NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012
Written by Sinead on June 27, 2012 under Racing.
This weekend was the highlight for most Irish cyclists with the National cycling Championships taking place locally in Clonmel, co. Tipperary. Comeragh Cycling Club had 7 members participating in the event which took place over two days. For the first time ever Comeraghcc had a team in the ntional Vets Championships which took place on a wet and windy Saturday, the course which was held over 9 laps of a 12.4km circuit and had a mix of climbs, descents and fast flat surfaces, testing for all the riders. Our six riders Martin Cullinane, Barry Griffin, Finbarr Power, Michael Fanning, Michael McGrath and tommy Fanning were in great form heading into the race but with less than 1km gone the call we dread from the team car rang out, Comeragh service left hand side, sure enough the Club Chairman was standing there crank in hand with a big smile on his face which said race over for me, disappointing for him. Up the road Michael McGrath had his own misfortune when his chain came off going up the climb but he was quick enough to get it back on and stay in touch with the main field. Martin Cullinane was involved in a chase group of 10 riders that were riding to catch a two man breakaway, the chase group staying away until lap 7 when they were caught, going out on the last lap the two riders had a 46 sec advantage over the main field which left the peleton with a lot to do. However with just 2km to go the news that we had hoped for came accross the race radio, the gap was down to just 21 secs and Team Comeragh were driving it at the front, you can imagine the exitment in the team car. Joe Fenlon from Speady spokes who had been away all day was the deserved winner with our own Barry Griffin taking a credible 6th place and the team of Barry, Martin & Finbarr taking 3rd, well done to all 6 riders who put in a great performance and did the club proud.
In the main event on Sunday our only entry was Thomas Lavery, Thomas who has been having a great season so far with a few pieces of silverware in the cabinet was sharing the day with his younger Phillip who rides for the English based Node Giordana team. Phillip missed the initial break as they rode away from the peleton but with the help and sacrifice of Thomas who rode his heart out, made it accross to what was to be the move of the day. Thomas who had exhausted himself in his efforts content to spend the rest of the day in the peleton, well done Thomas I’m sure Phillip appreciates all you did for him especially when he went on to taking 3rd spot and the bronze medal but most importantly the coveted U23 National Championship Jersey. He may not be a Comeraghcc member but through his brother Thomas I think we might just claim him as our own. From all at Comeraghcc Phillip well done, to Tosh/Thomas the proud daddy and brother it was well deserved, it’s been a long time coming, Up the Deise.
Thanks to Damien Jackson for this link to some photos he took on the day:
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Some myself and Tom O’Brien took but pails in comparison to Damiens:
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