Thursday, April 28, brought the first road race of the Midlands Interclub League, on a Castledaly circuit, Padraig Cooke, Martin Kennedy, Conor Quilty and Giles Byford being the local riders who got into the scoring positions. Thanks to Lynx CC for such an excellently marshalled event.
After the race, the official launch of the MIL Rás team took place. This is a major development for the Midlands Interclub League as it opens a window to the highest level of racing in Ireland for the very best local riders. Congratulations to Jim Maguire for being very involved both as team manager, and to Graham O’Brien, Athlone for his inclusion in the team. The Rás team did a reconnaissance ride of Stage 1 of the race on Saturday, from Navan to Birr, completing the arduous 160km leg, which included the Sliabh Bloom mountains, in just over four hours.
On Sunday, Shannonside CC held its annual Heartlands cycle tour. Starting at Drum community hall and following one of two routes round the lanes of Roscommon and Galway, over 90 riders were split into four groups of varying speed and intensity. Starting at 10am under threatening skies it was a relief that the morning stayed dry. Everyone enjoyed the food and coffee stop in Dysart and those on the longer route had the treat of a stiff tailwind back from Ballinasloe. This helping hand brought the 20 or so riders in the fastest group back into the finish at Drum at well over 40kph, which, with everyone taking turns on the front and working well together, was the perfect conclusion to an enjoyable day. Thanks to all those who travelled from both local and more distant clubs.
With organised interclub events now offering a choice of routes and company over the coming weeks we have a busy calendar ahead. Next Sunday’s ride will be from Tuam with their club and will involve rather more climbing and the beautiful scenery east of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.
SSCC is Athlone’s club and has small beginner level spins on Wednesdays, a medium level ride on Saturdays and the faster group spin on Sundays. All begin at 9.30am, with Wednesday and Saturday spins starting at the Spar shop in Garrycastle, and the Sunday spin from the Regional Sports Centre car park.
