Ladies Section
Women's 3 Day International Race is back in Sneem Co. Kerry!
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_4062.shtml
<Report by Laura Banfield on her first attempt at the Ladies National Road Race>
Also Skerries Traithlon Sunday 28th June
2nd Lady Emma Quirke
4th Lady Barbara O’Hanrahan
Womens National Champs Coached spin
Friday 12th June
For those of you unsure as to whether or not you are up to the National Road Championships this year, fear not - there will be a coached training spin on the course on Friday 12th June.
This year we want to see record numbers at the National Road Race Championships (27th June) to reflect the progress of women’s cycling in Ireland. The course this year is relatively flat, which is ideal for anyone who has started racing this year, whether in the Boot Inn League, Ulster Women’s League, or club leagues. Even if you participate in leisure cycles or go for regular cycles you should turn up to experience first hand some great racing and the buzz of being part of the key event on the women’s road calendar.
The fact that the National Championships course this year is fairly flat means that the race is likely to be a bit cautious with many tactics coming into play with the more experienced riders out there. Also it is likely that everyone will find a group in the race that is going at a similar pace to them.
Come along to our training day on Friday 12th June to check out the course, and you will see that it is not so daunting after all!! Myself and Orla will be leaving the GPO at 5.40pm, and another group (with Jenny) will be gathering at the garden centre in Batterstown at about 7pm. We will all ride around the course together.
The National Championships is a unique opportunity to start along side top riders like Siobhan Dervan, who was 25th in the 2008 World Championships, and Irish National TT Champion, Olivia Dillon, who will be travelling over from the USA. Heather Wilson recently dominated the women’s section in the tough Rás Dun na nGall, and will no doubt be looking to better her bronze medal in the 2008 Road Race. For 2008 silver medallist, Louise Moriarty, cycling has taken a back seat for a few months due to study commitments, but I can’t imagine that will be evident when we see her racing on her own turf on the 27th June. Junior rider Mary Costelloe (US National Junior Champ in track pursuit) has arrived in Ireland this week to finalise her preparation for the European Championships - and fresh from some great results against tough competition in the USA I reckon she will also be a force to be reckoned with.
Saying that there has already been a lot of great racing from the women this year - with newcomer Michelle Geoghegan (Orwell) being particularly outstanding so far this season, Limerick’s Adrienne McCarty and the Lakeside Wheelers Sarah Piner and Wendy Bates have also been impressive. In Ulster record numbers of women have been racing, thanks to the Ulster Women’s League, and every time they race they jump up a gear, and the same with the Boot Inn League. While earlier in the league the scratch group caught up on the limit riders by the last lap - by the final round the limit girls were strong enough to dominate the top positions. Here is a chance for all of you to step it up another gear!
JUNIORS: Last year we had a demonstration event for Junior women at the Nationals, with both the Road and TT being won by Castlebar’s Elaine Cawley. This year the event is again a demonstration event, and will continue to be so until we have 10 junior women racing… so Juniors please turn up, and encourage your junior friends.. you guys are the future, so take the opportunity this year to get enough of you racing to get Junior women’s racing on the calendar as a fully recognised Championship event!
We urge you all to get out and race the Nationals, what have you got to lose? And on the plus side you will be supporting women’s cycling in Ireland - where funding and support is largely dependent on numbers participating.
So what next?
FRIDAY 12th JUNE - coached spin around the National Championship circuit (gpo 5.40pm or garden centre in batterstown 7pm)
SUNDAY 14th JUNE - National League in Navan (full details to follow) - perfect chance to get used to racing a slightly longer race.
TUESDAY NIGHTS - come to the Wicklow Women’s League - Ashford @7pm
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - come to the track league in Sundrive Park, Crumlin @6.30pm
CLUB LEAGUES - most clubs are part of a league - go to some of these races to sharpen up
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - 27th JUNE entry form here 2009rr-nationals-entry-form-women-vets
For the number nerds among you:
By the middle of May the number of female members in Cycling Ireland reached a record of 536 members, last year the total membership was 554 women, which was double all previous records.
BOOT INN LEAGUE - Race 1
Well done to Swords rider, Laura Banfield for braving the elements and taking part in the first Boot Inn race of the season yesterday evening.
<Report on IrishCycling.com>
ANNOUNCING WOMEN'S BOOT INN LEAGUE
by Heather Boyle
The 2009 Boot Inn League kicks off next Wednesday, 15th April, with a 10 mile Time Trial. Orwell Wheelers are hosting the first race of this women's only league.
The Boot Inn League is a series of 6 races and is suitable for all riders from beginners to experienced. Situated behind Dublin Airport the races will run for 6 weeks on a Wednesday night, in April and May. The 5 mile circuit is relatively flat, and the first race will be an individual race against the clock for riders for two laps.
The following week, 22nd April, will be a fully coached handicapped race. This means that riders will be put in groups according to their ability and experience, with head starts given to the weaker groups. These groups will be assisted by coaches, who will give on the bike advice on how to ride best together as a group to maintain an advantage over the faster groups.
Points will be awarded to riders based on their results, with every starter being awarded 5 points, with extra points for the positions 1-6.
The 2008 League saw a good mix of new and experienced riders in the overall results at the end of the league. The Boot Inn League has been running since 2002, and was established with the aim of introducing more women to bicycle racing in a welcoming environment. Previously this league ran throughout the summer, but this year it will be a shorter league. This is a good opportunity for beginners to learn how to race, while being a good competitive work out for the experienced riders who aim to close the gap on the beginners.
Who is this suitable for?
Any women who are interested in trying out a bike race in an easy going environment, along with being excellent training in a competitive environment for the seasoned racers.
How do I get there?
FROM THE M50
Take the exit for the airport. Turn right at the Main Airport Roundabout in the direction of Swords. Turn left at the roundabout (just past the coachman’s inn). Follow the road until you come to another small roundabout, taking the first exit. Turn left after about 100 yards. The Boot Inn is about half a mile down this road, on the left hand side.
If cycling from town, a group meets at the GPO at 5.30pm on the evening of the race and ride out together.
What do I need?
You must have a fully working bike (a racer), a helmet and snacks and drink for during and after the race. Bring plenty of warm clothes for after racing!
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fee is €5.00.
Must I be a member of Cycling Ireland?
If you are not a member of Cycling Ireland you can purchase a one day license for €10. However, we recommend all new members to contact the Cycling Ireland office to avail of the new member membership fee. It costs you €10.00 to be a member of Cycling Ireland - so if you plan to race more than once/come to any of our training camps you are covered (and don’t have to fork out €10 for one day licenses each time you attend something)!
We look forward to seeing you there!!
BOOT INN BEGINNER LEAGUE 2009
15/04/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
22/04/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
29/04/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
06/05/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
13/05/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
27/05/2009 Boot Inn Beginner League
WICKLOW BEGINNER LEAGUE 2009
02/06/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
09/06/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
16/06/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
23/06/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
30/06/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
07/07/2009 Wicklow Beginner League
WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE EVENTS 2009
08/03/2009 Cycling Pursuits Limerick
29/03/2009 Waller Cup - Bohermeen
17/05/2009 Mullingar GP
24/05/2009 Emyvale Grand Prix
14/06/2009 Sean Nolan Meath GP
05/07/2009 Betty Darcy Memorial
WOMEN’S TRACK LEAGUE 2009 (SUNDRIVE)
03/06/2009 Track League - Women
10/06/2009 Track League - Women
17/06/2009 Track League - Women
24/06/2009 Track League - Women
01/07/2009 Track League - Women
08/07/2009 Track League - Women
15/07/2009 Track League - Women
22/07/2009 Track League - Women
Reports from 2008
Ras na mBan 2008
Hi Folks,
I drove for Team Coogee-Saar (German Ladies Team) in this year's Rás na mBan the race which was run over 3 days included tough quality circuits with some savage climbs/descents with each day's stage being fiercely contested by a quality field of home and overseas riders. Orla Hendron (IVCA member) had a fantastic race she was 1st Vet and 5th overall, Orla's no was 31, a number which was constantly being reported over race radio, i.e. rider no 31 has gone off the front, 3 riders have broken away from the main bunch they include rider no 31......
The race HQ which was based on the "Ring of Kerry" in an idyllic location facing out onto the Kenmare bay in Louis Moriarty's Sneem Hotel & a joining apartments. The race package included accommodation in these beautiful high standard 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with breakfast and dinner, the quality of
both the meals and service rivalled any 5 star establishment. If you are considering planning a few days away from the maddening crowd I highly recommend you visit the "Ring of Kerry" and stay with Louis in the superb surroundings of "Sneem Hotel", don't just take my word for it, have a look
at their website www.sneemhotel.ie
Well done Orla........
Regards Paul Deans
Ladies Boot Inn League Final Race Wed Sept 3rd 2008A big thank you to everyone who helped out on Wednesday, Joe, Breda, Grace, Mick Rock, Sean Lally, Chris Hogan, Wogger, Tony Brennan, Alec, Dave Molloy. It was a great race, won by Orla Hendron. Overall League won by Heather Boyle. Pics and report on www.womenscycling.ie
Bernie 087 6172828
2008 Ladies Team for Ras na mBan
Swords CC are entering a team of 6 riders for this years Ras na mBan to be held in Sneem, Co Kerry.
The team are as follows:
Coleen Foley,
Louise Harliwich,
Norah Daly
Bernie Mc Nally
Eleanor Forrest
Louise Fullerton
Team manager Tony Brennan
Team mechanic Alister Cole
Track day 19th May 2008.
A strong squad of women attended the training day.Those from the Swords club were Norah, Coleen and myself which was a good representation from Swords women. Fellow club member, Hugh Byrne led the accrediatation and did a great job at showing the women the safety issues of the track!! (Yeah for Hugh!!) Totally new for Coleen & Norah who was slightly surprised at the lack of brakes but both took to it really well and after a while it was hard to tell the difference between those who were new to it and those who had done it before. Hard to spot the track virgins and Hugh told them that they we the best group he had ever had at the track - you wish (ha ha). Paddy Doran then went on to lead the group with some training tips and then a practical session. I personally enjoyed myself and I hope for another training session in the not too distant future! Great job to Valerie, Heather and Orla for organising the day!!
Race in Ring of Commons: Great night weather wise with a class turnout! Not sure what to say! only that I could of beat Julie only for some guy to stop in front of me! Damn.
Louise H.
Archived Reports & Photos
<Swords Ladies at 2006 Ras na mBan>
<Photos from 2006 Ras na Mban Hill Climb>
<Jan 2007: Newport with the Paralympic Team>
<Report on 2007 Ras na Mban>
<Photos from 2007 Final Boot Inn Race>
<Link to Boot Inn finish from Aug 2007 featuring Coleen & Louise>
<Report on Round 1 Boot Inn 2008>
<Riders Report from 2008 Ras na mBan>
Links
www.womenscycling.ie (Home of Irish Ladies cycling)
www.nicolecooke.com (World no 1)
www.dervalorourke.com (Irelands top female athelete)
bravenet.com