With the increased demand for
open midweek TT events the village of Laught sprung
into life last Thursday evening. In an area steeped in cycling tradition Donanom Dynamos Budget Car were set to host the
event. With everything from TT kingpins to club riders on near perfect
conditions the sporting 16.3K out & back course was always going to be
testing.
Chris Troy of Castlebar CC was back to retain his title seems to have put the disappointment of missing the Ras with a broken collarbone firmly behind him. Troy hammered out a 21.59 on a testing route with just three seconds separating him from 2nd place Sean O Malley of western Lakes CC with Eoin Whelan taking 3rd.
Timekeepers were left scratching their head momentarily with para cyclist Declan Slevin of Rosemount CC tapping out a 30.05 beating quite a number of riders on a handbike with Jerry Towey of Western Lakes CC taking 6th overall who cycles with a Prosthetic Leg. Noirin O Toole of Westport Covey Wheelers took the ladies category with a fine performance from Mark Doran of Black Rose in the youth section.
With “all the prize money being given back in prizes with the exception of a fiver because that’s just the way its working out” their was something for everyone at this event with an almost party like atmosphere at the presentation. Speaking after the event at the presentation Chris Troy described the route “as sporting with a great surface, the hospitality second to none, marshals on every corner & bend with the crowds out to support the event the best TT event of the season”. With the standard of the Laught TT from the riders competing to the event management it is certainly a mid week open TT not to be missed for next year.
