Des Hanlon Memorial Classic Race Report

The Des Hanlon Memorial Classic Road Race was hosted by Carlow road cycling club on Sunday, 29th March 2009. A large UCD CC contingent was divided amongst the three races on offer: Anthony Walsh raced the 145km Des Hanlon Memorial, Colin Peirce rode the 103km combined race and Ciaran O Conluain, Fiachra Rowan, Brian Sugrue, Jevon Newman, Niall Dwyer and Ben Arent raced the 62km course.

In the 62km race, an experienced veteran rider established an early lead and broke free of the bunch. Despite the best efforts of UCD riders to close the gap, other riders failed to help in the chase and the race was now on for second place. The first major split of the bunch occurred at the steep climb leaving the main Castlecomer road. After some undulating terrain, the group came together again temporarily before fracturing once more. Brian, Fiachra and Ciaran worked hard to drive the pace along the drag at the half-way stage. Further splits occurred where Fiachra attacked coming out of a bend. The road went up again and Ciaran got across. Both riders worked hard to open and establish a lead on the final climb of the day. With only a 20 second lead after a fast descent, 8km of flat, exposed road remained. Three chasing riders failed to pull back the two UCD riders that were sharing the work until the final 200 metres. Ciaran crossed the line to take second place. Significantly, five Cycling Ireland points were awarded and Ciaran has now been promoted to Senior 2 status. Fiachra finished third.

The weekend provided tough race conditions for all UCD riders. With only two weeks remaining before the Gorey 3-day stage race, this was welcome exercise. Racing resumes in North Dublin with the Harry Reynolds Memorial on Saturday afternoon and the Ben McKenna/Jazzer Wherity on Sunday morning.

Finally, congratulations to Ciaran O Conluain who joins Anthony Walsh in the S1/S2 bunch. Ciaran started road racing one year ago and rapidly accumulated the conditioning and skills necessary to excel in his sport. He has set an example that we should all be eager to follow.