Cycling
Jarlath Togher from Cong sprinted to his first every win in the Western Lakes Covey Wheelers League held in Westport over 27 miles using an out and back circuit to Louisburgh. Togher only took up cycling a year ago when he got the bug by participating in the Cornamona 50 mile cycle challenge and has progressed steadily since, but this victory is by far his greatest achievement.
Noel Brady and Joe Marrey made the most of their handicap by staying away from the scratch group and caught everyone else ahead at Murrisk. With 8k to go both men made what they thought was the winning move, only to be dragged back by group one and two with 1.5k to go setting up a mass bunch sprint. In the sprint Togher led out and narrowly held of the challenge of Nick Duckett from Westport in a very tight sprint.
Western Lakes riders perform well
In last week’s Mullingar Grand Prix JJ Flaherty and Mark Quigley were very aggressive, with Quigley being part of the opening break after lap one. This break was brought back by the bunch and 10 riders immediately countered with JJ Flaherty part of this group. This group stayed away until the finish. JJ Flaherty tried to win by braking away with 2km to go, but was brought back close to the finish. Flaherty eventually finished seventh. Quigley finished well up in the bunch gallop.
The Mask Challenge
Fifty cyclists braved the wet and windy conditions to complete the 38 miles around the lake. Maire Lukes, Tourmakeady, provided teas and refreshment for the cyclists. All funds raised will go towards the Lough Mask Kifeboat. A big thanks to all that helped and participated in the event.
