Ballinrobe hosted round five of the club league last week, and a big crowd turned out for this hugely contested league. To date the racing has been very close with another bunch sprint. The 26 mile route from Ballinrobe via The Neale, Cross, Glencorrib, Ballyfruit, Shrule, Kilmaine finished outside the Cycling Centre back in Ballinrobe.
An Post’s David O’Loughlin drove the fifth group on the road to haul back everyone including the 17 minute handicap after just 24 miles of racing, setting up a bunch gallop with two miles to go.
Brian Martin from Loughrea who started at the back won a closely fought sprint from Joe Marrey Ballinrobe and Francis Sheridan from Newport making the final podium in third position.
To date 80 cyclist from Westport CC, Western Lakes CC and Tri Lakes Triathlon club have taken part in this league.
The next round takes place in Cross on June 16, it will be part of the John Holian memorial race, this event will be an open event and anyone who wishes to take part can do so as the first lap is neutralised.
Sign on is open from 6.30pm at O Malley's bar Cross, and the route takes in John's favourite roads using the Neale, Cong, Cross lap which has to be completed five times, finishing on the road entrance to the Derries on the Cong/Cross road.
The club is expecting a big turn out as John Holian was a founder member of the Western Lakes Cycling club and was a great stalwart for Mayo and Connacht cycling
