The Women’s National League kicked off on Sunday with the Carlow spring classic – The Des Hanlon. 33 women signed up for the testing 57 km race on a very chilly morning. The first attack came after 5 km from the Lakeside wheelers duo Aisling Flanagan and Sonja O'Mahony. There was little reaction from the bunch and a 1 minute gap opened up quickly.
With the gap becoming dangerous Scott -Orwell wheelers upped the pace dramatically and the gap began to fall. When the gap shortened Monica Marconi of Orwell attacked off the front to bridge the gap to the Lakeside duo. A strong attack by Orla Montague of Dublin Wheelers was not let away. The pace was high when the bunch took the sharp left hand turn onto the main climb. This is where the bunch was no more and groups were spread across the road heading up the main climb.
Claire McIlwaine of Phoenix CC and Orla Montague of Dublin Wheelers set a fierce pace breaking away and catching the Lakeside duo and Monica Marconi. The early breakaway took its toll and only Monica could match the pace. The leading group were now 3 and worked hard to maintain their lead until the finish. The sprint was led out by Monica with Claire taking the sprint followed by Orla in 2nd and Monica in 3rd. An Impressive ride by all 3.
Claire delighted with her win said that they worked hard together which allowed them to hold off the rest of the field and fight for the honours. This makes Claire McIlwaine of Phoenix CC the leader of the National League.
Well done to the many new faces – a tough race to start with. Thank you to Carlow CC for hosting a well organised Round 1. Round 2 is the Visit Nenagh Classic on the 17th April. See you there for another exciting round.
Photo courtesy of Sean Rowe
National League Rd 1 Results:
1 Claire McIlwaine Phoenix CC
2 Orla Montague Dublin Wheelers
3 Monica Marconi Scott - Orwell Wheelers
4 Michelle O'Halloran Lakeside Wheelers
5 Grace Young De Ronde Van Cork
6 Aideen Keenan Scott-Orwell Whellers
7 Aisling Flanagan Lakeside Wheelers
8 Emily Birchall NRPT