The June winners in the Aqua Blue Sport Cycling Ireland Monthly Awards are Tim Cassidy (Volunteer of the Month for June), Conor Dunne (Male Rider of the Month for June) and Eve McCrystal (Female Rider of the Month for June). The winners were nominated by Cycling Ireland members, with a selection panel using the nominations and rationale to decide on the final winners.
The Female Rider of the Month for June is Eve McCrystal (Garda CC). McCrystal might be best known as a Paralympic Champion and double World Champion as the pilot for Katie-George Dunlevy, and her June title was awarded based on the National Title she won in the Cycling Ireland Road National Championships – in a hotly contested race, where she outsprinted a talented and strong field to come home first.
“I’m chuffed to get it,” the Garda Cycling Club racer told us, “I’ve been chasing that title for a couple of years now, so I’m over the moon to say that I’m 2018 Road Race Championships.”
Attention for McCrystal now moves to the 2018 UCI Paracycling Road World Championships which take place in Italy over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Everything is going in the right direction for herself and Dunlevy, with the duo beating the National Record last weekend.
The winner of the Male Rider of the Month for June is Conor Dunne (Aqua Blue Sport).
Dunne’s ride in the
Cycling Ireland Road National Championships was an inspiring one, with his
relentlessness reaping the rewards as he came over the line first. The Aqua
Blue Sport rider had been targeting the National Championships for several
years, and was proud and emotional to finally win the title.
“It was a real special day for me at the National Champs – I'm super happy to win the race. Really looking forward to wearing the jersey for the rest of the year and hopefully doing it proud.”
The June Volunteer of the Month Award goes to Tim Cassidy (Team Gerard-DHL). Cassidy has been providing valuable guidance to up and coming U23 riders through his cycling team, which he established for the 2018 season. The progression in his riders in recent months, June in particular, can be attributed to both a dynamic team structure and great personal experience.
The former professional cyclist had an idea of developing young U23 Irish riders, and to mimic a European team where a similar structure could be given with the finances available. “Without our sponsors none of this would happen,” said Cassidy of the progress of the team.
The nominations for the July awards are now open – so CLICK THIS LINK to vote on who you believe deserves these awards based on their achievements in July.
FEMALE RIDER OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE: Eve McCrystal
MALE RIDER OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE: Conor Dunne
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE: Tim Cassidy