In Mullingar, the National B Championships took place. Mark Dunne who is back after a chest infection was joined by Eamon Peregrine, who in his own return to racing, skillfully made it onto the winning break which escaped on lap 1. He rode hard to ensure the break stayed away and unfortunately, paid the price for his honesty when his legs seized up when the race neared the finishing laps. He's already showing signs of good form so fingers crossed he gets a bit of luck in the next few races. Mark Hughes was in the results again when he claimed 2nd Unplaced C in the 69km Combined race. Is there no end to this man's talent?

The next club race will be in Batterstown on the 29th May.

 Hill Climb TT Results 15th May

Alan, Eamon and Kevin on an early season mountain spin. 

CIAN CROWLEY TO RIDE FBD INSURANCE RAS

Best of luck to Cian Crowley who will be riding the FBD Insurance Ras which begins on Sunday (18th). Orwell Wheelers have kindly invited Cian to join them for this year's event as a guest rider. Despite having a cold recently, Cian has had some strong rides in races such as Ras Mumhan, The Shay Elliot and the Noel Hammond, to name but a few. We all wish him the very best of Luck.

STEFAN BACK IN ACTION

After a truly remarkable recovery following his serious injuries, club favourite Stefan Engemann returned to work on Monday (12th). An incredible comeback!

KIERAN AND NOEL HAMMOND MEMORIAL RACES 11th MAY 2008

In the main event of the day, the Noel Hammond Memorial, we had three riders participating. Cian Crowley, Mark Dunne and Eamon Peregrine started against stiff opposition on the tough event. This race is always hotly contested, as it's the last big event before the FBD Insurance Ras. Cian, who will be participating in the Ras next week was using the race as final preparation while Mark Dunne is recovering from illness and Eamon is starting his season a little later than planned. The race was won by Ryan Connor  from Ballymena CC. In the combined race, the Kieran Hammond Memorial, defending champion Andre Engemann tried again with a long distance effort but was caught with 10km to go. He still managed to keep enough energy in his reserve and finished 3rd, behind Mark Heneghan (SDCC) and Niall Rock (Swords CC). In-form rider, Mark Hughes and a noticably strong Alan Killian both just missed out on prizes. Things are looking very positive that these two lads will be making their way up to B category, if their current form is anything to go by. 

SHANE BAKER WINS IN MANOR KILBRIDE, MARK HUGHES IS 3rd AND GOES INTO YELLOW JERSEY (8th MAY 2008)

(Inter Club League)

By Brian Hayden 

 League Table after Race 6

The weather has been great all week and as Thursday progressed it was due to be a fine balmy evening and we were not to be disappointed.  My initial race route was a plan to allow the riders spend the evening racing over climbs rather then the flat circuits that the league has come to expect.  After a discussion with the committee (me and Jimmy Stagg) it was decided that it was still a bit early in the year to be going around the back of the lakes so we returned to the grand old circuit of the "little lakes".  3 laps with a total of 23 miles of racing, the roads around the Blessington lakes have been greatly improved which makes for much better and safer riding.
 
74 riders signed on and with 6 or them on marshalling duty we had 68 riders contesting the race.  With all groups off safely (L - 8 riders, SL - 27, SS - 25, S - 14 riders) our first encounter was a funeral in Manor Kilbride all groups had to slow up as they made their way around all of the cars, I'm not sure if this affected the time gaps.  The SS group caught the SL less then half way through the race, the Limit group were caught a short time later.  With one lap to go the Scratch group were approx 25 seconds down on the main field and discussion at the finish line was if they would catch the main group.

The Scratch group rode hard and caught the main bunch just as they began the last drag back to the finish.  As we waited at the finish line we could see the large group coming down upon us, a Tiernans jersey (it turned out to be Mark Hughes) was visible on the left hand side of the bunch trying to get away but the question was did he go too early.
 
Just then a lone rider jumped and got away winning by a number of bike lengths Shane Baker from Usher IRC crossed the line but the real race was behind him, Mark Hughes and Daniel Kirwan battled it out for 2nd place.  Daniel took 2nd place by half a wheel from Mark Hughes (a reversal of the race a week previous when Mark took the win from another Stagg Lucan rider by the same margin).  The final 6 were S Baker (Usher IRC), D Kirwan (Stagg Lucan), M Hughes (St Tiernan's), P Doran (Usher IRC), F O Murica (Usher IRC) and E Connolly (Stagg Lucan).
 
A small calculation of the placings has but Mark in the leaders yellow jersey leading by 1 point.  Full results will follow shortly.
 
I would like to thank all of the riders and marshals for making this another good and safe race in the Thursday night league.  Greg I am sorry for doubting if you would turn up for your duties, Andy thanks for stepping in at the last minute as lead car without you and your car it would have been a more difficult race to manage.
 
Don't forget the Hill Climb TT is on next week.  In a change from previous years the top 3 riders in each group will get points contributing to the overall league.  The Hill Climb TT is also a bonus race.

ANDRE 7th OVERALL IN CORKMAN 3 DAY (3rd - 5th MAY)

Finally, Andre has been surgically removed from his old St. Tiernan's gear and to celebrate, he rode very strongly and aggressively in the Kanturk sponsored Corkman 3 Day. He took 3rd place on Stage 1 and followed it up with a solid placing in the TT. Mark Dunne, despite suffering from illness, took a fine 10th spot in the same TT, before having to withdraw. Andre kept out of trouble and following the TT, he again finished on the leaderboard on Stage 3, claiming 8th. He was rewarded for such agressive riding by finishing with 7th overall in the General Classification, just 19 seconds off the Yellow Jersey. A fine ride against strong opposition. 

MARK HUGHES WINS IN BATTERSTOWN! - THURSDAY 1st MAY

Report by Brian Hayden 

Last night's Club league race was a hard 25 miler in wintery conditions, hail stones, rain and single digit temp on 2 laps of the Mullagh circuit.  The groups headed off with some pretty good time gaps resulting in the limits being caught by the Semi Limit on the back section of lap 2. As the race turned the last corner the Semi Scratch group caught the main bunch and the Scratch group had just made the tail end of the big bunch.  In dark dull weather it was possible to see the large group looming towards the finish line and out of the bunch appears a well dressed young, babyfaced bike rider challenging for his place in the sprint.  It was a close contest but our very own Mark Hughes took the win on the line from such fine sprinters as Enda Connolly (Lucan), Eddie Lynch and Stephen McNally (Orwell).  There was less than 1/2 a wheel between first and second.
 
I think the next event did take place, as the riders crossed the line an image similar to that of the World Champions in 1987 took place.  The 7th or 8th placed Alan Killian raised his hands as Mark Hughes took the victory.  It may have been that he sat up and scratched his head but I read it differently.  Alan sorry if this is not true but I got caught up in the moment.  Well done to all of the lads that turned up to race and marshall it was one of the worst nights in a long time in the league.  Well done to Mr Hughes for a well deserved win all your hard work is now paying off.

STAMULLEN GRAND PRIX - 1st, 3rd & 12th (SUNDAY 27th APRIL)

Our riders were in action in Stamullen at the weekend and they had great success in the programme of events. Andre took the Vets prize on Sunday while Alan Killian and Mark Hughes combined well in the C race which resulted in Mark getting yet another fine placing, taking 3rd in a bunch finish. In the combined A/B event, Mark Dunne claimed 12th B after another hard fought edition.

INTER CLUB LEAGUE - 60% (3 out of 5) OF OUR RIDERS IN RESULTS!

Last night, Thursday 24th, saw the first DMS race night of the Inter Club League. It was quite successful for St. Tiernan's riders 3 of our 5 competitors got top 6 placings in the various races. Alan Killian claimed a fine 3rd place in what was his first DMS event in the Semi-Limit group. Mark Hughes was away for most of the race in the Semi-Scratch race and despite getting caught, was strong enough to win the bunch sprint to claim 3rd. Mark Dunne jumped across to the break in the Scratch race and took a fine 5th place.

With the larger clubs marking each other and (perhaps) riding for selected riders, it undoubtedly was an advantage for our riders when they infiltrated the breaks. They were able to ride, happy in the knowledge that they weren't chasing down any teammates. It appears small is beautiful - just look at our club secretary. They don't come much smaller than Lakesy!!

It was another brilliantly organised evening, thanks again go to the organising committee. Well done to all!

UPCOMING RACES

Here's a selection of upcoming races. Please refer to official Calendar for full details. Details correct at time of writing.

STEFAN DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

After an unsuccessful escape attempt on Friday, doctors decided that if Stefan was well enough to break out of the hospital 'for a little walk', then he was well enough to go home. He arrived home on Saturday afternoon and is comfortably settling back in more familiar surroundings. Lazarus would be proud of the incredible recuperative powers that Stef is showing. It's hard to believe he's doing so well after such serious injuries.

All at St. Tiernan's CC are absolutely delighted to have our most popular rider back with us again and we wish him the very best for a full recovery.

Stefan, his mother Anne, and brother Andre, would like to thank everyone for their support and concern during this time. They really are amazed and touched by the volume of support.

Yesterday (20th April), in dull conditions, Andre finished 5th in Wexford in the Frank O’Rourke Memorial. There was a good turnout of strong local riders and Andre got away in the break. Sam Bennett jumped away to take a deserved win. We had riders also competing in Dundalk in the Traders Cup and Cian was our sole representative in the Shay Elliott in Wicklow. The race was won by David O'Loughlin in very wet and cold conditions. Eamon Peregrine and Andy Lakes had the relative luxury of the team car and witnessed yet another gruelling edition of the famous race. Despite Cian getting in a strong selection after the climb of Old Wicklow Gap, the bunch chased his small group down and they were all together as they made their way through Wicklow and then through the mist and rain up the Shay Elliott (Glenmalure) climb. The leading group had split by the time they made it to the finish in Newtownmountkennedy where O'Loughlin took a narrow victory ahead of Pete Williams (Pinarello) and Paul Griffin (Giant Asia). Cian finished safely in the following bunch.

Continuing his relentless onslaught to the 2008 season, Andre finished 3rd in Clonmel on Sunday (13th). Despite long drives to visit Stefan in hospital, Andre clearly still has the strength to compete regularly. Rumour has it, he's saving all his prize money to present to his brother when he gets out of hospital!

Bill Hyland Memorial, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Sunday 13th)
Combined Event
1st Sam Bennett Dan Morrissey
2nd Tom Shanahan Limerick
3rd Andre Engemann St. Tiernan's

THURSDAY LEAGUE KICKS IN - THURSDAY 10th APRIL

There was a large turnout for the second race of the Inter Club league. The previous race was held on Sunday Feb 24th so this was the first evening fixture of the 2008 season. Conscious of the fact that Tommy Baker is recuperating from illness, a lot of volunteers turned up to help keep the league running for yet another year. Our very own Brian Hayden had clearly put in a lot of effort in the preparation of the race and was on hand to make sure everything went according to plan. He clearly detailed the rules, the route and even the positions of some of the potholes on the Manor Kilbride 'Little Lakes' circuit. There was a mini army of marshalls on hand and each was sent off to control the various junctions. 

The race was run on the short circuit and headed twice over the bridge at Blessington. The handicapping was very accurate and produced a very close result. Only for a bit of 'man-marking' rather than chasing, the scratch group would have perhaps dominated the event. As it turned out, Fiachra O'Mhuire from Usher IRC finished strongly to take a fine win. Our own Mark Hughes jumped clear from a fragmenting group to claim 6th place. Added to his 8th place in Bohermeen, Mark is showing signs of good form already in the season. Well done to all who rode the event and thank you to Brian and the organising committe for a well run event.